Sienar Fleet Systems TIE Advanced X1
(The following is a fictional history...of course.)
The limitations of the standard TIE/LN starfighter--its short range and lack of shields--led Sienar Fleet Systems to begin working on a larger, more robust version. The only commonality between the two was its paired laser cannon, twin ion engine propulsion, and powerplant. It retained the TIE's solar panels, but extended and bent them for better efficiency, as well as making it harder to hit from the side. Most importantly, it had a hyperdrive, extending its range and making it more or less autonomous, a more durable frame, and shields. The TIE Advanced could take a deal of pounding, and if it was not as maneuverable or fast as the standard TIE, it made up for it with a better chance of survival.
Since Darth Vader was primarily responsible for its design and production, it was only natural that the first TIE Advanced X1 prototype went to him. Vader liked its handling, even if the targeting system needed constant tweaking, and used it to deadly effect during the Battle of Yavin, scoring five kills before being damaged by one of his own wingmen, though it ironically saved Vader's life. Vader would continue to fly the TIE Advanced on occasion afterwards, but despite his endorsement, only a few were produced by the Empire afterwards, due to its cost (and the fears that its hyperdrive might give Imperial pilots the temptation to defect to the Rebel Alliance with it). It did serve as the basis for the TIE Bomber and TIE Interceptor.
(Back in the real world...)
MPC released a TIE Advanced (then billed as just "Darth Vader's TIE Fighter") not long after the X-Wing, though the two were not in scale (the TIE is roughly 1/35 scale). After the X-Wing, Dad had low expectations, but he was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the kit--one of the few decent offers by MPC in the Star Wars line. It looks nice and has held up well over the years.
Sienar Fleet Systems TIE Advanced X1
(The following is a fictional history...of course.)
The limitations of the standard TIE/LN starfighter--its short range and lack of shields--led Sienar Fleet Systems to begin working on a larger, more robust version. The only commonality between the two was its paired laser cannon, twin ion engine propulsion, and powerplant. It retained the TIE's solar panels, but extended and bent them for better efficiency, as well as making it harder to hit from the side. Most importantly, it had a hyperdrive, extending its range and making it more or less autonomous, a more durable frame, and shields. The TIE Advanced could take a deal of pounding, and if it was not as maneuverable or fast as the standard TIE, it made up for it with a better chance of survival.
Since Darth Vader was primarily responsible for its design and production, it was only natural that the first TIE Advanced X1 prototype went to him. Vader liked its handling, even if the targeting system needed constant tweaking, and used it to deadly effect during the Battle of Yavin, scoring five kills before being damaged by one of his own wingmen, though it ironically saved Vader's life. Vader would continue to fly the TIE Advanced on occasion afterwards, but despite his endorsement, only a few were produced by the Empire afterwards, due to its cost (and the fears that its hyperdrive might give Imperial pilots the temptation to defect to the Rebel Alliance with it). It did serve as the basis for the TIE Bomber and TIE Interceptor.
(Back in the real world...)
MPC released a TIE Advanced (then billed as just "Darth Vader's TIE Fighter") not long after the X-Wing, though the two were not in scale (the TIE is roughly 1/35 scale). After the X-Wing, Dad had low expectations, but he was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the kit--one of the few decent offers by MPC in the Star Wars line. It looks nice and has held up well over the years.