Model: TIE/bm Bomber

Manufacturer: Sienar Fleet Systems

Designation: Light Short Range Bomber

Length: 7.8 meters

Crew: 1

Cargo Capacity: 15 metric tons (bomb bay)

Consumables: 2 days

Speed: 80 MGLT

Hull: 28 RU

Weapons: 2 Laser Cannons, 2 Concussion Missile Launchers and 1 Proton Torpedo, Orbital Mine or Thermal Detonator Launcher.

 

The TIE Bomber was developed to replace the aging TIE/gt fighter. It features a double hull capable of carrying a lethal load of warheads, orbital mines, or free-falling thermal detonators. After the Battle of Yavin, and a two year replacement operation of the TIE/gt, the TIE Bomber became the primary space bomber in the Imperial Navy.

The TIE Bomber excels at surgical placement of ordinance, picking out small targets on planetary surfaces or on enemy ships. In contrast with full-scale naval bombardment which leaves only rubble behind, the TIE Bomber can selectively destroy military targets while leaving commercial or military assets untouched. This makes them much more accurate than many capital ships. With its small size and relatively high speed, the TIE Bomber can often slip past defense systems set up to watch for larger craft. It suffers in maneuverability, due to its double hulled configuration, but when complemented by TIE Fighters or TIE Interceptors, it makes a lethal combination.

Before the Emperor's death, the Empire was working on an advanced prototype TIE bomber which eventually evolved into the TIE Scimitar Assault Bomber.