Model: TIE/x3 Fighter

Manufacturer: Sienar Fleet Systems

Designation: Space Superiority Starfighter

Length: 7.8 meters

Crew: 1

Cargo Capacity: 150 kilograms

Consumables: 5 days

Speed: 110 MGLT

Hull: 14 RU

Shields: 24 SBD

Weapons: 2 Laser Cannons

 

This was the model number of Sienar Fleet Systems' production-ready version of the original TIE Advanced x1 starfighter. It was given faster sublight engines, larger solar panels, and enhanced combat systems. However, unlike both the x1 and x2 versions, the TIE/x3 lacked a hyperdrive. The removal of the hyperdrive was an atempt to cut down production price. But in the end, the TIE/x3 still proved too expensive to mass-produce.

Instead it became an elite fighter craft assigned only to certain squadrons. Imperial Navy scuttlebutt also had it that some higher echelon officers were wary at promoting a starfighter with shields and hyperdrive, since it would undermine the use of capital ships as launch platforms. Rather than see the capital ship budget slashed, the TIE/x series was sacrificed instead.

Even though Naval Command had made it clear that the TIE/x3 was not a candidate that could replace the TIE Fighter, development continued. An x4, x5, x6 and x7 was also tested. The TIE/x7, developed and tested at the planet Corulag, measured 9.2 meters in length, was equipped with a hyperdrive and was armed with four laser cannons. The x7 eventually served as the design basis for the TIE Defender.