These aquatic assault craft had the classic TIE cockpit, although it was elongated and was based on the TIE/sa bomber. It was piloted by two crewmembers (one pilot and one gunner), often aquatic assault stormtroopers.
The lower half of the solar panels were "bent" to form runners for the craft as it skimmed the water's surface. The upper half of the solar panels had been removed for improved visibility.
The TIE fighter boats were often assigned to Imperial Army aquatic garrisons where they operated as aquatic assault and patrol vehicles. TIE fighter boats also worked together with AT-AT swimmers and aquatic assault stormtroopers in deep water assaults.
The MFB-4 Mobile Repulsor Base deployed on Alluuvia carried many TIE fighter boats.
- Alliance Intelligence Reports
- "Ask the Master" — Star Wars Insider 81