The Outland TIE fighter represented a class of starfighter within the TIE fighter series. Its creation stemmed from the Galactic Empire's territorial losses. While visually similar to a typical TIE/ln space superiority starfighter, the Outland TIE fighter possessed foldable wings for landing on flat surfaces. This design facilitated cockpit access and presented a unique silhouette reminiscent of an X-wing starfighter with deployed S-foils. Furthermore, retractable landing gear was integrated into the cockpit's base for enhanced usability and stability. Moff Gideon's personal starfighter, one particular Outland fighter piloted by himself, saw action with his Imperial remnant during the New Republic Era, until the Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin destroyed it.
The Outland TIE fighter, a variant from Sienar Fleet Systems' TIE fighter series, featured specialized landing gear akin to the T-65B and T-70 X-wing starfighters utilized by the New Republic Defense Fleet. In flight, the starfighter mirrored the appearance of the TIE/ln space superiority starfighter. However, its solar collector panel wings could fold inward at the center, forming a V-shape.
This folding mechanism allowed the Outland TIE to land on surfaces using its concealed landing gear, providing convenient access for the pilot without requiring a hangar rack armature or a specialized landing platform. Consequently, the adaptable wings and tripodal landing gear enabled landings on rough terrain or in natural environments. Additional features were also present.
During the Galactic Civil War, a galactic conflict between the Galactic Empire and the Alliance to Restore the Republic/New Republic, the Empire typically launched its TIE/ln space superiority starfighters from established military infrastructure, such as well-equipped hangars, carrier vessels, and base installations. However, as the Empire began losing ground, the TIE design was modified into the Outland variant, facilitating landings in less-than-ideal locations.
By 9 ABY, Gideon's Imperial remnant operated at least five Outland TIE fighters. Moff Gideon, the remnant's leader, employed a personal one to travel to Nevarro with his forces, subsequently landing the starfighter to confront the Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his allies.
Following the escape of Djarin, Carasynthia Dune, Greef Karga, IG-11, and the Child from the Nevarro cantina and the city, Gideon used his Outland TIE fighter to attack the group with laser cannon fire. Before a second pass, Karga urged the Child to use his Force powers, but the Force-sensitive being was unable to. Djarin then activated his jetpack and pursued the starfighter, attaching himself to it using his grappling line. Unable to enter the cockpit, Djarin attempted to plant an explosive, but the Moff shook it off the starship. The Mandalorian then placed a second explosive on the left joint, causing the ship to lose control and crash on Nevarro. Gideon then used the Darksaber to escape the wreckage.
Later, Outland TIE fighters were stationed at the Imperial base on Nevarro. These were destroyed by the Razor Crest during a mission undertaken by Din, Cara, Greef, and a Mythrol to destroy the base by disabling a security feature that prevented lava underneath the base from rising.
The Outland TIE fighter initially appeared in the mobile game Star Wars: Card Trader as part of the Illustrated Outlaws set, released on October 4, 2019. It is featured in the final two episodes of The Mandalorian's first season, a 2019 Disney+ television series.
Doug Chiang, a concept artist at Industrial Light & Magic, originally designed the ship for the 2015 film Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens, but it was ultimately unused. During the development of The Mandalorian, series creator Jon Favreau and his team discovered Chiang's concept and decided to incorporate it into the series. To realize the vehicle, a physical prop was constructed on the show's set, while computer-generated imagery was used to create the TIE's folded wings.