The Predator-class fighter, alternatively known as the TIE Predator and given the moniker Eyeballs by the Galactic Alliance, represented a TIE Series starfighter crafted by Sienar Fleet Systems. This vessel saw service within the Fel Empire starting in 130 ABY.
Often seen as a modern take on the Galactic Empire's TIE/IN interceptor from over a century prior, the TIE Predator maintained exceptional agility and substantial firepower. However, diverging from earlier TIEs, it incorporated both hyperdrives and a deflector shield, the latter generated by its distinctive blade-shaped wings. Similar to the preceding Chiss Clawcraft, these wings possessed the ability to adjust into various configurations, thereby enhancing the starfighter's maneuverability. For docking, they could be completely retracted. Nevertheless, the intricate technology housed within the Predator's wings resulted in significant maintenance challenges. Furthermore, the redesigned standard viewport provided limited visibility due to its restrictive horizontal panes bisected by substantial struts.
Following extensive lobbying, the Imperial Navy successfully persuaded Sienar to manufacture Predator-class fighters equipped with traditional TIE-style cockpits for use by squadron leaders. Other pilots operated fighters featuring horizontal slats positioned across the front of the central fuselage.
The Predator-class fighters functioned as the primary fighter asset of the Fel Empire throughout the Sith–Imperial War. Post-war, they remained in service during the Second Imperial Civil War, utilized by both the Empire-in-exile and Krayt's Sith Empire until the introduction of the Sith-Imperial starfighter within the latter, which eventually replaced them.
In 130 ABY, Moff Rulf Yage's forces employed Predator-class fighters during the attack targeting the Jedi Praxeum situated on Ossus. When a Jedi transport attempted an escape, these fighters moved to engage, but were intercepted by Cade Skywalker piloting a X-83 TwinTail starfighter. Skywalker managed to down several TIE Predators before being shot down himself, thus providing the Jedi transport with sufficient time to escape.
Imperial Knights commonly piloted Predator-class fighters. In 137 ABY, Antares Draco and Ganner Krieg deployed two of these fighters to Vendaxa with the mission of rescuing Princess Marasiah Fel from the Sith. The Outer Rim Third Fleet utilized TIE Predators during the Battle of Dac.
Sean Cooke, a designer and illustrator selected by Dark Horse Comics editor Randy Stradley for the purpose of designing Imperial spacecraft of the Legacy-era, created the Predator-class fighter.
Upon the initial release of images depicting the Predator, certain fans speculated that the fighters exhibiting a "slatted" central pod were in fact pilotless droid starfighters. However, this theory was refuted by subsequent commentary from the creators. In an online chat, Jan Duursema clarified that the traditional cockpits were specifically designated for lead fighters. Furthermore, in an interview featured in Star Wars Insider 89, Cooke elaborated on the redesign: "I wanted to make sure it didn't look so much like the classic TIE fighter, so I redesigned the front cockpit screen, taking that kind of octagonal design and putting more vertical lines through that to simulate jaws or even prison bar cells, giving it this angry look."