TIE Experimental craft are seen protecting the Sardis against Rebel X-wing fighters. The Sardis, an Imperial Research Vessel, played an essential role within the scope of the TIE Experimental Initiative.
During the Rebellion's efforts to obliterate the Obsidian research facility, the Sardis came into conflict with the Alliance. Because the Imperials were surprised by the attack, the Sardis could not operate at full capacity, possibly due to being unstaffed or having non-functional systems. Labeled as a high-priority target, the research vessel offered no visible defense as a wing of B-wings commanded by Ace Azzameen annihilated both it and the facility, thereby concluding the project.