The Scimitar assault bomber, alternatively known as the TIE Scimitar Assault Bomber, represented a sophisticated evolution of TIE Series technology, resulting in a powerful bomber/starfighter. The Galactic Empire utilized this craft extensively.
The Scimitar assault bomber was characterized by its singular, extended main body. A specially designed module at the front housed the pilot and gunner, offering an escape pod function through ejection. The fuselage was stabilized by two substantial, elongated wing arrays positioned on either side. Integrated repulsorlift systems enhanced its agility.
When operating in space, the Scimitar assault bomber exhibited superior speed compared to standard TIE Bombers. Within planetary atmospheres, it achieved speeds of 1,150 kilometers per hour, with an additional 100 kilometers per hour attainable during dive-bombing maneuvers.
With a length of 13.8 meters, it surpassed the standard TIE/LN starfighter in size. Its armament consisted of two laser cannons, concussion missile launchers, and deployment systems for both thermal detonators and proton grenades. Notably, it featured a single ion engine instead of the typical two, explaining the omission of the "TIE" prefix. Its primary purpose was to bombard planets into submission.
The Scimitar's origins lie in an unapproved proposal by Captain Tomax Bren to upgrade the TIE bomber into the TIE Bomber Mark 2. However, the design gained traction when Grand Admiral Thrawn assumed power, leading to the approval and production of a modified version of Bren's concept.
Kir Kanos famously employed a Scimitar to obliterate the Emperor's Revenge above Yinchorr. He rigged an APA-5 mess hall droid to trigger the bomber's self-destruction within the Star Destroyer's hangar bay, resulting in the deaths of all personnel aboard the warship.
These bombers also saw action during the Yuuzhan Vong War. By the war's climactic battle over Coruscant, a complete squadron of Scimitars was recognized as one of the Galactic Alliance's most skilled units.