TIE/sf space superiority fighter
The TIE/sf space superiority fighter, alternatively referred to as the Special Forces TIE fighter, represented a starfighter design utilized by the First Order. It was a specialized iteration of the TIE/fo space superiority fighter. Unlike prior TIE models, this craft accommodated two crew members and was equipped with enhanced weaponry and sensor technology, alongside both a hyperdrive and deflector shields. Access to the TIE/sf was restricted to members of the First Order's distinguished Special Forces.
Characteristics
The TIE/sf, a two-person strike fighter employed by the First Order's elite Special Forces pilots, showcased a significant upgrade in firepower compared to standard TIE fighters. It combined laser cannons with a heavy weapons turret and a mag-pulse warhead launcher, enabling the delivery of specialized ordnance. While the pilot could operate all weapons, the rear gunner was ideally positioned to control the turret.
To facilitate extended missions far from bases or capital ships, Special Forces TIEs incorporated hyperdrives. They also featured enhanced deflector shields and high-yield power cells, which provided the necessary energy for the advanced weapons and shields. These adaptable attack vessels served in both reconnaissance and combat roles.
Visually, this TIE fighter variant could be distinguished from standard models by the laser turret located beneath the cockpit and the red markings on its left side. Similarly, Special Forces pilots displayed red markings on their helmets, a tribute to the flight barons of the Galactic Empire.
History
Poe Dameron, a captured ace pilot from the Resistance, and FN-2187, a recently defected stormtrooper, commandeered a TIE/sf space superiority fighter from Hangar Six to escape the Resurgent-class Star Destroyer Finalizer. Their initial attempt was hampered by a supply cable still connecting the TIE to the ship. After breaking free and escaping the Star Destroyer, they were targeted by missiles from the ship's ventral cannon. The fighter crashed on Jakku, but both Poe and FN-2187 survived.
Later, numerous TIE/sfs participated in the Battle of Takodana, contributing to the destruction of Takodana Castle and causing casualties among its inhabitants. They also engaged Resistance T-70 X-wing starfighters in aerial combat above the ruins. Despite their success in attacking the castle and supporting ground forces, the TIE fighters were outmatched by the Resistance fighters, leading to significant losses against the versatile X-wings and Poe Dameron's exceptional skills, which forced a First Order retreat.
Following the Battle of Kestro, Iden Versio, Shriv Suurgav, Zay Versio, and Dio absconded with two Special Forces TIEs to infiltrate Commander Gideon Hask's Star Destroyer, the Retribution.
During the Battle of Starkiller Base, some Special Forces TIEs were part of the Starkiller aerial defense force. However, they failed to prevent Poe Dameron from destroying the crucial thermal oscillator, which triggered a chain reaction that destroyed the planet.
Zay and Shriv utilized a Special Forces TIE to flee the Retribution and travel to D'Qar, where they delivered information about Project Resurrection and the Mandator IV-class Siege Dreadnought to the Resistance. They then proceeded to the Outer Rim Territories to seek allies.
Captain Phasma and TN-3465 employed a TIE/sf to journey to Luprora with the mission to locate and assassinate Sol Rivas, who was also using a Special Forces TIE.
During the Evacuation of D'Qar, certain Special Forces TIEs pursued and attempted to shoot down Poe Dameron's X-wing, Black One, as he destroyed the Fulminatrix's turrets. Other Special Forces TIEs attempted to eliminate the entire fleet of MG-100 StarFortress SF-17 strategic bombers before they could destroy the dreadnought.
Later, during the First Order's Battle of Oetchi, Kylo Ren spearheaded an attack on the Resistance flagship, Raddus, in his TIE Silencer, accompanied by three Special Forces TIEs. When Ren hesitated to fire on the Raddus bridge due to sensing his mother, Leia Organa Solo, his wingmen destroyed it with missiles, resulting in the deaths of everyone on the bridge except for Organa, who was incapacitated. Shortly after, all three Special Forces TIEs were destroyed, forcing Ren to retreat.
Several TIE/sfs were present at the Battle of Crait and pursued the Millennium Falcon through the planet's interior during the conflict.
In 35 ABY, multiple squadrons of Special Forces TIE fighters and TIE whisper starfighters arrived at the Sinta Glacier Colony, preparing to eliminate the Falcon. TIEs chased the Falcon through the Glacier and across numerous star systems using lightspeed skipping.
Behind the scenes
During the initial brainstorming sessions for Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens, concept artist Doug Chiang proposed the inclusion of TIE fighters equipped with headlights, inspired by the memorable use of headlights on the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back.