Swarming from Star Destroyer launch bays like clouds of deadly gnats are the Imperial TIE fighters. Their distinctive solar panels and spoked cockpit viewports have become symbolic of the Empire's numerical superiority and relentless will to impose order. But the Imperial disregard for life and individuality is the weakness of these fighters. Though deadly en masse, in small numbers their vulnerability becomes apparent. Most TIE fighters lack shields and hyperdrives -- systems that are standard in Alliance fighters. Imperial engineers have learned from these shortcomings and have developed specially modified fighters to deal with the Rebel threat. Here's a look at just a few of the specialized TIE models.

TIE defender

TIE crawler

TIE/rc vanguard

TIE/D fighter

TIE/fc fighter

TIE/gt fighter

TIE avenger

Scimitar Assault Bomber

TIE shuttle