TIE Sinister

The TIE/SN Sinister was a modified version of the TIE/PROT Protector that was specially created for Sin Squadron, the winners of the Squadron (Re)Mobilization 2 fleet-wide exercise. Painted a sleek, signal absorbing black, the craft's production was personally requested by GA Rapier, with design suggestions coming from the Squadron's commander at the time, Zekk Terrik, who specifically requested air conditioning and cupholders be included. During it’s service history, Sin Squadron has been the only user of the Sinister, with only 12 such craft being built.

Characteristics

Pilot Module

The pilot module was similar to those found in other TIE series fighters, with a ball cockpit and a hatch on the top for entry and egress. The module had room for a single pilot and 200 kg of cargo, but unlike other models of the TIE series, had an oxygenated cockpit with life support systems. Despite this, pilots routinely wore sealed flight suits both out of habit and as a precautionary safety mechanism in the event of a life support failure caused by damage during combat (with a Sin Squadron commander claiming that "We just wear those helmets to look cool!").

The TIE Sinister’s cockpit module also had special modifications that were carried over from the TIE Protector. The module was reinforced to serve as a type E-4 escape pod, providing its pilot with a level of protection not seen in most other TIE series craft. The oxygenated cockpit additionally features heating and air conditioning systems to provide a comfortable atmosphere for the pilot, in addition to cupholders for drinks and consumables during long reconnaissance missions.

Armament

The TIE Sinister's weapons systems (the same of those on the TIE Protector) were designed to allow it to engage multiple enemy fighters and as such carried a formidable array of weaponry. It carried six Sienar Fleet Systems L-s9.3 laser cannons, with two on each wing and two directly mounted beneath the cockpit. The two Borstel NK-3 medium ion cannons were similarly mounted beneath the cockpit.

Additionally, four Sienar Fleet Systems M-g-2 General-Purpose Warhead Launchers were mounted on the cockpit, two on each side, feeding from a centrally loaded magazine with a maximum capacity of 16 concussion missiles. Depending on the mission profile, the ship could be fitted with alternative warheads such as proton rockets, proton bombs, or magnetic pulse warheads.

The ship's defenses were provided by a pair of forward and rear projecting Novaldex deflector shield generators—another advantage over standard TIE models. The shields were designed to recharge more rapidly than in previous Imperial fighters and were more powerful than some found on small capital ships, with a total shield rating of 300 SBD. Its hull and wings were the strongest of any TIE series starfighter and were rated at 31 RU.

Propulsion

The TIE Sinister was one of the fastest starfighters in use, using the same propulsion system and hyperdrive components as the TIE Protector. Utilizing a system of Sienar Fleet Systems P-sz9.7 quad ion engines and SLAM overdrive, the ship was capable achieving acceleration up to 30 MGLT/s and speeds up to 176 MGLT. When combined, these systems made the TIE Protector and TIE Sinister not only faster, but more agile than any other starfighters in Imperial service. The TIE Sinister also featured a hyperdrive which allowed it to operate independently of capital ships, using the Sienar Fleet Systems SFS ND9 hyperdrive motivator, developed from the version developed for the TIE Advanced and TIE Avenger.

Systems

Various display panels inside the cockpit allowed the pilot to monitor the ship's systems and the surrounding area. The main combat multi-view display presented sensor data on targeted ships while additional monitors displayed short range sensor contacts, the remaining charge of weapons, shields and tractor beam systems, current warhead load and power usage. The TIE Sinisters’ and TIE Protectors’ advanced communications and sensor package allows for the craft to detect and lock onto targets at farther ranges than most starfighters and stay in constant contact with multiple craft simultaneously over significant distances. A heads-up display assisted the pilot in aiming the ship's weapons and displayed data from the ship's threat warning system.

The ship featured an auto-landing function to plot entry vector and landing speed, although the pilot could retain manual control if they preferred. In a unique feature for a TIE series craft, the bottom wings fold up when landing where there is no Sinear Fleet Systems rack system available for docking. However, like other TIE series starfighters, TIE Sinisters and TIE Protectors were mounted on racks in the hangar when carried aboard a capital ship. When not in use, the ship could be left in a password or biometrically-controlled standby mode to prevent unauthorized use.

Role

A TIE Sinister Traveling Through Hyperspace

The TIE Sinister and TIE Protector were designed to serve as multi-role starfighters, capable and durable enough to take on a variety of mission profiles. The TIE Sinister’s weaponry and deflector shields made it an ideal space superiority fighter, capable of engaging multiple enemies at once. The craft possessed impressive speed promoting its function as a superior interceptor, capable of eliminating incoming starfighters before they posed a threat to Imperial capital ships. The use of hyperdrives allowed the TIE Sinister to conduct patrols across large areas of space without support from capital ships.

This versatility allowed a large degree of flexibility in its use, as even a single craft could prove formidable, able to outrun or outgun most, if not all, enemy fighters. While on recon missions, TIE Sinisters and Protectors could also bring heavy ordnance to bear on enemy capital ships if needed. Ion cannons paired with the ability to carry multiple warhead types allowed it to function as an effective fighter-bomber or assault fighter. They often assumed missions to disable or destroy enemy installations or capital ships, at times by a single flight group, given the large warhead carrying capacity per magazine.