TIE/D Defender

The TIE/D Defender was a model of advanced fighter utilized by the Astragon Navy.

Characteristics
The TIE Defender was even faster and more manuverable than the TIE/ad Avenger, from which it was designed. It had the Avenger's wings, but the Defender had three instead of two, and the wings angled outwards. It was fitted with powerful shield generators and engine systems, as well as a hyperdrive.

The Defender was built to be more of an interceptor than a bomber, yet it carried more weapons than the Avenger before it. Four laser cannons were mounted on the four lower wingtips, while two medium ion cannons were on the upper wing. On its chin were the two general-purpose warhead launchers and the tractor beam projector of the Avenger. Each warhead launcher could carry four concussion missiles or four proton torpedoes. They could also be fitted with three magnetic pulse warheads, two heavy rockets, or one proton bomb each to fit specific mission profiles.

Astragon used these ships in conjunction with several other TIE designs to conduct shipping raids. To give greater support, they often arrived with a Harbinger-class Escort Carrier to give short-range fighter support.