The TIE/ln Fighter forms the backbone of the Empire. Designed to replace the aging TIE Fighter, the TIE/ln is an extremely fast and maneuverable fighter. It is a superior fighter of its time and can beat the Y-wing and Z-95 Headhunter in most engagements.
TIE/ln Fighters were first bested by the X-wing starfighter by Incom. The Empire has implemented the rule of engaging Rebel X-wings with a minimum of three TIE/lns.
Before the Battle of Endor, the TIE/ln model was being heavily replaced by the TIE Interceptor. However, because of the huge amount of TIE Fighters in service, the TIE Interceptor will never completely outnumber its predecessor.
Like all TIE ships, it has a titanium alloy hull and quadanium steel armored solar panels. Also, like other TIE ships, it is built exclusively from Seinar Fleet Systems components, and has no primary life support systems. It is a short range starfighter, requiring a nearby base of operations from which to obtain fuel and guidance.