While most Imperial training takes place in simulators, there is still a point at which a pilot must have a real craft with real vacuum around him, while not yet being ready to solo. The TIE/ts Fighter uses a slightly extended fuselage of the one on the TIE/gt Fighter (the cockpit pod has been extended by 21 cm), and replaces the concussion missile launcher with a (very cramped) seat for an instructor pilot. It also serves as a short range (intra-fleet and surface-to-orbit) shuttle. While it can carry a second pilot, among the instructors at fighter academies, being assigned to "back seat" students is seen as a punishment, because of the minuscule seating.