This short range reconnaissance fighter was deployed to gather information of enemy starship movements before engaging the enemy fleet in space battle.
The TIE Vanguard is based on the standard TIE/ln design, however the physical difference between the TIE Vanguard and TIE/ln Fighter are greater than for the TIE/rc reconnaissance craft. Several large antennae protrude from the command pod. The upper section of each wing is shortened and swept outwards to reduce interference with some of the enhanced scanners and communication equipment. Several large antennae for the sensors and scanners also protrude from the command pod. The TIE Vanguard is equipped with a small deflector shield to protect the valuable information it gathers.