I remember making Darth Vader's TIE fighter and agonizing over the shape. The back half of the model used in the film has a rounded fuselage. To incorporate that into my design meant making the figure much more complicated than I wanted it to be. Yet I wanted accuracy. In the end I decided to keep it simple and elegant. I'm sure the model makers at ILM will forgive me my creative license. (Note to ILM: If you ever decide to start using origami instead of computer graphics or models for special effect shots, give me a call)

Another side note. I met David Prowse (Darth Vader) at the first Star Wars Celebration just before The Phantom Menace opened. I bought him a drink and naturally I made the TIE for him. He loved the figure. I just wish the picture taken of us with it had come out. If you ever get a chance to meet him you will find Mr. Prowse is a really nice guy.

This TIE is the prototype for the next generation of TIE fighter. Flown by Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith, it has 4 engines as opposed to two, hyperdrive capability, and angled solar panels which make it more maneuverable than the standard TIE.

Flying this ship, Darth Vader destroyed 6 rebel starfighters attacking the Death Star during the battle of Yavin.