In the battle of Yavin, Darth Vader takes a ship into combat against the Rebels himself. This prototype ship, the TIE Advanced X1, features an original rear-deck spaceframe and reinforced durasteel-alloy hull built around standard TIE/In cockpit and wing brace elements. While similar to the standard TIE/In in many components, the advnaced X1 sports a more powerful drive system.

Speed performance is only slightly better than the TIE/In, however, due to the added mass of the vessel, which includes hyperdrive and shields. A good deal of the ship's extra power is bled off to the shield generators. While less maneuverable than standard TIE fighters, it can take a beating.

The TIE Advanced X1 has twin heavy-blaster cannons in a fixed, front-mounted position, like the TIE/In. In addition to its shields, it had a modest hyperdrive but no life support system.
Against the Rebel X-wing and Y-wing fighters in the Death Star trench, Darth Vader's personal ship proves to be a devastating opponent, and Vader cuts down one pilot after another with the X1's high technology. While the X1 prototype has not been accepted by the Imperial Fleet for mass production, many of its best design features are being incorporated into the TIE interceptor.