The TIE Experimental M1, alternatively known as the TIE Bizarro, represented an experimental design within the TIE Series and was developed as part of the TIE Experimental Project.
This starfighter, a creation of an Imperial research initiative spearheaded by Director Lenzer under the authority of Grand Admiral Demetrius Zaarin, featured a unique configuration. It comprised a single, typical TIE/LN starfighter wing panel connected via two wing supports to two standard TIE series cockpit modules. The port-side module housed the control mechanisms, while the starboard module contained a turbolaser that significantly outgunned the laser cannons found on earlier TIE models.
Both modules incorporated the signature twin ion engines characteristic of the TIE series. Intriguingly, this fighter possessed a slightly higher speed compared to the standard TIE/LN. Furthermore, it was equipped with a hyperdrive, which was slaved to remote systems located within a dedicated controller vessel.
The initial encounter with the M1 by Rebel forces occurred when they responded to a distress signal originating from a civilian convoy in the vicinity of the Belat system. Two A-wings, providing escort for a staff transfer from the Defiance to Liberty, intercepted the distress call during a course correction between hyperspace jumps and intervened. They discovered a squadron of TIE Experimental M1 fighters engaged in an attack on a Cloburi Freight convoy, with a Beta-class ETR-3 escort transport standing guard. The A-wings successfully repelled the TIE M1s, resulting in minimal casualties for the Rebel and civilian sides.
Subsequently, during an Alliance-led intelligence-gathering operation targeting a TIE Experimental production facility, several waves of M1 fighters were identified as part of the station's defensive array. They also appeared at the primary research facility, tasked with protecting the hangar ship Sardis and the space station Obsidian.
Following the destruction of the space platform Obsidian, the TIE Experimental fighters were never seen again.