The TIE Experimental M3, alternatively known as the TIE Warhead, was an experimental iteration within the TIE Series and an element of the TIE Experimental Project.
Conceived as one of the starfighters resulting from an Imperial research initiative spearheaded by Director Lenzer under the direction of Grand Admiral Demetrius Zaarin, the M3 essentially repurposed a standard TIE/IN interceptor by substituting the original laser cannons with a pair of warhead launchers affixed to the outer wing junctions.
Built upon the TIE Interceptor platform, the M3 exhibited virtually identical performance metrics, experiencing only a marginal reduction in both maneuverability and velocity. Consistent with other TIE Experimental models, the M3 was operated remotely via a modified Beta-class ETR-3 escort transport. Furthermore, the majority of TIE M3 units were retrofitted with shield generators, seemingly without any significant impact on overall operational effectiveness.
On one occasion, units of the TIE Experimental M3 type inflicted severe damage upon a squadron of X-wing fighters. However, the inaugural large-scale encounter between the Alliance and the M3 transpired when Admiral Yamarus deployed a simulated convoy consisting of MB-C1 medium transports coupled with Z-95 Headhunters with the intent of drawing out the Experimentals alongside their command ship. The tactic proved fruitful, as the Z-95 fighters, armed with experimental ion pulse warheads, successfully neutralized or eliminated the entirety of the Imperial offensive force. Subsequent investigation revealed that the TIEs were unmanned, and the life-support systems aboard the command ship were pre-programmed to fail immediately upon the disabling of the transports. Additionally, Renegade Squadron undertook an initiative to commandeer an example of this particular starfighter.
Subsequently, during an Alliance-sanctioned intelligence-gathering operation targeting a TIE Experimental production facility, multiple waves of M3 fighters were encountered as part of the station's defensive array. The Empire retaliated with an assault on the cruiser Liberty, employing TIE M3 units as their primary bomber assets. These fighters were also deployed at the main research complex, tasked with defending the hangar ship Sardis and the space station Obsidian.
Following the destruction of the Obsidian space platform, no further sightings of TIE Experimental fighters were recorded.