As part of Lego's first Star Wars wave for 2010 this model is featured briefly in Episode Six, Return Of the Jedi. The Tie Defender was an extension of the basic tie fighter used by the Empire in episodes four and five, the defender developed shortly before the battle of Endor as seen in Episode six. The Tie Defender had the added benefit of a hyperdrive as well as deflector shields so it could operate beyond the short range of regular tie fighters.
With 304 pieces and two minifigures this set is the second largest in this first 2010 wave. It comes with a regular stormtrooper and a Tie pilot and the vehicle is impressive size given the amount of pieces in the model. It measures over 8" (20cm) tall and over 9" (22cm) wide. The opening cockpit can spin and the ship has four flick fire missiles to rid the skies of any Rebel fighters.
The set retails for $49.99 which is commensurate with other sets in this wave, being slightly more expensive per piece than other sets from last year. It is a fun set - with the spinning function and the ability to hold the ship it has a high swooshability factor. Collectors will not be attracted to the set because of the figures this time because they are both fairly standard reissues of minifigs that have been released previously. Yet the fact that this is the first time this cool ship, barely seen in the movies, has been made into LEGO will be a big draw.
Overall a good set, despite the high price point and low awareness of its place in the Star Wars canon, but it may end up being a set that people choose to purchase at the end of the LEGO season at a significant discount.
