The TIE Reconnaissance, or TIE/rc, has extra-sensitive sensors and long-range communications gear that allow the TIE/rc to serve as remote spotlights for larger capital ships. Not equipped with hyperdrives, TIE/rc fighters are still short range craft, but can often extend the reach of carrier ship or launch base sensors. TIE/rc fighters are sometimes dispatched into asteroid fields or areas of dense starship traffic that may limit a larger vessel's mobility, for example. In squadron activities, a TIE/rc may range ahead of a main starfighter force and send back vital pre-engagement data.