Darth Vader's Tie Fighter

In Star Wars Ep IV Darth Vader flew a TIE Fighter that was very different from the others depicted in the film. He flew a TIE Advanced x1 prototype. It had features that other TIEs do not.

It was faster and also had deflector shields. But the speed increase was hampered by the increased mass from the additional size and components.

Vader gave his own specifications to the manufacturer of the standard TIE fighter. He then test-piloted one of the prototypes and kept it for his personal ship.

One feature was the larger cockpit space. Vader was much larger than a standard clone trooper and this fighter could accommodate that.

It was equipped with heavy twin blaster cannons and also a cluster missile launcher.

The TIE/x1 was faster and tougher but much less maneuverable than the standard TIE fighter.

Vader's TIE/x1 could also be used for longer distance travel, as it was equipped with a small hyper-drive. This is why Vader was not stranded after the first Death Star blew up.

Ultimately the TIE/x1 was not adopted by the Imperial Navy (which is why we only see Vader flying one in Ep IV), but many of its design elements were included in the TIE-Bomber and TIE Interceptor.