Research
From Wookieepedia, the Star Wars wiki.
Admiral Zaarin conducted TIE starfighter research, among other types, aboard XQ6 Platform Research during the Galactic Civil War. It was located in the Parmel system. TIE Defender prototypes began their journey to the Emperor from Platform Research during the "Arms Race" prior to Admiral Zaarin's treason against the Galactic Empire around 3 ABY. Rebel Alliance forces assaulted Platform Research in attempt to thwart TIE Defender production; to no avail, halted by Imperial TIE Avengers. Zaarin later decided to destroy this platform in order to slow the starfighter production of the Imperial Loyalists, so the Emperor sent ace fighter pilot Maarek Stele and the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Adarga to defend Research. After several attacks, Zaarin forced the Adarga to flee and the platform had to be abandoned. Stele assisted in the evacuation of high-ranking personnel and TIE Defenders from the station, and after several pirate attacks, managed to get the fighters to Vice Admiral Thrawn.
Zaarin succeeded in destroying Research shortly after it was abandoned, but failed to wipe out all of the TIE Defender data needed for the craft's production.
