In combat, the TIE Fighter presents a small target profile both front and back and its incredible manoeuvrability make it difficult to hit. The hexagonal solar array panels serve to conceal the fighter's cockpit module from enemy weapons fire and damage scan analysis. When the fighter's sensors are jammed, a unique rear viewport allows the pilot to see what is behind him. It matches well against the X-Wing and shows some superiority to the older Y-Wing. Furthermore, these fighters execute sophisticated tactics to capitalize on the X-Wing's and Y-Wing's weaknesses. Imperial TIE pilots compensate for the lack of defector shields with ingenious evasions, rapid course changes and arrive in battle in sheer numbers. TIE Fighters serve a variety of combat roles. They are employed to escort fleets, are frequently assigned to convoy duty, provide planetary and warship defence, barrier and point perimeter defence, provide reconnaissance, patrol disputed space, support ground troops, and conduct hunter/destroyer missions. Included in their mission profile is the escorting of TIE Bombers attacking planetary facilities. Against ground targets.