In the Imperial navy, a forward observer is essential for finding targets for heavy guns borne upon Imperial creuisers during an orbital bombardment. The TIE/fc performs this task, using a belly turret holding a target designator to relay target information and coordinates back to its mother ship for a precise attack. Because of the the nature of its mission, it has an improved sensor system, almost as powerful as that used by the TIE/rc, and often supplements or replaces the /rc.

Specially-equipped for relaying targeting and fire control information back to the main fleet, it measured 6.3 meters in length, and was armed with a single laser cannon. In addition to augmenting the targeting abilities of capital ships, the TIE/fc proved valuable in assisting the targeting of TIE Fighters.