So I've been meaning to put more time in with ships like the defenders and special ops because I think they fill an important part of the Imperial fleet, durable ships that don't punish you (as badly) for a mistake here and there. I think this is where the triple defenders lists come into play but unfortunately for me I only have two but I also have two special ops ties and wanted to make a list using both.

So here are two versions.

TIE Defender: · Countess Ryad (34)
Push The Limit (3)
Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)
TIE/x7 (-2)
TIE/sf Fighter: Omega Specialist (25)
Adaptability (Increase) (0)
Fire Control System (2)
Lightweight Frame (2)
Special Ops Training (0)
Pattern Analyzer (2)
TIE/sf Fighter: Omega Specialist (25)
Adaptability (Increase) (0)
Fire Control System (2)
Lightweight Frame (2)
Special Ops Training (0)
Pattern Analyzer (2)
-- TOTAL ------- 98p. --

This one has a little bit of play with points. Not sure which is better for Ryad, PTL or juke, but if I go down to juke it opens up the points for the spec ops to take VI instead and still have a 1 point initiative bid.

TIE Defender: Glaive Squadron Pilot (34)
Adaptability (Increase) (0)
Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)
TIE/x7 (-2)
TIE Defender: Glaive Squadron Pilot (34)
Adaptability (Increase) (0)
Twin Ion Engine Mk. II (1)
TIE/x7 (-2)
TIE/sf Fighter: · "Backdraft" (27)
· A score to settle (0)
Fire Control System (2)
Lightweight Frame (2)
Special Ops Training (0)
Pattern Analyzer (2)
-- TOTAL ------- 99p. --

Also an option here, Adaptability for backdraft instead of A Score, again not sure which will be more beneficial.

Please let me know what you think or any tips for flying these things.

I like both of these a lot! For the first one, do you have Heroes of the Resistance and the awesome Trick Shot card? That's my favorite on Special Forces TIEs because you can bank or turn through the obstacle field, and ships chasing you will have obstructed shots, but so will you - with a bonus attack die! It makes the aft shot on the generics a little more dangerous. Also, without Adaptability, you're all PS 5, which is kind of nice.

I like the second squad, too, but not quite as much because Backdraft is your heavy damage dealer, and has weaker defense, so he'll be focused down first. You're left with two TIE defenders who will be tough to take down, and hit marginally well, but don't have extra tricks. ...Okay, I retract that comment. Going into the end game with two x7 defenders is great, but I love Backdraft so much, and he costs quite a bit, so I hate to see him taken out too soon.

I can also swap Ryad out with Vessery (adapt, x7, tie Mk 2), which gives enough room for the spec ops to have VI so everyone is at 7.

I run a similar list to this using both Vessary and Ryad and backdraft

Ryad

tie X7 + PTL + twin ion MKII engine = to give target lock, evade and focus

Vessary

tie X7 = as long as you can keep some kind of formation with Ryad he ends up with the same place

Backdraft

This guy rolls out a little vanilla in my squad but if you use him as a back up to take care of attempted flankers in more maneuverable squads he makes an excellent addition