In the Rogue Squadron comic, The Making of Baron Fel, we learn of an elite group of TIE Fighter pilots formed by one of the Empire's best pilots, Baron Soontir Fel. Second best to only Darth Vader, Fel set out to create the ultimate fighter group, the 181st TIE Fighter Group which was capable of taking on any Rebel installation or fighter group. Distinctive by the red striping on both their fighters and uniforms, the 181st first saw heavy action at the Battle of Derra IV. A slaughter of Rebel cargo ships at the hands of the Imperial fleet led by Darth Vader and Grand Admiral Thrawn. Though they did not see action at Endor, the 181st made up for that by harassing the Rebellion at engagements at Brentaal and Ciutric.
The 181st TIE Pilots wore standard TIE gear with a few changes. Red striping was added along the sides of the arms and legs, most likely to match the red bloodstripes accorded to Corellians of high honor such as Baron Fel. The 181st also wore non-standard gray flak vests on their chests. The changes were reflected on a POTF2 TIE pilot by painting the stripes on the sides of the arms and legs, and painting the black vest on the torso a light gray. This pilot was given a hand blaster from an EU Dark Empire Luke. I hope in the future to hollow out the helmet and give this figure a head resembling Baron Fel.