Unlike most TIE models, the TIE Bomber is equipped with double pods and elongated solar panels. The starboard pod houses the pilot (with ejection seat), flight computers, communications systems, and the vaunted life-support system. The port pod holds the ordnance bay, along with targeting and delivery systems. The TIE's signature twin ion engines connect the two pods.

Although payload can vary depending upon mission profiles, a typical Bomber carries dozens of missiles, bombs, mines, and thermal detonators for attack runs. The TIE Bomber's weaponry includes high-yield proton bombs, guided concussion missiles, orbital mines, and free-falling thermal detonators. Depending on the mission configuration, TIE Bombers can carry eight more concussion missiles or four proton torpedoes in the forward ordnance bay. The main ordnance bay can carry eight more concussion missiles, four additional proton torpedoes, eight proton bombs, six orbital bombs, or sixty-four thermal detonators. Two front-firing laser cannons provide protection from enemy ships.

The TIE Bomber's targeting computers are mounted below the forward ordnance pod. Bombs are fed through the bombing chute behind the targeting computers, while missiles are launched through the missile port at the front of the port pod.

TIE Bombers have proven especially effective against capital ships in space. After standard TIE Fighters weaken the target's defences, the Bombers use their precise targeting computers to disable vital areas such as the shield generators and engines. Once the enemy ship is crippled, imperial boarding parties take control of the vessel and capture the Rebel troops for interrogation.

TIE Bombers can also be deployed against space stations, orbital docking platforms, and facilities in planetary orbit, TIE Bombers normally have TIE Fighters for protective escorts in hotly contested combat zones. The TIE Bomber packs a high payload for its small size and can often slip through enemy defences, which tend to be geared toward detecting capital ships. TIE Bombers are preferable to large capital ships because of their pinpoint targeting - capital ship turbo lasers are far less precise.

They are most efficient, however, during bombing runs on ground targets. TIE Bombers boast incredibly precise targeting computers that allow the pilot to completely destroy a specific building without damaging surrounding structures. They are manoeuvrable and fast enough for low-altitude bombing runs in cramped situations, such as canyons and cities.