More information about Star Wars: The Force Awakens continues to trickle its way onto the web (unofficially of course). So what's the latest leak involve? That this concept art, supposedly from the upcoming film, shows what appears to be a brand new type of Tie Fighter.

IS THIS #TheForceAwakens #NEW #TIEFIGHTER ? https://t.co/WOh4ycpxu7 pic.twitter.com/xbFA7tYsep

— AGeekyLink (@AGeekyLink) January 3, 2015

The leaked image comes from Indie Revolver, which has been publishing a steady supply of what they claim is leaked Episode VII concept art over the past few months. It looks legit, but it's best to take everything that is not official with a grain of salt.

Assuming it is real, there is plenty for fans to be excited about. The new design is different yet familiar, evoking the appearance of the classic Tie Fighters but also of the Imperial shuttles seen in previous films. The fact that the old-style Tie Fighters are shown in the teaser trailer and in the concept art say that the classic vehicle isn't going away, but will be gaining some new variations.

That makes perfect sense too. Just like Darth Vader had his own special Tie Fighter, it seems very likely that this special fighter is reserved for one of the film's new Sith villains. If you look closely you can even see the Imperial Guard standing out in front of the fighter's exit ramp. If the Imperial Guard are involved, you can bet that whoever owns that ship is a prominent member of the Empire, or even the new Emperor.

We will of course have to wait for new trailers and official images to draw more conclusions. Images like this are going to make it a very long wait indeed.