The following is a list ofscience-fictionalStar Wars starfighters. Within theStar Wars setting, a starfighter is defined as a "small, fast, maneuverable, and heavily armed starship used in direct confrontations between opposing forces."[1] In addition to appearing in the saga's movies and TV series, severalLucasArts games depict the player as a starfighter pilot.
In theStar Wars universe, starfighters are equipped with the same fictional technology found on other starships.Sublight drives propel starfighters at belowlightspeed velocities, with the most common type being theion engine.[2] These engines are used to lift off from planetary surfaces, travel in deep space and engage other starships in space battles, whileinertial dampeners protect the occupants from forceful accelerations.[1][3]Repulsorlifts are carried as secondary drives for atmospheric flight and when docking or making planetary landings.[1][4] Some starfighters are also equipped with an internalhyperdrive or connect to an external hyperdrive unit for faster-than-light travel.[5] The primary weapon on most starfighters arelaser cannons,[6] with additional weapons likeproton torpedoes boasting additional firepower.[7] Some starfighters are also equipped withdeflector shields which can be adjusted to protect specific areas of the ship.[8]
TheKuat RZ-1 A-wing Interceptor is a class of starfighter, depicted as fast but fragile interceptors of theRebel Alliance, conceived for high-speed surgical strikes, deep reconnaissance and escort fighter duty.[9] A-wings first appear inReturn of the Jedi (1983) during the climactic Battle of Endor. It gained popularity through its depiction in several video games, such asBattlefront II and2015Battlefront, and has been merchandised by several companies.
| A/SF-01 B-wing starfighter | |
|---|---|
| Star Wars vehicle | |
| First appearance | Return of the Jedi (1983) |
| Created by | Slayne & Korpil |
| Information | |
| Affiliation | |
| General characteristics | |
| Class | Heavy assault starfighter[10] |
| Armaments |
|
| Defenses |
|
| Maximum speed |
|
| Propulsion |
|
| Length | 16.9 meters (55 ft 5 in) |
| Width | 2.9 meters (9 ft 6 in) |
| Height |
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| Population volume |
|
TheA/SF-01 B-wing starfighter is a fictional Rebel Alliance and New Republic starfighter. They first appear inReturn of the Jedi (1983) and subsequently in theStar Wars expanded universe's books, comics, and games. It is commonly depicted as a heavy strike fighter. A variety of B-wing merchandise has been released by toy companies.
Although initial plans called for B-wings to appear in several scenes, its narrow appearance from some angles made it difficult to see against the backdrop of space.[11] The ship's rotating cockpit stems from an initial design for theMillennium Falcon.[11]
The B-wing's canonical origin (as theBlade Wing), as-designed by theMon Calamari engineer Quarrie,[12] is depicted in theStar Wars Rebelssecond season episode "Wings of the Master" (in the previousLegends continuity,Admiral Ackbar helped design the B-wing[13]). Quarrie designed the Blade Wing to be a blockade buster for the Rebel Alliance, combining aspects of previous ships built by theVerpine Slayne & Korpil corporation including theV-19 Torrent starfighter, H-60 Tempest bomber and T-6 shuttle. While Quarrie's Blade Wing helped the crew of theGhost escape anImperial blockade, the prototype was plagued with a number of technical challenges. SenatorBail Organa was responsible for convincing Slayne & Korpil to work with Quarrie to fix these issues and create a production model, the A/SF-01, for the Rebel Alliance.[10]
The A/SF-01 was the most well-armed starfighter in the galaxy at the time it was introduced; a single B-wing was capable of attacking and destroying enemycapital ships. However it was also slower and less maneuverable than any other Rebel starfighter and required the most maintenance. The B-wing's gyrostabilized cockpit allowed the pilot to maintain a consistent horizon while the craft's body rotated around it, minimizing g-stresses on the pilot and letting them concentrate on flying and targeting. However, if the gyro-stabilization system was not kept in prime condition, it could fail under the tremendous pressure and lock up. The B-wing featured S-foils similar in function to those of the X-wing fighter.[10][14]
BothKenner andHasbro released B-wing toys,[15][16] the B-wing is part of twoMicro Machines three-packs,[17][18] andLego has made several B-wing sets.[19][20][21] A Micro Machines Alpha Fleet package includes models both of the B-wing's film appearance and of an initial production design.[22]Decipher andWizards of the Coast published B-wing cards for theStar Wars Customizable Card Game andStar Wars Trading Card Game, respectively.[23][24] The second expansion pack for theX-Wing flight simulator,B-Wing, introduces the B-wing as a playable starfighter; several otherLucasArts products also depict B-wings.
TIE fighters—and variants such as TIE interceptors and TIE bombers—appear throughout the original trilogy. They are usually not equipped with shields or a hyperdrive, which makes them mass-producible and allows for considerable weapon payloads, or alternatively, for high speed and agility. The pilot has to wear a pressurized suit, as TIE fighters also lack life support systems. Heavier and more advanced TIE craft appear throughout the Expanded Universe, often including shields and hyperdrives as well as heavier armor and weapons; the higher costs for these craft often relegate them to limited deployment.
TheX-wing starfighter, named for the distinctive shape made when its S-Foils are in attack position, was a class of starfighter used by theRebel Alliance in their conflict with theGalactic Empire. It made its theatrical debut, as the T-65B model, inStar Wars (1977) as the spacecraft piloted byLuke Skywalker and the Red Squadron when Luke destroyed theDeath Star. The starfighter featured extensively in theStar Wars original trilogy and in theExpanded Universe that followed, and has been merchandised as a variety of toys and models. It is commonly depicted as an aerospace superiority fighter with a secondary capability as strike fighter.
TheY-wing assault starfighter/bomber are depicted as the primaryfighter-bombers of theGalactic Republic,Rebel Alliance(stripped-down and heavily modified version of the former Galactic Republic Y-Wing),New Republic, and the newer Y-Wing model for theResistance; being ideally suited foranti-shipping,close air support, andground attack missions. They made their theatrical appearance inStar Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977) and have featured in movies, television shows, and theStar Wars expanded universe's books, comics, and games.
TheARC-170 starfighter orAggressive ReConnaissance-170 starfighter were flown byclone pilots of theGalactic Republic during theClone Wars. They first appear in the opening battle sequence ofStar Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) and have featured in the2008Clone Wars television series.[25] The fighter's name stems from "ART 170", the file name of the art that established the ship's appearance; during scripting it was simply referred to as the "Clone Fighter."[26]
According to background material, the ARC-170 is a rugged and versatile starfighter that can fulfill a variety of roles. A joint venture between the Incom and Subpro corporations, the ARC-170 measures 14.5 m (48 ft) long, with a wingspan of 22.6 m (74 ft) and height of 4.78 m (15.7 ft).[27] Its crew includes a pilot, a co-pilot/forward gunner, a tail gunner, and anastromech droid to act as navigator and make repairs.[27][28] With itshyperdrive and five day's worth of supplies, the ARC-170 can operate deep behind enemy lines, where the variety of scanners and sensor jammers in its heavy nose help it conduct dangerous scouting missions. Its weaponry includes a pair of forward-facing medium laser cannons, mated with targeting rangefinders, which are powerful enough to punch through capital ship armor plating; two aft-facing laser cannons for staving off pursuing starfighters; and sixproton torpedoes which allow it to conduct bombing missions.[27][28]Deflector shielding protects the fighter from enemy attack and allows it to achievehypersonic speed in an atmosphere by dispersing the heat created fromair friction.[27]
After the end of the Clone Wars, the ARC-170 would continue to serve under theGalactic Empire until replaced in favor of theTIE Fighter.[27] It would also serve as the in-universe inspiration for Incom's next starfighter, theX-wing. Like the X-wing, the ARC-170 features S-foils, which open during combat to shed waste heat, enlarge the starfighter's deflector shields, and function asstabilizer surfaces during atmospheric flight.[27][29]
Droid Tri-fighters aredroid starfighters used bySeparatist forces during the Clone Wars. They made their first theatrical appearance in the opening battle ofRevenge of the Sith (2005). Original plans to equip the fighters with boosters were abandoned when Lucas decided they were an unnecessary distraction in the already chaotic scene. Its curved braces are deliberately reminiscent of theTrade Federation'scircular battleship.[30]
The tri-fighter is a compact and heavily armed starfighter with three arms surrounding a rotating gyroscopic core. Measuring 5.4 m (18 ft) long, with a 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) wingspan and 3.45 m (11.3 ft) width, its in-universe manufacturer are the Colicoids, the same species which producedDroideka.[31] They are more dangerous thanVulture droids thanks to an advancedheuristic droid brain which better learns from enemy tactics and can be linked to coordinate multi-fighter attacks.[31] While not as fast as aJedi interceptor, the tri-fighter has three independent thrusters to give it impressive agility. Four laser cannons, one light cannon on each arm and one nose-mounted medium cannon, can fire together or independently. It can also carry between two and six missiles, includingproton torpedoes, concussion missiles andbuzz droids.[28]
GeonosianNantex-class Starfighters appear in the climactic Battle of Geonosis inStar Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones when they chase after aRepublic attack gunship carryingAnakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen),Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) andPadmé Amidala (Natalie Portman). The craft was also set to appear in an air battle during which Republic attack gunships attack a Geonosian airstrip but the scenes were ultimately cut.[32] The starfighter technically made its first appearance in the video gameStar Wars: Jedi Starfighter which was released prior to the movie.[33]
Within the Star Wars universe these craft were considered nimble fighters, working equally well in space or in an atmosphere, and afforded the pilot a 360° field of view.[34] Formally known as theNantex-class starfighter and produced by the Huppla Pasa Tisc Shipwrights Collective, the Geonosian fighter is 9.8 m (32 ft) long, 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) wide and 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in) tall (excluding the cockpit bubble). In addition to a magnetically suspended laser cannon turret, the fighter is equipped with 100 independently aiming narrow-beamtractor/repulsor projectors.[35] These projectors are used not only to grapple with other spacrcraft but to help maneuver the fighter by pulling or pushing against surrounding objects.[36] While these fighters are said to possess tremendous acceleration and maneuverability thanks to a unique engine mount (also magnetically suspended), few of these fighters are exported as they are designed specifically around Geonosian senses and dexterity to operate.[35]
TheDelta-7Aethersprite-class light interceptors (better known as"Jedi starfighters") appear inStar Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002), whenObi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) travels via Jedi starfighter toKamino to investigate the attemptedassassination ofPadmé Amidala (Natalie Portman); he also flies a Jedi starfighter toGeonosis in an attempt to track down thebounty hunterJango Fett (Temuera Morrison). Later,Plo Koon (Matt Sloan) flies a Jedi starfighter when he is shot down byclone troopers carrying outDarth Sidious' (Ian McDiarmid)Order 66 inRevenge of the Sith (2005).[37] In the2003Clone Wars animated series, Anakin Skywalker is seen flying a customized Delta-7, called theAzure Angel, of which aLego model was later made.[38]
The Jedi starfighter's triangular shape stems from the shape ofImperialStar Destroyers in the originalStar Wars trilogy.Industrial Light & Magic designerDoug Chiang identified the Jedi starfighter as one of the first designs that bridges the aesthetic between the prequel and original trilogies.[39] Chiang noted that viewers' familiarity with the Star Destroyer's appearance and Imperial affiliation gives added symbolism to the Jedi craft's appearance and foreshadows the Empire's rise to power.[39] A full-scale model of the starfighter was also created for filming purposes. During scenes taking place on the rain-swept landing pads of Kamino, the model had to be painted and specially prepared in order to resist any water damage.[40]
Star Wars expanded universe material states that the Delta-7 was designed specifically with the Jedi'sForce-aided reflexes in mind by stripping them down and making their controls as responsive as possible.[37][41] Manufactured for the Jedi by Kuat Systems Engineering, the starfighter measures just 8 m (26 ft) long, 3.92 m (12.9 ft) wide and 1.44 m (4 ft 9 in) high, making it difficult to detect. Anastromech droid fits in an off-center socket on the port side of the Delta-7, but the tiny fighter's size requires the droid's body be modified in order to fit (later Delta-7B models place the socket in front of the cockpit to allow full-sized astromech units).[41] A pair of laser cannons anddeflector shielding allows the Jedi pilot to engage in combat, though ideally as a last resort. Lacking an internalhyperdrive, the Jedi starfighter uses an external hyperspace transport wing to which it can attach forfaster-than-light travel. Its two Novaldex J-44 "Jetforce" sublight engines are equipped with electromagnetic thrust nozzles that focus and time engine bursts to match the Jedi's abilities. This also makes the starfighter overwhelmingly difficult for a non-Jedi to pilot. When the Jedi were destroyed afterOrder 66, Kuat Systems Engineering designed a new starfighter that would be more manageable for non-Jedi pilots: theA-wing.[41][42]
TheEta-2Actis-class light interceptors, also known as"Jedi interceptors", made their first theatrical inStar Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005). In the opening space battle,Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) andAnakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) pilot Jedi interceptors on a mission to rescue ChancellorPalpatine (Ian McDiarmid) fromGeneral Grievous. The craft's design was purposefully meant to echo the earlier Jedi starfighter and theTIE fighter, while its opening wing panels were influenced by a feature onHasbro's toy model of the Jedi starfighter.[43] For filming close-ups of the actors, a single full-scale model of the Jedi interceptor was created. Since Obi-Wan and Anakin's interceptors were individualized with their own color schemes, each actor would perform their scenes separately and switch out, allowing the model to be redressed in between.[44]
In-universe material states that this new starfighter was meant to expand the Jedi's arsenal as they found themselves on the front lines of theClone Wars, being smaller but possessing greater firepower than the earlier Delta-7 with twin laser cannons and twinion cannons.[45][46][47] Also built by Kuat Systems Engineering, the Eta-2 is even smaller than the Delta-7 at just 5.47 m (17.9 ft) long, 4.3 m (14 ft) wide and 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) high with wings deployed, though with enough space for anastromech droid socket inside the port wing. It is also even more maneuverable with two ion engines that candeflect thrust up to 30 degrees.[46][47] The Eta-2 has nodeflector shields or bulky flight controls in order to save weight and maximize speed and agility, instead relying on the Jedi'sForce abilities to compensate. In order to manage heat levels, the interceptor is fitted with S-foils on the tip of each wing which open to reveal radiator panels.[46][47][48] After the Jedi were destroyed duringOrder 66, the Eta-2 would serve as the inspiration for theGalactic Empire's TIE Fighter.[48]
TheNaboo N-1 starfighter made its theatrical appearance inStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. During the climactic Battle of Naboo, asquadron of the fighters attacked the orbitingTrade FederationDroid Control ShipSaak'ak.Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) accidentally steals a Naboo N-1 starfighter and pilots it into the Droid Control Ship's docking bay, destroying the vessel from the inside. N-1 starfighters also appear in the beginning ofStar Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones escorting senatorPadmé Amidala's (Natalie Portman)Naboo Royal Cruiser upon its arrival to Coruscant. The N-1 also appears at the end of the edited and remastered 2004 "Special Edition" DVD version ofReturn of the Jedi. A modified N-1 starfighter appears in theDisney + seriesThe Book of Boba Fett (2022), built byTatooine mechanicPeli Motto (Amy Sedaris) and used as a replacement forDin Djarin's (Pedro Pascal) destroyedRazor Crest. Djarin's N-1 starfighter is heavily featured in thethird season ofThe Mandalorian (2023). The fighter technically first appeared as anunlockable vehicle inStar Wars: Rogue Squadron, which was released approximately six months beforeThe Phantom Menace, and was available as a playable vehicle in the video gamesStar Wars: Battle for Naboo andStar Wars: Starfighter.
The N-1 initially had the same angular design as craft in the originalStar Wars trilogy; only in later designs did it take on a streamlined appearance.[49] A life-size model of a Naboo starfighter hangs suspended from the ceiling of the Blue Wing at theBoston Museum of Science, in Boston, Massachusetts.[50] This 1:1 scale model was unveiled at the museum in April 2004, as a prelude to theStar Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination exhibit.[50] The model was previously used as a prop during the filming ofThe Phantom Menace.[50]
Based on in-universe background material, the N-1's sleek design exemplifies the philosophy of art and function in Naboo technology.[51] At 11 m (36 ft) long, the starfighters are built by the Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps using a number of standard components in a custom-built spaceframe. Thechromium finish on the starfighter's forward surfaces indicate its royal status as an escort for Naboo's Queen. The "rat-tail"finial of the main body serves dual roles as a high-voltage charge collector and receiver of encrypted information when the fighter is plugged in at the palace hangar, while the secondary finials contain engineheat sinks.[52] Behind the pilot's cockpit, anastromech droid plugs in to perform in-flight navigation and maintenance, although the fighter is also equipped with a capable automatic pilot feature. Armament includes twin laser cannons and twinproton torpedo launchers with a capacity for 10 torpedoes.[51][52]
In a 2018 a test was conducted using theAutodesk Flow Design virtualwind tunnel program to look at the aerodynamic properties of several Star Wars starfighter models. Of those models which were tested, the N-1 was found to be the most aerodynamic of all with adrag coefficient of .1, which while somewhat poor compared to the real-life .02 rating of theF-4E Phantom was significantly better than all other starfighters tested.[53][54]
The Porax-38 appears inRevenge of the Sith as a starfighter piloted by the native Utapauns during the Battle ofUtapau. Although featured in a full two-page spread in theRevenge of the Sith Incredible Cross-Sections book, the fighter's role was significantly reduced in the final film. This was due to the fact that the P-38's digital model, being a late addition to the film, was not completed to the level originally planned, and so was relegated to a background craft.[55]
TheSoulless One wasGeneral Grievous' personal starfighter, a customized version of a Belbullab-22 starfighter, which made its first theatrical appearance inRevenge of the Sith (2005). AfterObi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) defeated General Grievous on Utapau, he used Grievous' starfighter to escape from his clone troopers attempting to carry outOrder 66 and rendezvoused withYoda and SenatorBail Organa (Jimmy Smits).[56]
TheV-wing Fighter orAlpha-3Nimbus-class V-Wing made its theatrical appearance in theRevenge of the Sith (2005), as theGalactic Republic is formally transformed into theGalactic Empire. Originally, animation directorRob Coleman proposed that TIE Fighters be featured to signify this transition, butGeorge Lucas pointed out that (in the film's chronology) there were nineteen years between the events ofRevenge of the Sith and the originalStar Wars. Allowing additional time for the TIE fighter to be introduced, a new starfighter was created instead, purposefully similar in both design and sound to the TIE fighter while also resembling the Jedi'sDelta-7 starfighter.[57]
According to Star Wars canon, the V-wing's design combines elements of the ARC-170, V-19 and Delta-7, making it an idealescort fighter.[58] Introduced by Kuat Systems Engineering during the final days of the Clone Wars, the compact V-wing is just 7.9 m (26 ft) long and 3.8 m (12 ft) wide, with its height expanding to 5.84 m (19.2 ft) when the wings are deployed. Anastromech droid assists the pilot with in-flight navigation and maintenance. Two pairs of laser cannons on swivel mounts in the wing struts provide a rapid-fire offensive punch.[59][60] The V-wing is far more maneuverable than theARC-170, making it perfect for combating swarms of Tri-fighters and Vulture droids,[59] while a pair of powerful ion engines can propel the fighter to a top atmospheric speed of 52,000 km/h (32,000 mph).[60] In order to save on weight to make the fighter so fast and maneuverable, it does not feature ahyperdrive orpressurized cockpit.[48] Additionally, folding wings on either side of the hull contain radiator panels to manage heat levels during intense activity.[59][60]
TheVulture Droid orVariable Geometry Self-Propelled Battle Droid is adroid starfighter that made its theatrical appearance inThe Phantom Menace (1999) as part of the Trade Federation's space fleet and appeared again, slightly different, inRevenge of the Sith (2005), as a Separatist space unit (likely coming from the Trade Federation, which sells its droid forces to the CIS, as established inAttack of the Clones). Original designs depicted the droid starfighter not as a droid itself, but instead piloted by abattle droid.[61] In order to demonstrate that it was both a robotic being as well as vehicle, it was decide to give the vulture droid a transformative element, allowing its wings to fold down and serve as legs. Two 18"maquettes of the vulture droid were built - one in ship mode and one in walking mode - to help create the digital model. In order to represent the idea of three vulture droids sharing one "brain," animators purposefully linked the motion of each three-ship flight when creating the climactic battle ofThe Phantom Menace.[62]
As perStar Wars sources, vulture droids were originally produced by the Xi Char cathedral factories of Hoar Chall Engineering for the Trade Federation before later becoming a mainstay of Separatist fighter squadrons during the Clone Wars.[28][63] At 3.5 m (11 ft) long when in flight mode, these droid starfighters are designed to engage the enemy in overwhelming swarms, partially to overcome their lack of cunning and resourcefulness.[63][64] Electromagnetic thrust-vectoring makes vulture droids elusive targets to hit, powered by concentrated solid fuel slugs which provide tremendous power but with the drawback of limited range. For armament the droid carries a pair of twin blaster cannons in the wings while two energy torpedo launchers are mounted in the main body; when the wings retract they conceal the blasters and protect them from microparticle and atmospheric corrosion. When necessary, the droid can uses itsrepulsorlifts to land and transform into a four-legged walking configuration to occupy territory, angling its energy torpedo launchers for antipersonnel use. Originally, vulture droids were controlled by a centralcommand ship, but were later given a limited degree of independence.[64]
A variant of the vulture droid is the Hyena Bomber Droid, with a larger, sturdier hull and larger wings. It also has a second hull with downward-facing photoreceptors for precision bomb dropping.[65] The Hyena Bomber Droid made its first appearance in the2008Clone Wars television series.
An improved successor to the X-wing, theE-wing first appeared inDark Horse Comics'Dark Empire series. They are one of few Expanded Universe vehicles to be a part ofMicro Machines' Action Fleet line.[66] Armed with three Taim & Bak IX9 Medium Laser Cannons and two proton torpedo launchers, the E-wing's aerodynamic frame made the fighter highly maneuverable and exceptional in atmospheric flight. Its Class 1 Hyperdrive allowed for extended reconnaissance missions and rapid strategic redeployment. As part of a larger force, the E-wing filled a versatile mid-rangemultirole combat aircraft or lighttorpedo bomber.
A Gauntlet Fighter, orKom'rk-class fighter, is aMandalorian class of ship. Larger than most starfighters, it can carry a larger crew and accommodate passengers. They were introduced inStar Wars: The Clone Wars being used by the Mandalorian splinter group Death Watch. Another one known as theNightbrother later served asDarth Maul's personal craft inStar Wars Rebels.Kom'rk-class fighter/transports are equipped with four laser cannons, a Class 1hyperdrive, and space to carry up to 24 soldiers. Two versions of the starfighter model exist, one 68 m (223 ft) long and a smaller variant 52.3 m (172 ft) long.[67][68]
Asajj Ventress flies the fanblade in the animatedStar Wars: Clone Wars series. Just as Ventress' appearance was inspired by aSamurai stance, the ship itself has Asian influences: its design is based on asensu folding fan.[69] Background literature refers to these asGinivex-class fanblade starfighters, with only six built for Asajj's personal use. At 13.1 metres (43 ft) long, the starfighters' retractablesolar sail helps make the ship extremely fast with a powerfuldeflector shield but also makes it easier to spot. It is also equipped with a Class 1hyperdrive and a rotating laser cannon mounted on either end of the solar sail.[70]
| UT-60D U-wing starfighter/support craft | |
|---|---|
| Star Wars vehicle | |
| First appearance | Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) |
| Created by | Incom Corporation |
| Information | |
| Affiliation | |
| General characteristics | |
| Class | Starfighter/Gunship/Troop transport |
| Armaments |
|
| Defenses |
|
| Maximum speed |
|
| Propulsion |
|
| Length | 23.99 meters (78 ft 8 in)(S-foils forward) |
| Width | 8.54 meters (28 ft) (S-foils forward) |
| Height | 3.51 meters (11 ft 6 in) |
| Population volume |
|
TheUT-60D U-wing starfighter/support craft is aRebeltroop transport/gunship model manufactured by Incom Corporation for the purpose of supportingspecial operations forces insertion and extraction into denied areas from strategic distances.[71] Used to penetrate enemy zones to drop off Rebel infantry, provideclose air support, and extract them upon mission completion. U-wings first appeared in the movieRogue One, where they were pivotal in the transport and protection of the Rebel Alliance's ground forces during theBattle of Scarif.[72]
DirectorGareth Edwards wantedRogue One to be grounded in the aesthetics of theKorean orVietnam War in order to contrast it with the moreWorld War II look of the originalStar Wars film. Thus when it came time to design a unique ship for the film's heroes to travel around in, he wanted it to be akin to a"Huey" version of theX-wing. While experimenting with different models and names ("Z-wing, R-wing, Q-wing, etc."), the final design picked was in part because it looked like an inverted X-wing. For filming interior scenes, a full-size U-wing cockpit was built and mounted on a manually controlledgimbal in front of a wall ofLED panels. The panels were used instead of traditional film lights so that more natural lighting could be simulated.[73]
In-universe material states that the UT-60 was the last starfighter design created by Incom Corporation before the company was nationalized by theGalactic Empire. Originally intended as a transport ship for couriers and planetary defense forces, the last of the UT-60D starfighters to be built were secured for theRebel Alliance thanks to the efforts of SenatorBail Organa (Jimmy Smits). Rebel mechanics and technicians transformed their U-wings into sturdy gunships and troop transports for Rebel Alliance Special Forces (SpecForces) making dangerous insertions into Imperial territory. The U-wing's engine configuration was inspired in part by the X-wing, and like the X-wing featured S-foils but in avariable-sweep wing format, opening them to improve atmospheric maneuverability and enlarge itsdeflector shield. However the ship was not designed for the tight turns necessary fordogfights, and while the U-wing did feature ahyperdrive forfaster-than-light travel, extended operations with a full passenger complement would quickly deplete the vessel's life support systems. The U-wing's two laser cannons could be supplemented by a pair of infantry heavy weapons handled by dedicateddoor gunners.[74]
TheV-19 Torrent starfighter first appeared in the2003Clone Wars animated series and have appeared in other media related to theClone Wars. Background material states the V-19 had impressive speed and maneuverability, making it a tricky starfighter to fly. It had three S-foils that functioned like those on theX-wing and was equipped with two laser cannons and twin concussion missile launchers.[28][75] At the beginning of the Clone Wars, V-19 starfighters did not havehyperdrives forfaster-than-light travel, instead relying on external hyperspace transport rings to which they would attached. Later models were modified to be equipped with an internal hyperdrive.[76]
TheZ-95 Headhunter is a class of starfighter which was first described in theBrian Daley's 1979 novelHan Solo at Stars' End as havingswing-wings and a bubble cockpit.[77] In the 1980–81comic strip adaptation, they are depicted like triangular,twin-tailed airplanes.[77][78] It was next depicted inTatooine Manhunt (1988), an adventure book forStar Wars: The Roleplaying Game, with artwork based on an earlyJoe Johnston production sketch.[77] At least as early asA Guide to the Star Wars Universe (1994), it was established that the Z-95 was the precursor to the X-wing.[79] The Z-95 is featured variously in the Expanded Universe, including theX-wing: Rogue Squadron comic series (c. 1996–1997), as well as in 2008'sThe Clone Wars television series, in which it is used by theGalactic Republic.
The Z-95 Headhunter is described in theStar Wars Databank as a versatile snub-fighter despite being outdated at the time of the Clone Wars.[80] Incom Corporation originally designed the Z-95 for planetary defense forces, and while lacking many features like ahyperdrive orastromech droid it was appreciated for its armaments and internal environmental controls. The Republic commissioned upgraded models of the Z-95 for theirclone pilots which featured more powerful weaponry anddeflector shields, as well as superior endurance and adaptability.[29] At the beginning of the one-shot comicAge of Resistance: Rose Tico, a youngPaige andRose Tico find out who is a better pilot of the Z-95.
