RZ-1 A-wing interceptor

The **RZ-1 A-wing interceptor**, also known as the **RZ-1 A-wing starfighter**, was a wedge-shaped starfighter manufactured by Kuat Systems Engineering, which took design inspiration from the Republic starfighters of the Clone Wars. Based on the original R-22 prototype, the early rebel movement adopted the fighter against the Galactic Empire, letting these so-called RZ-1s see action during the Age of the Empire and the Galactic Civil War.

## Characteristics

The RZ-1 A-wing starfighter was a quick, powerful strike fighter manufactured by Kuat Systems Engineering. Influenced by the designs of the Republic starfighters flown during the Clone Wars, and based off the R-22 prototype, the RZ-1 A-wing was the result of Rebel engineers seeking to improve upon the original design's speed, weaponry and defenses.

In modifying the A-wing, the Rebels first sought to equip it with a hyperdrive. They then realized they could swap out the original sublight engines mounted on the stern for two massive, more-powerful "Event Horizon" models that made it faster than even the TIE/IN interceptor. The original hull armor, weapons and deflector system were also swapped out for lightweight material and components. Essentially a cockpit with two engines, the RZ-1 was so fast and maneuverable it was a challenge to pilot even for someone with Jedi-like reflexes.

This challenge was due to the fact that there was no room left to fit an astromech droid within the limited space of the A-wing's hull. Flying the RZ-1 not only required precision manipulation of the dorsal and ventral stabilizers, but also the thrust-vector controls built into the engines and the thruster-control jets located between the engines, all without assistance from an astromech. As such, only the best pilots could fly an A-wing without losing control. Also, while renowned for its speed, the ship was bemoaned for frequent breakdowns, being prone to thruster decalibrations and componentized power losses. Beyond requiring more post-flight maintenance checks than any other Rebel fighter, A-wings were also notorious for their unusually cramped cockpit.

The A-wing was equipped with two laser cannons and could carry up to twelve concussion missiles. While standard Borstel Galactic Defense models, the laser cannons were carried on a special vectored cannon system allowing a greater firing arc during flight. Some A-wings' mounts were modified to provide full 360° rotation but this made them more prone to jamming, especially when used to fire rearward. Each cannon was also mated to a low-powered targeting laser.

A Sirplex deflector shield generator was carried by the A-wing, with the projector located on the small blister behind the transparisteel canopy, and it used lightweight durasteel armor to protect its titanium alloy frame. While chosen for their weight, these defenses could keep the pilot surprisingly safe from harm: in one instance, a smart mine detonated less than twelve meters from an A-Wing with enough destructive force to devastate a city block. While the starfighter itself was wrecked and would require several days of extensive repairs, the pilot was recovered with no injuries. The gap in the reinforced front wedge of the A-wing served as a towing slot when necessary.

The original R-22's transparisteel canopy was mounted on a hinge that allowed it to lift and tilt back for the pilot. While this feature was kept on some RZ-1s, others were modified so that the canopy slid forward and back on special tracks. Many pilots preferred this system, which nevertheless was more prone to malfunctioning than the simple hinge and required additional maintenance.

The A-wing was also notable for carrying a 4X-Phantom short-range sensor jammer A-wing sensor jammers were powerful units which drew energy directly from their engines. Though larger ships' sensors would be able to burn through the interference, they were capable of completely jamming other starfighters' sensors and communications.

The A-wing was ideal for missions that required speed: hit-and-run raids, surgical strikes on capital ships, and intelligence gathering missions. A capable pilot could emerge from hyperspace, engage the fighter's powerful suite of imagers and sensors, streak around the objective at top speed, and vanish back into hyperspace all while enemy ground crews scrambled to get fighters airborne.

During the early rebellion against the Galactic Empire, a trainer variant of the A-wing, called the RZ-1T, was developed and used to train aspiring rebel pilots. In addition to the pilot seat, the model also featured a seat for an instructor.