X-Wing Evolution: A Deep Dive From Z-95 Headhunter to T-85 (2024)

Welcome to our exploration of the X-Wing series, key starfighters in Star Wars.

From the versatile Z-95 Headhunter to the advanced T-85, we’ll delve into their evolution, design, weaponry, and roles in battles.

We’ll focus on models like the ARC-170, T-65B, T-65C-A2, T-70, and T-85, showcasing their unique features and improvements over time.

Let’s get started

1. Z-95 Headhunter X-Wing

The Z-95 Headhunter, also known as the Z-95 starfighter or just the Z-95, was a versatile starfighter made by Incom Corporation and Sublights Products Corporation.

There were many versions of the Headhunter, including one made for the clone pilots of the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars.

The Z-95 was the predecessor of the well-known T-65B X-wing starfighter.

The Z-95 had two sets of engines and was initially made without a hyperdrive, but it could be upgraded with a basic one.

Even though it was seen as old-fashioned, the Z-95 was tough and could be used in many ways, making it a respected fighter of its time.

The design and abilities of the Z-95 Headhunter were used as the basis for the X-wing starfighters.

The experiences from the Z-95’s use were taken into account when designing the X-wing, resulting in a balanced, hyperdrive-equipped fighter with no clear weaknesses.

2. ARC-170 Starfighter

The Z-95 was a reliable and flexible starfighter, but the ARC-170 was built to be stronger and more aggressive, with a focus on heavy attacks and bombing.

It was bigger and heavier than the Z-95, and it was loaded with weapons, making it a strong opponent in any fight.

One big change from the Z-95 was that the ARC-170 had a tail gunner and a copilot, making it a three-person starfighter.

This made the ship’s systems and weapons, especially the laser cannons on the ship’s wide wings and the rear-facing cannon, more efficient.

Another important difference was the addition of S-foils on the ARC-170. These S-foils, which would later become a key feature of the X-Wing series, helped to cool down the ship, which was a common problem in the Z-95.

The S-foils could also be opened to increase the range of its weapons, making the ARC-170 more effective in battle.

The ARC-170 also had a hyperdrive, a feature that was only available as an upgrade on the Z-95. This meant the ARC-170 could operate on its own and carry out long-distance missions without needing a carrier ship.

3. T-65B X-Wing Starfighter

The T-65B X-Wing Starfighter was a big step forward from the ARC-170 and started a new chapter in starfighter technology.

The T-65B, also known as the T-65B space superiority fighter or T-65B X-wing multi-role starfighter, was a one-person craft made by Incom Corporation.

It’s most famous for being used by the Alliance to Restore the Republic during the Galactic Civil War.

One of the main improvements in the T-65B was its S-foils.

These wings could be opened in an “X” shape, which helped to cool down the ship and increase the range of its weapons, making the T-65B more effective in battle.

This was a feature that was first seen in the ARC-170 and was improved in the T-65B.

The T-65B was also armed with four Taim & Bak KX9 laser cannons and two Krupx MG7 proton torpedo launchers. This made it a strong opponent in any fight.

Another big improvement was the addition of a Class 1 hyperdrive system. This meant the T-65B could operate on its own and carry out long-distance missions without needing a carrier ship.

This was a feature that was only available as an upgrade on the Z-95 and was standard on the ARC-170.

In terms of size, the T-65B was smaller and could move more easily than the ARC-170. It had better acceleration (3700 Gs compared to 2600 Gs of the ARC-170), making it a more agile and flexible starfighter.

4. T-65C-A2 X-Wing Starfighter

The T-65C-A2 was an improved version of the T-65B model. Both the T-65B and T-65C-A2 were the main X-wings used by the Rebellion, but the C-A2 model was not common because the T-65 was hard to build.

The T-65C-A2 model looked the same as the T-65B, but it had several upgrades. It was armed with four Taim & Bak KX9 laser cannons and two Krupx MG7 proton torpedo launchers.

It also had a Class 1 hyperdrive rating, which meant it could operate on its own and carry out long-distance missions without needing a carrier ship.

The Red Squadron used at least one T-65C-A2 in the Battle of Scarif in 0 BBY.

By 5 ABY, the T-65C was seen as an older model, and one was used by Temmin Wexley as part of the New Republic’s Phantom Squadron in the Battle of Jakku.

5. T-70 X-Wing Starfighter

The T-70 X-Wing Starfighter, also known as the T-70 X-wing fighter, was the next model after the T-65B X-wing starfighter.

The T-70 was faster, costlier, and more complex than the T-65B. It had advanced weapons and was more versatile than the T-65B, making it important in both small-scale dogfights and large-scale combat operations.

The T-70 was armed with four Taim & Bak KX12 laser cannons and several modular secondary weapon pods.

These pods could be fitted with different weapons such as Krupx MG7-A proton torpedo launchers, concussion missiles, mag-pulse warheads, ion bombs, and even heavy laser cannons.

It also had a Class 1 hyperdrive rating, which meant it could operate on its own and carry out long-distance missions without needing a carrier ship.

6. T-85 X-Wing Starfighter

The T-85 X-Wing Starfighter, also known as the New Republic X-wing fighter, was the next model of the X-wing starfighter used by the New Republic Defense Fleet during the rise of the First Order.

The T-85 was an improved version of the old T-65B X-wing starfighter. It was faster and could fly at a higher speed in the atmosphere compared to the T-70.

The T-85 was armed with four Taim & Bak KX14 laser cannons and Krupx MG7-B proton torpedo launchers. It also had a Class 1 hyperdrive rating.

The T-85 X-Wing Starfighter was an advanced version of the old T-65B X-wing starfighter. It was faster and could fly at a higher speed in the atmosphere compared to the T-70.

The T-85 was armed with four Taim & Bak KX14 laser cannons and Krupx MG7-B proton torpedo launchers.

It also had advanced sensors, which could generate much clearer readings than earlier models, allowing for precise targeting and detailed reconnaissance.

The T-85’s main advantage over the T-70 was its speed – it was a full 10 MGLT faster than the T-70.