Z-95 History
These initial models (the Mark I, or Z-95mk1) were very maneuverable in an atmosphere. The basic frame was 11.8 meters long, and had weapons hardpoints located on wing and fuselage.
Incom added new Z-95s annually during the height of production. Among the most common variants were the Z-95C4d, a ground support bomber equipped with additional bomb-racks and ordnance hard-points. The Z-95ER was an extended range model, with additional consumable tankages. The Z-95ML was a missile launch platform, with added missile racks and long-range ordnance hard-points. The Z-95XT was a two-person fighter used as a trainer. The Rebel Alliance used the XT as a training vessel as well as for ferrying runs in-system or between ships in the fleet.
These later-era Z-95s had a basic configuration that strongly hinted at the T-65 X-wing that was to soon take the galaxy by storm. A thin, pointed spaceframe rested between two large engine clusters, from which foils extended outward. The tips of the foils typically housed the primary weapons (usually blasters or laser weapons) while the fuselage provided a more stable platform for missile weapons. Later in the production run, the Z-95-AF4 (Assault Fighter 4) featured twin engine clusters that split into a total of four engine thrusters, much like the modern X-wing. These later Headhunters also had the capability of splitting the foils into attack position, widening the coverage area of the wing-mounted weapons.
Each generation of Z-95 has increased in speed. Compared to today's fighters, Z-95s have low maneuverability. The Mark I, with its aerodynamic styling, offered a greater airspeed-to-space speed ratio than later models.
Z-95s are typically not equipped with hyperdrive engines, though famed Republic (and later Alliance) tactician Adar Tallon developed a variant -- the Z-95t -- which featured a class 3 hyperdrive, and increased maneuverability. Later Z-95s did feature an Incom Gbk-435 hyperdrive motivator, and a Narmox Zr-390 navicomputer system. Smuggler Alliance leader Mara Jade piloted a modified Z-95 with a hyperdrive before switching to larger, more practical craft.
