The following is a list of science-fictional Star Wars starfighters. Within the Star Wars setting, a starfighter is defined as a "small, fast, manevuerable, and heavily armed starship used in direct confrontations between opposing forces."[1] In addition to appearing in the saga's movies and TV series, several LucasArts games depict the player as a starfighter pilot.
In the Star Wars universe, starfighters are equipped with the same fictional technology found on other starships. Sublight drives propel starfighters at below lightspeed velocities, with the most common type being the ion engine.[2] These engines are used to lift off from planetary surfaces, travel in deep space and engage other starships in space battles, while inertial 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 internal hyperdrive or connect to an external hyperdrive unit for faster-than-light travel.[5] The primary weapon on most starfighters are laser cannons,[6] with additional weapons like proton torpedoes boasting additional firepower.[7] Some starfighters are also equipped with deflector shields which can be adjusted to protect specific areas of the ship.[8]
See main article: A-wing. The Kuat RZ-1 A-wing Interceptor is a class of starfighter, depicted as fast but fragile interceptors of the Rebel Alliance, conceived for high-speed surgical strikes, deep reconnaissance and escort fighter duty.[9] A-wings first appear in Return of the Jedi (1983) during the climactic Battle of Endor. It gained popularity through its depiction in several video games, such as Battlefront II and 2015 Battlefront, and has been merchandised by several companies.
| A/SF-01 B-wing starfighter | |
| Series: | Star Wars |
| First Major: | Return of the Jedi (1983) |
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| Creator: | Slayne & Korpil |
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| Class: | Heavy assault starfighter[10] |
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| Length: | 16.9 meters (55 ft 5 in) |
| Width: | 2.9 meters (9 ft 6 in) |
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The A/SF-01 B-wing starfighter is a fictional Rebel Alliance and New Republic starfighter. They first appear in Return of the Jedi (1983) and subsequently in the Star 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.
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 enemy capital 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]
See main article: TIE fighter. 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.
See main article: X-wing. The X-wing starfighter, named for the distinctive shape made when its S-Foils are in attack position, was a class of starfighter used by the Rebel Alliance in their conflict with the Galactic Empire. It made its theatrical debut, as the T-65B model, in Star Wars (1977) as the spacecraft piloted by Luke Skywalker and the Red Squadron when Luke destroyed the Death Star. The starfighter featured extensively in the Star Wars original trilogy and in the Expanded 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.
See main article: Y-wing. The Y-wing assault starfighter/bomber are depicted as the primary fighter-bombers of the Galactic 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 the Resistance; being ideally suited for anti-shipping, close air support, and ground attack missions. They made their theatrical appearance in (1977) and have featured in movies, television shows, and the Star Wars expanded universe's books, comics, and games.
The ARC-170 starfighter or Aggressive ReConnaissance-170 starfighter were flown by clone pilots of the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars. They first appear in the opening battle sequence of (2005) and have featured in the 2008 Clone 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 14.5m (47.6feet) long, with a wingspan of 22.6m (74.1feet) and height of 4.78m (15.68feet).[27] Its crew includes a pilot, a co-pilot/forward gunner, a tail gunner, and an astromech droid to act as navigator and make repairs.[27] [28] With its hyperdrive 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 six proton torpedoes which allow it to conduct bombing missions.[27] [28] Deflector shielding protects the fighter from enemy attack and allows it to achieve hypersonic speed in an atmosphere by dispersing the heat created from air friction.[27]
After the end of the Clone Wars, the ARC-170 would continue to serve under the Galactic Empire until replaced in favor of the TIE Fighter.[27] It would also serve as the in-universe inspiration for Incom's next starfighter, the X-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 as stabilizer surfaces during atmospheric flight.[27] [29]
Droid Tri-fighters are droid starfighters used by Separatist forces during the Clone Wars. They made their first theatrical appearance in the opening battle of Revenge 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 the Trade Federation's circular battleship.[30]
The tri-fighter is a compact and heavily armed starfighter with three arms surrounding a rotating gyroscopic core. Measuring 5.4m (17.7feet) long, with a 1.96m (06.43feet) wingspan and 3.45m (11.32feet) width, its in-universe manufacturer are the Colicoids, the same species which produced Droideka.[31] They are more dangerous than Vulture droids thanks to an advanced heuristic droid brain which better learns from enemy tactics and can be linked to coordinate multi-fighter attacks.[32] While not as fast as a Jedi 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, including proton torpedoes, concussion missiles and buzz droids.[28]
Geonosian Nantex-class Starfighters appear in the climactic Battle of Geonosis in when they chase after a Republic attack gunship carrying Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Padmé 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.[33] The starfighter technically made its first appearance in the video game which was released prior to the movie.[34]
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.[35] Formally known as the Nantex-class starfighter and produced by the Huppla Pasa Tisc Shipwrights Collective, the Geonosian fighter is 9.8m (32.2feet) long, 1.9m (06.2feet) wide and 2.2m (07.2feet) tall (excluding the cockpit bubble). In addition to a magnetically suspended laser cannon turret, the fighter is equipped with 100 independently aiming narrow-beam tractor/repulsor projectors.[36] These projectors are used not only to grapple with other spacrcraft but to help maneuver the fighter by pulling or pushing against surrounding objects.[37] 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.[36]
The Delta-7 Aethersprite-class light interceptors (better known as "Jedi starfighters") appear in (2002), when Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) travels via Jedi starfighter to Kamino to investigate the attempted assassination of Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman); he also flies a Jedi starfighter to Geonosis in an attempt to track down the bounty hunter Jango Fett (Temuera Morrison). Later, Plo Koon (Matt Sloan) flies a Jedi starfighter when he is shot down by clone troopers carrying out Emperor Palpatine's (Ian McDiarmid) Order 66 in Revenge of the Sith (2005).[38] In the 2003 Clone Wars animated series, Anakin Skywalker is seen flying a customized Delta-7, called the Azure Angel, of which a Lego model was later made.[39]
The Jedi starfighter's triangular shape stems from the shape of Imperial Star Destroyers in the original Star Wars trilogy. Industrial Light & Magic designer Doug Chiang identified the Jedi starfighter as one of the first designs that bridges the aesthetic between the prequel and original trilogies.[40] 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. 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.[41]
Star Wars expanded universe material states that the Delta-7 was designed specifically with the Jedi's Force-aided reflexes in mind by stripping them down and making their controls as responsive as possible.[38] [42] Manufactured for the Jedi by Kuat Systems Engineering, the starfighter measures just 8m (26feet) long, 3.92m (12.86feet) wide and 1.44m (04.72feet) high, making it difficult to detect. An astromech 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).[42] A pair of laser cannons and deflector shielding allows the Jedi pilot to engage in combat, though ideally as a last resort. Lacking an internal hyperdrive, the Jedi starfighter uses an external hyperspace transport wing to which it can attach for faster-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 after Order 66, Kuat Systems Engineering designed a new starfighter that would be more manageable for non-Jedi pilots: the A-wing.[42] [43]
The Eta-2 Actis-class light interceptors, also known as "Jedi interceptors", made their first theatrical in (2005). In the opening space battle, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) pilot Jedi interceptors on a mission to rescue Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) from General Grievous. The craft's design was purposefully meant to echo the earlier Jedi starfighter and the TIE fighter, while its opening wing panels were influenced by a feature on Hasbro's toy model of the Jedi starfighter.[44] 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.[45]
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 the Clone Wars, being smaller but possessing greater firepower than the earlier Delta-7 with twin laser cannons and twin ion cannons.[46] [47] [48] Also built by Kuat Systems Engineering, the Eta-2 is even smaller than the Delta-7 at just 5.47m (17.95feet) long, 4.3m (14.1feet) wide and 2.5m (08.2feet) high with wings deployed, though with enough space for an astromech droid socket inside the port wing. It is also even more maneuverable with two ion engines that can deflect thrust up to 30 degrees.[47] [48] The Eta-2 has no deflector shields or bulky flight controls in order to save weight and maximize speed and agility, instead relying on the Jedi's Force 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.[47] [48] [49] After the Jedi were destroyed during Order 66, the Eta-2 would serve as the inspiration for the Galactic Empire's TIE Fighter.[49]
The Naboo N-1 starfighter made its theatrical appearance in . During the climactic Battle of Naboo, a squadron of the fighters attacked the orbiting Trade Federation Droid Control Ship Saak'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 of escorting senator Padmé 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 of Return of the Jedi. A modified N-1 starfighter appears in the Disney + series The Book of Boba Fett (2022), built by Tatooine mechanic Peli Motto (Amy Sedaris) and used as a replacement for Din Djarin's (Pedro Pascal) destroyed Razor Crest. Djarin's N-1 starfighter is heavily featured in the third season of The Mandalorian (2023). The fighter technically first appeared as an unlockable vehicle in , which was released approximately six months before The Phantom Menace, and was available as a playable vehicle in the video games and .
The N-1 initially had the same angular design as craft in the original Star Wars trilogy; only in later designs did it take on a streamlined appearance.[50] A life-size model of a Naboo starfighter hangs suspended from the ceiling of the Blue Wing at the Boston Museum of Science, in Boston, Massachusetts.[51] This 1:1 scale model was unveiled at the museum in April 2004, as a prelude to the exhibit.[51] The model was previously used as a prop during the filming of The Phantom Menace.[51]
Based on in-universe background material, the N-1's sleek design exemplifies the philosophy of art and function in Naboo technology.[52] At 11m (36feet) long, the starfighters are built by the Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps using a number of standard components in a custom-built spaceframe. The chromium 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 engine heat sinks.[53] Behind the pilot's cockpit, an astromech 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 twin proton torpedo launchers with a capacity for 10 torpedoes.[52] [53]
In a 2018 a test was conducted using the Autodesk Flow Design virtual wind 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 a drag coefficient of .1, which while somewhat poor compared to the real-life .02 rating of the F-4E Phantom was significantly better than all other starfighters tested.[54] [55]
The Porax-38 appears in Revenge of the Sith as a starfighter piloted by the native Utapauns during the Battle of Utapau. Although featured in a full two-page spread in the Revenge 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.[56]
The Soulless One was General Grievous' personal starfighter, a customized version of a Belbullab-22 starfighter, which made its first theatrical appearance in Revenge of the Sith (2005). After Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) defeated General Grievous on Utapau, he used Grievous' starfighter to escape from his clone troopers attempting to carry out Order 66 and rendezvoused with Yoda and Senator Bail Organa (Jimmy Smits).[57]
The V-wing Fighter or Alpha-3 Nimbus-class V-Wing made its theatrical appearance in the Revenge of the Sith (2005), as the Galactic Republic is formally transformed into the Galactic Empire. Originally, animation director Rob Coleman proposed that TIE Fighters be featured to signify this transition, but George Lucas pointed out that (in the film's chronology) there were nineteen years between the events of Revenge of the Sith and the original Star 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's Delta-7 starfighter.[58]
According to Star Wars canon, the V-wing's design combines elements of the ARC-170, V-19 and Delta-7, making it an ideal escort fighter.[59] Introduced by Kuat Systems Engineering during the final days of the Clone Wars, the compact V-wing is just 7.9m (25.9feet) long and 3.8m (12.5feet) wide, with its height expanding to 5.84m (19.16feet) when the wings are deployed. An astromech 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.[60] [61] The V-wing is far more maneuverable than the ARC-170, making it perfect for combating swarms of Tri-fighters and Vulture droids,[60] while a pair of powerful ion engines can propel the fighter to a top atmospheric speed of 52000kph.[61] In order to save on weight to make the fighter so fast and maneuverable, it does not feature a hyperdrive or pressurized cockpit.[49] Additionally, folding wings on either side of the hull contain radiator panels to manage heat levels during intense activity.[60] [61]
The Vulture Droid or Variable Geometry Self-Propelled Battle Droid is a droid starfighter that made its theatrical appearance in The Phantom Menace (1999) as part of the Trade Federation's space fleet and appeared again, slightly different, in Revenge 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 in Attack of the Clones). Original designs depicted the droid starfighter not as a droid itself, but instead piloted by a battle droid.[62] 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 of The Phantom Menace.[63]
As per Star 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] [64] At 3.5m (11.5feet) 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.[64] [65] 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 its repulsorlifts 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 central command ship, but were later given a limited degree of independence.[65]
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.[66] The Hyena Bomber Droid made its first appearance in the 2008 Clone Wars television series.
An improved successor to the X-wing, the E-wing first appeared in Dark Horse Comics' Dark Empire series. They are one of few Expanded Universe vehicles to be a part of Micro Machines' Action Fleet line.[67] 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-range multirole combat aircraft or light torpedo bomber.
A Gauntlet Fighter, or Kom'rk-class fighter, is a Mandalorian class of ship. Larger than most starfighters, it can carry a larger crew and accommodate passengers. They were introduced in Star Wars: The Clone Wars being used by the Mandalorian splinter group Death Watch. Another one known as the Nightbrother later served as Darth Maul's personal craft in Star Wars Rebels. Kom'rk-class fighter/transports are equipped with four laser cannons, a Class 1 hyperdrive, and space to carry up to 24 soldiers. Two versions of the starfighter model exist, one 68m (223feet) long and a smaller variant 52.3m (171.6feet) long.[68] [69]
Asajj Ventress flies the fanblade in the animated Star Wars: Clone Wars series. Just as Ventress' appearance was inspired by a Samurai stance, the ship itself has Asian influences: its design is based on a sensu folding fan.[70] Background literature refers to these as Ginivex-class fanblade starfighters, with only six built for Asajj's personal use. At long, the starfighters' retractable solar sail helps make the ship extremely fast with a powerful deflector shield but also makes it easier to spot. It is also equipped with a Class 1 hyperdrive and a rotating laser cannon mounted on either end of the solar sail.[71]
| UT-60D U-wing starfighter/support craft | |
| Series: | Star Wars |
| First Major: | (2016) |
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| Creator: | Incom Corporation |
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| Class: | Starfighter/Gunship/Troop transport |
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| 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) |
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The UT-60D U-wing starfighter/support craft is a Rebel troop transport/gunship model manufactured by Incom Corporation for the purpose of supporting special operations forces insertion and extraction into denied areas from strategic distances.[72] Used to penetrate enemy zones to drop off Rebel infantry, provide close air support, and extract them upon mission completion. U-wings first appeared in the movie Rogue One, where they were pivotal in the transport and protection of the Rebel Alliance's ground forces during the Battle of Scarif.[73]
The V-19 Torrent starfighter first appeared in the 2003 Clone Wars animated series and have appeared in other media related to the Clone 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 the X-wing and was equipped with two laser cannons and twin concussion missile launchers.[28] [76] At the beginning of the Clone Wars, V-19 starfighters did not have hyperdrives for faster-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.[77]
The Z-95 Headhunter is a class of starfighter which was first described in the Brian Daley's 1979 novel Han Solo at Stars' End as having swing-wings and a bubble cockpit.[78] In the 1980–81 comic strip adaptation, they are depicted like triangular, twin-tailed airplanes.[79] It was next depicted in Tatooine Manhunt (1988), an adventure book for , with artwork based on an early Joe Johnston production sketch.[78] At least as early as A Guide to the Star Wars Universe (1994), it was established that the Z-95 was the precursor to the X-wing.[80] The Z-95 is featured variously in the Expanded Universe, including the X-wing: Rogue Squadron comic series, as well as in 2008's The Clone Wars television series, in which it is used by the Galactic Republic.
The Z-95 Headhunter is described in the Star Wars Databank as a versatile snub-fighter despite being outdated at the time of the Clone Wars.[81] Incom Corporation originally designed the Z-95 for planetary defense forces, and while lacking many features like a hyperdrive or astromech droid it was appreciated for its armaments and internal environmental controls. The Republic commissioned upgraded models of the Z-95 for their clone pilots which featured more powerful weaponry and deflector shields, as well as superior endurance and adaptability.[29] At the beginning of the one-shot comic Age of Resistance: Rose Tico, a young Paige and Rose Tico find out who is a better pilot of the Z-95.