{{Short description|Starfighter in the Star Wars franchise}} {{Infobox Fictional Spacecraft | name = Kuat RZ-1 A-wing Interceptor | image = File:A-wing_production_model.jpg | caption = An RZ-1 A-wing filming model used for ''Return of the Jedi'' | first_major = Return of the Jedi (1983) | first_minor = <!-- or |first_issue=; Per MOS:MINORWORK - minor works include TV episodes, chapters, songs and game missions --> | first_date = | last_major = | last_minor = <!-- or |last_issue= --> | last_date = | creator = Ralph McQuarrie | based_on = | affiliation = {{plainlist| * Rebel Alliance * New Republic * Resistance }} | maker = Kuat Systems Engineering | launched = | decommissioned = | captain = | class = Interception starfighter | registry = | fighters = | aux_vehicle = Ejector seat
| armaments = * RZ-1/RZ-2: **Laser cannons (2) **Concussion missile launchers (2) ***12 missiles total * RZ-1T: **Laser cannons (2) | defense = *Deflector shield generator *Armor plating *Sensor jammer | max_speed = *RZ-1 **5,100 G (maximum acceleration) **1,300 km/h (808 mph; maximum atmospheric speed) **120 MGLT (megalight per hour; subluminal speed) **1.0 HCR (hyperdrive class rating; superluminal speed) *RZ-2 **5,200 G (maximum acceleration) **1,350 km/h (839 mph; maximum atmospheric speed) **125 MGLT (megalight per hour; subluminal speed) **1.0 HCR (hyperdrive class rating; superluminal speed) | chassis = | mass = | propulsion = *Sublight engines (2) *Hyperdrive motivators (2) | power = Fusion reactors (2) | length = * RZ-1: 6.9 meters * RZ-2: 7.682 meters | width = * RZ-1: 4.47 meters * RZ-2: 4.623 meters | height = * RZ-1: 2.47 meters * RZ-2: 2.016 meters | population_volume = {{plainlist| *1 pilot }} }}
'''Kuat RZ-1 A-wing Interceptor''' are starfighters in the ''Star Wars'' franchise. Designed and manufactured by Kuat Systems Engineering, they are the fastest ship in the Rebel Fleet (not including hyperspace travel).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maurer |first=Margaret |date=2016-09-09 |title=15 Fastest Ships In The Star Wars Galaxy |url=https://screenrant.com/fastest-ships-in-star-wars/ |access-date=2025-10-21 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref> The A-Wing was conceived for high-speed surgical strikes, deep reconnaissance, and escort fighter duty.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/a-wing-fighter-history-gallery|title=A-wing Fighter History Gallery|website=StarWars.com|publisher=Lucasfilm|at=Click on image 3 of 6|access-date=June 7, 2016|archive-date=June 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601145648/http://www.starwars.com/a-wing-fighter-history-gallery|url-status=live}}</ref>
A-wings first appear in ''Return of the Jedi'' (1983) and later in numerous ''Star Wars'' materials and productions. It gained popularity through its depiction in several video games, and since 1985 the A-wing has been merchandised by several companies. They are the fastest vessels in the ''Star Wars'' canon, with the advantage of being the smallest hyperspace drive-equipped craft without relying on a carrier, allowing the vessel to extricate itself from a losing battle or to escape hostile territory after performing an attack.
==Appearances== RZ-1 A-wings from Green Squadron participate in the climactic Battle of Endor depicted in ''Return of the Jedi'' (1983). At Endor, an A-wing piloted by Arvel Crynyd (Hilton McRae)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/a-wing-fighter-history-gallery|title=A-wing Fighter History Gallery|website=StarWars.com|publisher=Lucasfilm|at=Click on image 2 of 6 with thumbnail of a pilot|access-date=June 7, 2016|archive-date=June 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601145648/http://www.starwars.com/a-wing-fighter-history-gallery|url-status=live}}</ref> crashes into the bridge of the Super Star Destroyer ''Executor'', resulting in the ''Executor'' crashing out of control into the second Death Star. In addition to McRae, two women recorded A-wing cockpit footage; one of the actors was cut, and the other was dubbed over by a male actor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://i.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/75170814/Star-Wars-lost-female-fighter-pilots|title=Star Wars' lost female fighter pilots|date=December 16, 2015|access-date=June 9, 2016|website=Stuff.co.nz|archive-date=August 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808083820/http://i.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/75170814/Star-Wars-lost-female-fighter-pilots|url-status=live}}</ref>
A-wings later appear in various ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe television shows, books, and games. Some Expanded Universe material says Jan Dodonna created the A-wing based on his analysis of the role of speed in the Battle of Yavin, the climactic battle in ''Star Wars'' (1977).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/character/generaljandodonna/?id=eu |title=Expanded Universe - Dodonna, General Jan |access-date=June 7, 2016 |work=Star Wars Databank |publisher=Lucasfilm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050308135600/http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/generaljandodonna/?id=eu |archive-date=March 8, 2005 }}</ref> Later material, such as the ''Star Wars Rebels'' television series, depicts the starfighters in use before the events of ''Star Wars''.<ref name="sw.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/a-wing-fighter|title=A-wing Fighter|website=Star Wars Databank|publisher=Lucasfilm|access-date=June 7, 2016|archive-date=June 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612030433/http://www.starwars.com/databank/a-wing-fighter|url-status=live}}</ref>
The A-wings of Phoenix Squadron play an important role in ''Rebels''{{'}} second season (2015–2016). ''Rebels'' producers used the A-wing in part because the ship was not used much in ''Return of the Jedi''<ref name="wings">{{Cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/video/rebels-recon-inside-wings-of-the-master|title=Rebels Recon: Inside "Wings of the Master"|website=StarWars.com|publisher=Lucasfilm|access-date=June 7, 2016|archive-date=May 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529013944/http://www.starwars.com/video/rebels-recon-inside-wings-of-the-master|url-status=live}}</ref> The fighter's presence in the cartoon was meant to show that different groups used different craft to fight the Empire.<ref name="wings" /> The series's episodes "The Holocrons of Fate" and "Twin Suns" also feature the two-seater RZ-1T trainer, a training spacecraft used by the rebels to train recruits. The RZ-1T also appears in the novel ''Battlefront II: Inferno Squad''.
The RZ-1 A-Wing is based on the R-22 A-Wing, also made by Kuat Systems Engineering.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/a-wing-fighter | title=A-wing Fighter | access-date=2021-02-26 | archive-date=2021-03-03 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303080207/https://www.starwars.com/databank/a-wing-fighter | url-status=live }}</ref> A later variant, the RZ-2 A-wing, features in Star Wars Battlefront II and in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. It is a bigger spacecraft used by the Resistance against the First Order.
==Concept and design== [[File:ROTJ - A-wings.jpeg|alt=Two arrowhead-shaped craft fly in space with a nebula in the background|thumb|Ralph McQuarrie's production art for the A-wing. The A-wings in ''Star Wars Rebels'' use McQuarrie's alternative blue-and-white color scheme.<ref name="awingcolor">{{Cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/back-from-the-drawing-board-part-2-repurposed-star-wars-technology|title=Back from the Drawing Board, Part 2: Repurposed Star Wars Technology|last=Beentjes|first=Kevin|date=May 6, 2015|website=StarWars.com|access-date=June 9, 2016|archive-date=June 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608051534/http://www.starwars.com/news/back-from-the-drawing-board-part-2-repurposed-star-wars-technology|url-status=live}}</ref>]] The A-wing was one of two new Rebel Alliance starfighters created for ''Return of the Jedi''.<ref name=sculpt>{{cite book |last=Peterson |first=Lorne |title=Sculpting A Galaxy - Inside the Star Wars Model Shop |year=2006 |publisher=Insight Editions |pages= 52–55 |location=San Rafael, California |isbn=1-933784-03-2}}</ref> It was dubbed the ''A fighter'' because it was the first of the two designs created.<ref name="sculpt" /> Ralph McQuarrie's production paintings of A-wing starfighters were completed after filming and displayed alternative blue markings.
Joe Johnston designed the ship, Wesley Seeds and Lorne Peterson of Industrial Light & Magic built the model, apparently based on the kitbashed fuselage of a model Grumman F-14 Tomcat, and its pilot figure is based on a World War I German airman.<ref name="sculpt" /> A battle-damaged engine "wing" was snapped into place to represent Arvel Crynyd's damaged fighter as it crashed into the ''Executor''.<ref name="sculpt" />
McQuarrie's alternative blue-and-white coloring was used for the craft's appearance in ''Rebels.''<ref name="awingcolor" /> Photographs from the filming of ''Star Wars: The Last Jedi'' show an A-wing on the film set.<ref name="royalvisit">{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/19/prince-william-prince-harry-star-wars-episode-viii-set-visit-daisy-ridley-mark-hamill/83223550/|title=Princes William and Harry visit 'Star Wars' set, raise the bar for adorable|last=Lawler|first=Kelly|date=April 19, 2016|website=USA Today|publisher=Gannett Company|at=Image 2 of 6 in the article's picture gallery|access-date=June 9, 2016|archive-date=May 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528023208/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2016/04/19/prince-william-prince-harry-star-wars-episode-viii-set-visit-daisy-ridley-mark-hamill/83223550/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="movieweb" /> ''Screen Rant'' suggests the A-wing seen in the photographs evokes some of McQuarrie's interpretation of the design, such as the blaster cannon shape and the presence of additional ports in the cockpit.<ref name="screenrant">{{cite web|url=http://screenrant.com/star-wars-8-a-wing/|title=Star Wars 8 Brings Back The Rebellion's Fastest Starfighter|date=April 19, 2016|access-date=June 9, 2016|website=Screen Rant|first=Rob|last=Keyes|archive-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616093415/http://screenrant.com/star-wars-8-a-wing/|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Depiction == According to ''Star Wars'' canon, the A-wing is first produced by Kuat Systems Engineering, which had built the Delta-7 starfighter for the Jedi Order. With the Jedi eradicated (as depicted in ''Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith'') and the Delta-7 nearly impossible for non-Jedi to pilot, Kuat designed a new starfighter, the R-22 A-wing, in hopes the Galactic Empire would purchase it. While impressed with prototypes of the R-22, the Empire instead went with the TIE fighter and forbade Kuat from mass-producing the A-wing. The prototypes are sold to the kingdom of Tammuz-an, which over a decade later sell them to the Rebel Alliance.<ref name=swrsowm>{{cite book |title=Star Wars: Rebel Starfighters: Owners' Workshop Manual |publisher=Insight Editions |year=2019 |isbn=978-1683839361}}</ref>
Rebel engineers make many alterations to the original R-22 design to produce the RZ-1 model as seen in ''Return of the Jedi''. The original engines are swapped out for more powerful ones, while other major components are replaced with lightweight versions so a supraluminal hyperdrive can be added. The resulting fighter is faster than even the Empire's TIE interceptor. In combination with a powerful jammer and multi-spectral sensors, this makes the A-wing perfect for hit-and-run attacks, long-range patrols, and reconnaissance missions. Its two Borstel RG-9 laser cannons,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zambrano |first=J. R. |date=2021-04-04 |title=Star Wars: The Rebellions Perfect Interceptor, The A-Wing, A Breakdown |url=https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2021/04/star-wars-the-rebellions-perfect-interceptor-the-a-wing-a-breakdown-draft.html |access-date=2025-10-21 |website=Bell of Lost Souls |language=en}}</ref> mounted on special swivel mounts, can elevate or depress 60° vertically; some are modified for full 360° rotation but these have a greater chance to jam. However, engineers could not fit the A-wing with an astromech droid, which limits how many hyperspace coordinates it can carry. The lack of droid assistance also makes it challenging even for a being with Jedi-like reflexes to control a fighter so fast and maneuverable. Consequently, only the best Rebel pilots are allowed to fly the A-wing.<ref name=swrsowm/>
After the Empire is defeated, Kuat Systems Engineering make a number of improvements to the design to create the RZ-2 A-wing for the New Republic Defense Fleet. Even faster than the original, the RZ-2 requires less maintenance than the RZ-1, and the swivel mounts that allow its laser cannons to rotate 360° without the risk of jamming. Thanks to the New Republic's disarmament campaign, RZ-2s find their way into the Resistance, which like the Rebellion before allows only the best pilots to fly the A-wing.<ref name=swrsowm/>
== Impact == {{Expand section|date=June 2016}}
''CinemaBlend'' said the A-wing received little attention after ''Return of the Jedi'' because no prominent characters pilot the craft.<ref name="cb">{{cite web|url=http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Star-Wars-Episode-VIII-Bringing-Back-Classic-Ship-125727.html|title=Star Wars: Episode VIII Is Bringing Back A Classic Ship|last=Libbey|first=Dirk|website=Cinema Blend|date=19 April 2016|access-date=June 9, 2016|archive-date=12 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612163306/http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Star-Wars-Episode-VIII-Bringing-Back-Classic-Ship-125727.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Kenner in 1985 released an A-wing pilot figure as part of its ''Power of the Force'' line, and it released a "magnificent" A-wing toy as part of the ''Star Wars: Droids'' line.<ref name="universeofsw">{{Cite book|title=A Universe of Star Wars Collectibles: Identification and Price Guide|last=Wells III|first=Stuart W.|publisher=Krause Publications|year=2002|isbn=0873494156|edition=2nd.|pages=[https://archive.org/details/universeofstarwa00well/page/17 17, 212, 220, 222, 224, 266–267]|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/universeofstarwa00well/page/17}}</ref><ref name="ultimateguide">{{Cite book |last=Bellomo |first=Mark |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ISBN9781440240591 |title=The Ultimate Guide to Vintage Star Wars Action Figures, 1977-1985 |publisher=Krause Publications |year=2014 |isbn=9781440240591 |pages=45, 128 }}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Since then, the A-wing has been recreated as various other toys, models, and collectibles by companies that include Galoob, Hasbro, Model Products Corporation, Estes Industries, Lego, and Fantasy Flight Games.<ref name="universeofsw" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/129430/star-wars-x-wing-miniatures-game-wing-expansion-pa|title=Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game – A-Wing Expansion Pack (2013)|access-date=June 10, 2016|work=BoardGameGeek|publisher=Scott Alden|archive-date=June 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609111548/http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/129430/star-wars-x-wing-miniatures-game-wing-expansion-pa|url-status=live}}</ref>
''Screen Rant'' said the A-wing gained popularity as a playable craft in the ''Star Wars: X-Wing'' space combat simulator (1993),<ref name="screenrant" /> which ''The Escapist'' said depicted the ship as "an excellent dogfighter".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/12009-The-15-Best-Space-Combat-Sims-of-All-Time.5#&gid=gallery_2921&pid=1|title=The 15 Best Space Combat Sims of All-Time|date=July 29, 2014|website=The Escapist|publisher=Defy Media|access-date=June 9, 2016|archive-date=July 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701221648/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/12009-The-15-Best-Space-Combat-Sims-of-All-Time.5#&gid=gallery_2921&pid=1|url-status=dead}}</ref> Subsequent video games that allowed players to pilot the A-wing also contributed to the ship's popularity.<ref name="screenrant" /> ''Blastr'' ranked the A-wing 16th on its list of the best ''Star Wars'' vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blastr.com/2015-9-11/v-wing-millennium-falcon-50-best-star-wars-vehicles-ranked|title=From the V-Wing to the Millennium Falcon: 50 of the best Star Wars vehicles, ranked|last=Dorville|first=Matt|date=September 11, 2015|website=Blastr|publisher=Syfy|access-date=June 9, 2016|archive-date=May 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531215014/http://www.blastr.com/2015-9-11/v-wing-millennium-falcon-50-best-star-wars-vehicles-ranked|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Prince Harry was photographed sitting in an A-wing cockpit during his and the Duke of Cambridge's April 2016 visit to the ''Star Wars: Episode VIII'' set.<ref name="royalvisit" /> Responding to the photographs, various publications called the A-wing "iconic",<ref name="movieweb">{{cite news|url=http://movieweb.com/star-wars-episode-8-a-wing-fighter-photos/|title=Star Wars: Episode VIII Brings Back the A-Wing Fighter|last=Gallagher|first=Brian|date=April 19, 2016|work=MovieWeb|access-date=June 7, 2016|archive-date=June 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610031607/http://movieweb.com/star-wars-episode-8-a-wing-fighter-photos/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://moviepilot.com/posts/3875634|title=This Iconic 'Star Wars' Fighter Will Return in Episode 8!|last=Creamer|first=Matt Timmy|date=April 20, 2016|website=Moviepilot|access-date=June 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624232214/http://moviepilot.com/posts/3875634|archive-date=June 24, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> an "unsung hero",<ref name="nerdist">{{cite web|url=https://archive.nerdist.com/star-wars-episode-viii-will-bring-back-the-a-wing/|title=Star Wars: Episode VIII Will Bring Back the A-wing|first=Michael|last=Arbeiter|date=April 20, 2016|access-date=June 9, 2016|website=Nerdist|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602133058/http://nerdist.com/star-wars-episode-viii-will-bring-back-the-a-wing/|archive-date=June 2, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> "woefully underappreciated",<ref name="nerdist" /> and "a classic".<ref name="cb" />
In 2018 a number of ''Star Wars'' starfighters - including the A-wing - had their aerodynamic abilities tested using the Autodesk Flow Design virtual wind tunnel program. Of those starfighters tested the A-wing was among the most aerodynamic designs of all with a drag coefficient of .17, though it was still worse than the real-life example of the F-4E Phantom with a .02 rating. These poor results were rationalized with the in-universe explanations that drag coefficient plays no role in space travel, and that ''Star Wars'' fighters can use repulsorlifts and deflector shields to give themselves better flight profiles.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pockross|first=Adam|title=Testing the Aerodynamics of Star Wars Ships in a Virtual Wind Tunnel|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/testing-aerodynamics-star-wars-ships-virtual-wind-tunnel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620025609/http://www.syfy.com/syfywire/testing-aerodynamics-star-wars-ships-virtual-wind-tunnel|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 20, 2018|website=SyFy Wire|access-date=9 September 2020}}</ref> {{br}}<!--because of long photo caption that messes up references section-->
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== * {{Star Wars Databank|subject=a-wing-fighter|text=A-wing fighter}} * {{Star Wars Databank|subject=phoenix-squadron|text=Phoenix Squadron}} * {{Star Wars Databank|subject=a-wing-trainer-rz-1t|text=A-wing trainer (RZ-1T)}} * {{Wookieepedia|A-wing starfighter}}
{{Star Wars universe|state=collapsed}}
Category:Star Wars spacecraft Category:Fictional story elements introduced in 1983