RZ-1 A-wing interceptor

The RZ-1 A-wing interceptor was a wedge-shaped starfighter manufactured by Kuat Systems Engineering which took design inspiration from the Republic starfighters of the Clone Wars. They were used by the Rebel Alliance, and saw action during the Age of the Empire and the Galactic Civil War.

Characteristics
The RZ-1 A-wing starfighter was a high-speed starfighter manufactured by Kuat Systems Engineering. Influenced by the designs of the Republic starfighters flown during the Clone Wars, the A-wing was wedge-shaped with dual engines mounted on the stern. The craft came equipped with a hyperdrive. The fighters were armed with two laser cannons and concussion missiles. The A-wings measured 9.6 meters long.

A-wings were often modified. The most common variant seen in the Alliance favored raw speed, consisting of a stock model stripped of its shields, armor and heavy weapons. As a result, the ship was faster than the Empire's variant, the TIE Interceptor.

Pre-Galactic Civil War
The RZ-1 A-wing starfighter was manufactured by Kuat Systems Engineering, of Kuat. A group of A-wing fighters codenamed "Phoenix Squadron" was part of a rebel cell led by Commander Jun Sato, which was part of a larger Rebel network.

Galactic Civil War
During the Galactic Civil War, A-wings were used by the Alliance in early battles against Imperial forces and soon proved themselves to be capable fighters. Green Squadron deployed with their A-wing fighters to join the Alliance Fleet in preparation for the Battle of Endor. Under Lando Calrissian's command, they flew against the Second Death Star. The Imperial Fleet ambushed them, and Green Squadron fought against the Imperial fleet. Once Han Solo's strike team brought down the Death Star's shield generator, Jake Farrell and another A-wing pilot flew into the Death Star, but broke off to draw TIE fighters away from Calrissian. Green Leader Arvel Crynyd was hit by fire and crashed into the bridge of the Super Star Destroyer Executor, resulting in its destruction.

Known A-wing Pilots

 * Shara Bey
 * Arvel Crynyd
 * Jake Farrell
 * Kokley
 * L'ulo
 * Phoenix 1
 * Phoenix 2
 * Pick

Behind the scenes
The A-wing appears in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. Designed by Ralph McQuarrie, they were originally colored blue but had to be changed due to the limited bluescreen technology at the time. However, the original coloration of the A-wings makes its first appearance on the A-wings of Phoenix Squadron in the second season of Star Wars Rebels. The original Legends backstory for the craft has them being designed and fielded after the Battle of Yavin, but their appearance in Rebels places them in service 5 years before the Battle of Yavin.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Rebels: The Siege of Lothal
 * Star Wars: Battle Pod
 * Star Wars: Commander
 * Star Wars Battlefront
 * Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi
 * Star Wars: Shattered Empire, Part I
 * Star Wars: Shattered Empire, Part II
 * Star Wars: Shattered Empire, Part IV
 * Aftermath
 * Star Wars: Shattered Empire, Part II
 * Star Wars: Shattered Empire, Part IV
 * Aftermath