The Z-95 Headhunter is on eof the most
common fighters in the galaxy despite the fact that the design is older
than most starfighter pilots. The starfighter is maneuverable, and its
durability is legendary. Headhunters often are found in planetary police
forces, and many pirate and outlaw groups use these ships.
The original Z-95 Mark I Headhunter
was designed as an atmospheric fighter craft that could be adapted to space
travel. Mark I Headhunters are twin-engined swing-wing craft. The bubble
cockpit gives the pilot a clear field of vision. Z-95's typically have
a set of triple blasters on each wing. While Z-95 Mark I's aren't fast
enough for space combat, their maneuverability gives them a clear advantage
against starfighters that aren't streamlined for air combat.
Incom/Subpro designers made modest
improvements with each model year, and the Z-95 fighters from the last
production run are evenly matched against other fighters of that era. These
later Headhunters are more likely to be found in operation today. The swing
wings were replaced with fixed wings, although maneuverability was maintained
by adding manuevering jets. Another addition was a more heavily armored
starfighter canopy much like the one used in the X-wing, while heads-up
holographic tactical displays were improved. The last Z-95 models look
like primative X-wings, and with good reason-Incom's designers borrowed
many Z-95 elements when designing the original X-wing fighter. Countless
variant Z-95 models have been built becuase the ship's technology is well
understood, and starship mechanics have no problems modifying the ships.
The most frequent modifications involve replacing the weapons systems or
enhancing the motors for greater speed. For example, the Z-95-AF4 (assualt
fighter 4) has been refitted with Incom 2a fission engines and armed with
two Taim & Bak KX5 laser cannons and a pair of Krupx MG5 concussion-missile
launchers.
Z-95s are a good choice for defensive
missions. Stripped-down Headhunters armed with concussion missiles can
be used as assualt ships. The Rebel Alliance used a number of Z-95 Headhunters
for training missions because a pilot familiar with the controls of a Headhunter
can quickly adapt to an X-wing or Y-wing. Remore Alliance bases also used
Z-95s for defense to supplement Y-wings.
