Looking around the interwebs it came in 2 different versions. One with 2 engines and one with 4 engines.
What was behind the decision to go with the 4 engine version?
I prefer the look of the 2 engine version because it doesn't remind me of a conceptual X-Wing design.
Wondered that myself.
I thought the two engine version was a Clone fighter variant. I don't remember seeing twin engine rebel ones.
I prefer the two-engine as well, I suspect they chose the four to link it more visually as an ancestor of the X-Wing. IIRC, in the EU different models of the Z-95 had two or four intakes just depending on the model number.
So they both had four engines but the variant was 2 or 4 intakes?
Still; with 2 intakes/engines it looks like the predecessor to the X-Wing without it looking like a conceptual design.
X-Wing said "I'll see your 2 guns, intakes and wings and raise you 2."
Maybe the 2 intake/engine version can come out later with different stats. Like 2, 3, 2, 1 and be like the Interceptor.
These were the variations I found. I like the top one the best. Looks really Star Warsy.
d.
These were the variations I found. I like the top one the best. Looks really Star Warsy.
I agree 100% regarding the top one. This version:
I believe appeared in the X-Wing: Rogue Squadron comic books. Looks to me like quad intakes with dual exhaust.
Audio Weasel, that's probably an X-Wing... it does have four lasers and looks like there's wings that could split.
The Z-95 is actually based on the original concept art for the X-wing drawn by Joe Johnston:
Pretty much anything that looks like this is what pre-Prequel Star Wars fans would call a Z-95. There's also another variant that was created for the Roleplaying game material at a later date which looks like this:
Finally, there's the version which was used in the Clone Wars series:
Nope Leo, that is definitely a Z-95, they state as much in the comics and it flies alongside real T-65s.
Talk about confusing. I always associated them with two wings=two blasters, so this makes them a bit harder to differentiate. I guess it -is- a bit more squat looking than an X-Wing but you can certainly see why I said what I said.
The Z-95 is a twin engined craft. Or was until it was retconned for the west end games rpg
I think they all are considered canon, just different versions of the same ship. The clone wars cartoon one would probably be considered the first version, and the others pictured would be later versions. You'd think they would have to update the ship a few times for it to still be in use in the thrawn era and later.
I think they all are considered canon, just different versions of the same ship. The clone wars cartoon one would probably be considered the first version, and the others pictured would be later versions. You'd think they would have to update the ship a few times for it to still be in use in the thrawn era and later.
Well the old Wookieepdia suggests that the clone Z-95 wasn't the original and was just a variant. Which sort of makes sense as the Arc fighters only had 2 engines as well. Oddly the show originally called it a Z-85 I guess so maybe someone did want it to be a predecessor.
The beauty of the Z-95 is that it was a modular platform. There are split S-foil versions, twin cannons, quad cannons, 4 or 2 engines or somewhere in between, missile boats, couriers, etc.
It's not just that it's a cheap ship that's TIE equivalent for the Rebel swarm, or a knockoff X-Wing. It really is a unique craft on its own, on merit of the roles it can fill. If the X-Wing was an F-15 (strike/interceptor), the Z-95 would be an F-16 (multirole).
Well, none of them really fit with the original source for the Z-95... the novel "Han Solo at World End". In that book, the Headhunter is described as having a "twin tail" and "variable-geometry wings". "Twin Tail" could mean twin booms like a WWII P-38 Lightning or Hawker Vampire or possibly a "V-tail" like the F-15 Eagle and other jet fighters. The "Variable-Geometry Wings" are better known as "swing-wings" which allow for better performance at high and low speeds in an atmosphere. Both of the above would be relatively unimportant in a space fighter but very useful features for a ship that spends much, if not most, of its time flying missions in a planet's atmosphere, such as planetary defense or ground support. It is in that latter role, that the Z-95 sees much use among the Rebels and there are even some elite units specializing in that role (ex. Tala Commandos). At least according to some EU sources.
Personally, I like the top picture best!
Chris