Z-95 Headhunter Mark I
 
 
 
Name/Model# : Z-95 Headhunter Mark I [Z-95 MkI]
Designer/Manufacturer : Incom Corporation/Subpro Corporation
Combat Designation : Multipurpose Starfighter
Scale : Starfighter
Length : 11.8 Metres
Skill : Starfighter piloting: Z-95
Crew Skill : Starfighter piloting 3D+2, starship gunnery 3D+2 and starship shields 3D+1
Crew : 1 Pilot
Cost of Fighter : Varies widely by condition and modifications (some Z-95 MkIs have been priced at 23,000 Credits)
Nav Computer : None
Sublight Speed : 5 Space Units
Hyperdrive Rating : None
Atmospheric Speed : 1,050 kph (WEG=365)
Manoeuvrability : 1D
Cargo Capacity : 50 kg
Consumables : 1 Day
Pilot Support Systems : Life Support Yes / Ejection System = Most likely a Loan-chat "Slingshot" Ejection Seat
Weapons : 2 Wing-Tipped Triple Blasters (Fire-Linked)
Fire Control: 1D
Space Range: 1-5/10/17 Space Units
Atmospheric Range: 100-500 metres/1 km/1.7 km
Damage: 3D

Concussion Missiles (Most likely has 2 launchers)
Fire Control: 1D
Space Range: 1/3/7 Space Units
Atmospheric Range: 50-100/300/700 metres
Damage: 7D
Sensors : Passive : 15 Space Units/0D
Scan : 25 Space Units/1D
Search : 40 Space Units/2D
Focus : 1 Space Unit/2D
Shields/Armour Rating : Shields 1D. Hull 4D

 

    The Z-95 Headhunter Mark I was the first model in the long and legendary series of Z-95s. Today (around the time of the destruction of the Stars' End penal colony), the Mark I is considered to be a museum piece, yet it is still flown by planetary police forces, pirates and outlaw groups. While initially plagued with delays and cost overruns, the Z-95 Headhunter earned its place in history and became one of the most successful military starfighters of all time. In its day, it was the starfighter of choice. Its manoeuvrability and durability (ability to take severe damage and still bring the pilot home) are legendary, which is the reason why this starfighter is still flown today. This inexpensive and simple to maintain fighter has become popular for those who either cannot afford or acquire more modern starfighters.

    Originally, the Mark I was not manufactured with weapons, but due to its popularity, especially among outlaw organizations and police forces prompted Incom to mount a set of triple blasters on each wing. Weapon hard points could also be found on the fuselage (most likely after Incom was prompted). Initially, this fighter was marketed as an atmospheric fighter, but Incom also forcibly marketed the fact that the Mark I could effortlessly be adapted for space travel. Although Incom did not admit that this fighter was not suitable for space combat as it possesses insufficient speed. However, in atmospheric combat their streamlined frames gives the Mark I a clear advantage over those starfighters which are not optimised for atmospheric combat. The well-designed swing-wing and fuselage reduced stress from high-G acceleration and turns, as well as maintained the fighter's stability. Included as standard equipment were: life-support, flight and engine monitors, back-up manual controls for most automated functions, and sensor detection and jamming systems. While its cockpit had a full life-support package, this however caused the cockpit to become very cramped.

    The Z-95 Mark I featured a bubble canopy (similar to the X-Wing's), which allowed for the widest possible field of view, swing-wings, and twin engines. As the series progressed over the decades, Headhunters were designed with sublight travel in mind; the swing-wings were replaced with fixed wings featuring rear-mounted manoeuvring jets (which retained its fantastic manoeuvrability), smaller bubble canopy (with increased instrumentation to compensate for reduced visibility) or "starfighter canopy", transparisteel canopies (which were more heavily armoured), and vastly improved HUD holographic tactical displays. These changes came about due to the advancement of technology. Most Headhunters employed internal halon fire extinguishers and a reliable Loan-chat "Slingshot" ejection seat.

    Some subsequent models however, did feature swing-wings and a forked tail with twin engines. To further the appeal of the Z-95, Incom released several aftermarket weapon and engine modification kits. Each subsequent model featured modest improvements over the last. Because this fighter is so easily modifiable, encountering a stock Z-95 Mark I or other Z-95 types is rare. And as a result many pilots opposing Z-95s have lost their lives by underestimating their foes. Nevertheless, the Z-95 is no match against our X-Wings, Y-Wings or our TIE series. This incredibly versatile design has spawned hundreds of specialized, improved and dedicated variations throughout it series; which to say the least is far more than any other starfighter ever conceived. These fighters see use in in-system defence, ferry runs between planets and space stations, and as shuttles between ships in a fleet.

 
   
Sources: DFRSB***Pg 128 / EGVV***Pg 200, 201 / HSCSSB***Pg 103, 104 / NEGVV***Pg 178, 179 / PC***Pg 62 / PGV1***Pg 50, 52 / SWSB***Pg 12, 13 / SWSB2***Pg 15 / TTSB***Pg 229
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