The RZ-2 A-wing interceptor, alternatively known as the RZ-2 A-wing starfighter or the Resistance A-wing, represented a starfighter design with a wedge-shaped profile. It was the product of Kuat Systems Engineering, developed following the successful deployment of the earlier RZ-1 A-wing interceptor by the Alliance throughout the Galactic Civil War. The RZ-2 standardized and integrated years of field modifications made to the RZ-1 by the Rebellion, while also streamlining and lengthening the chassis to achieve even greater velocity. Consequently, piloting this exceptionally rapid, yet challenging, starfighter became a source of honor for various Resistance pilots, showcasing their proficiency and courage.
Kuat Systems Engineering engineered the RZ-2 as a single-seat starfighter. This spacecraft incorporated a liquid-cooled flight computer, a hyperdrive system, deflector shielding, and a port gyro stabilizer. Positioned at the rear, the two upright stabilizers were adjustable for flight within an atmosphere and were constructed from corrugated carbo-plas, a robust yet lightweight substance. At the ship's front, a narrow "slit" acted as a towing slot, facilitating craft maneuvering in hangars or on the ground. The cockpit accommodated a single pilot, safeguarded by a reinforced canopy enhanced with a cockpit deflector shield generator. Located ahead of the cockpit, a cargo storage area contained survival equipment and medical provisions.
In terms of weaponry, the starfighter was equipped with two Zija GO-4 laser cannons affixed to a pivoting cannon mount. This design enabled pilots to engage targets behind them without the concern of the temperamental mounts seizing in the rear-facing configuration—a persistent issue that plagued numerous Rebel RZ-1s until they underwent maintenance at a base. Two concussion missile launchers, which fired through recessed openings along the ship's sides, provided space for six missiles in each launcher, granting the pilot a total of twelve concussion missiles for deployment.
Similar to its RZ-1 predecessor, the RZ-2 was ideally suited for missions demanding high speed: including quick raids, precise strikes against capital ships, and intelligence-gathering operations. The RZ-2 enhanced the capabilities of its predecessors by incorporating more potent sensors for quicker data acquisition and improved jammers to hinder detection. However, one of the most prominent differences from the RZ-1 was its more aerodynamic chassis. This not only boosted speed but also rendered the starfighter's notoriously sensitive control system slightly more manageable during flight.
The RZ-2 A-wing starfighter emerged as a result of the impressive performance of the Rebel RZ-1 during the Galactic Civil War. Given that the original RZ-1 was based on Kuat Systems Engineering's initial R-22 Spearhead, the company revived its previously shelved prototype to develop the RZ-2 as the RZ-1's replacement. The RZ-2 integrated and standardized years of Rebel modifications used in the field, slimmed the chassis to improve speed, and featured enhanced generations of its various systems.
By seven years after the Battle of Yavin, the RZ-2 was a component of the demilitarized New Republic Defense Fleet. During the blockade of Substation Grimdock, squadrons of these interceptors were stationed aboard the Tribulan Vort. They suffered losses while strafing pirate warships.
Decades had passed by the time the Resistance employed the RZ-2 during their war against the First Order. As the New Republic had significantly reduced A-wing production, the Resistance procured several fighters for a range of purposes, from reconnaissance patrols to escorting bombers. Mirroring the previous generation of Rebels, Resistance pilots took pride in demonstrating their skill and bravery in mastering the exceptionally fast, yet unpredictable, starfighter.
A notable instance of the RZ-2's use occurred during the evacuation of D'Qar, where they were piloted by Blue Leader Tallissan "Tallie" Lintra and Zizi Tlo.
The initial glimpse of the RZ-2 A-wing was presented in the teaser trailer for Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi on April 14, 2017. However, its official debut within the canon took place in the video game Star Wars Battlefront II.