T-85 X-wing starfighter

The T-85 X-wing starfighter from Incom-FreiTek Corporation stood as a sophisticated evolution of the earlier T-65B X-wing starfighter. These X-wings incorporated four 5L9 fusial thrust engines and possessed a Class 1 hyperdrive system. The engines allowed for speeds of up to 1,300 KPH and 120 MGLT. Operation required one pilot, aided by an integrated astromech droid. Further systems included deflector shields along with sensors. A notable feature was its unique nose, designed to house advanced Carbanti sensors. The engines could reach a speed of 3,800 and 120 MGLT. The craft's dimensions included a length of 15.68 meters (51 ft 5 in), a width of 13.65 meters (44 ft 9 in), and a height of 2.7 meters (8 ft 10 in).

Regarding weaponry, it was armed with four KX14 laser cannons mounted on the S-foils which unfolded into the iconic "X" configuration. It also featured Krupx MG7-B proton torpedo launchers. The original magnetic flash suppressors were deemed unnecessary and removed, although some pilots chose to add custom versions. The engines were enhanced, incorporating improved fusial thrust engines. Enhanced flight systems also contributed to increased maneuverability. The cockpit was positioned towards the rear, accompanied by a snub nose. Targeting capabilities included a Fabritech ANr 1.3 tracking computer paired with an IN-630-B "Sightline" holographic imaging system. Defensively, it was equipped with a Chempat deflector shield generator, as well as an ejector seat and life support systems for the pilot. The starfighter could carry supplies for one week. Its cost was 220,000 credits when new, and 140,000 when used.

Certain vessels were colored in a gray scheme accented with blue trim, and bore the inscription "Republic Navy" in Aurebesh on their hulls.

The New Republic Defense Fleet utilized the T-85s in the decades that followed the Battle of Endor. The design was spurred by Admiral Gial Ackbar, who observed that the T-70s were becoming outdated. He suggested that Incom-Freitek create the next-generation model more than two decades following the establishment of the New Republic. These craft were used to safeguard space lanes from pirates. Commander Poe Dameron piloted T-85 X-wings as part of Rapier Squadron during his service with the Republic. At one point, the Rapiers were stationed at Brooksdion space station. They were alerted to the theft of the head of Mathieson's protocol droid by unknown individuals. Launching in their T-85s, they pursued the starship. Upon reaching the asteroid field of Lost Souls, Dameron instructed his wingmen to stay behind while he continued the chase. After escaping the field, the starship managed to evade Dameron and jumped into hyperspace. In another instance, Rapier Squadron ambushed a pirate frigate within the Mirrin sector. Dameron's fighter was immobilized by an ion pulse and subsequently towed aboard the frigate. His droid, BB-8, managed to escape and alerted the rest of the squadron to their location, prompting them to confront the frigate. Dameron then successfully subdued the crew, aided by the distraction.

Following his actions during the Skirmish in OR-Kappa-2722 and the Suraz engagement, Dameron was later recruited into the Resistance, becoming the leader of Black Squadron. He then transitioned to using a T-70, Black One.

While engaged in a mission assigned by New Republic Command, Kazuda Xiono's team utilized T-85s. They were dispatched to rendezvous with the Resistance to share vital intelligence. Major Elrik Vonreg of the First Order engaged them in combat. Xiono instructed his wingmen to escape, but his own craft sustained damage. The arrival of Commander Dameron at the scene rescued Xiono, allowing them to trap and damage Vonreg's TIE with his single remaining cannon, compelling him to withdraw. Xiono's damaged craft was subsequently towed aboard a CR90 corvette.

The majority of the New Republic's T-85 X-wing fleet was destroyed when the First Order destroyed the Hosnian system in 34 ABY. Shortly thereafter, Commander Dameron jokingly mentioned to General Leia Organa that he had ordered a shipment of T-85s in anticipation of the Battle of Crait as the Resistance fled the First Order's counter-attack.

Following the devastating losses at Crait, the Resistance was left with minimal personnel and resources. Simultaneously, the First Order initiated a large-scale scrapping operation of captured New Republic vessels. General Organa tasked a team to the scrap planet Bracca, where Shriv Suurgav led Dross Squadron to recover several starships, which included one T-85.

The T-85 X-wings made their debut in the 2015 young-adult novel Before the Awakening, authored by Greg Rucka and released as part of the Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens collection, although it was visually represented as Poe Dameron's Black One, a T-70 model. Their complete design was unveiled in "The Recruit," the first episode of the Star Wars Resistance animated television series, which premiered on October 7, 2018. The full designation was provided in the third issue of Star Wars Starships & Vehicles, which was released in June 2021.

The illustrations present in Before the Awakening incorrectly depicted the T-85 X-wings as T-70s, which were scheduled to be prominently featured in the then-upcoming film Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens. According to Matt Martin of the Lucasfilm Story Group, the images were inaccurate but not accidental, as the Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens publishing initiative sought to evoke the atmosphere of the film, and the T-85 X-wings had not yet been designed at that time. This also applies to Poe and the Missing Ship, a 2017 partial storybook adaptation of the aforementioned novel.

Although Star Wars: The Last Jedi: The Visual Dictionary initially stated that all T-85s had been destroyed, this was later contradicted by subsequent sources, such as the novel Resistance Reborn.