It makes perfect sense for LEGO to release a new X-Wing alongside the first Star Wars film in seven years, The Mandalorian and Grogu. What’s more surprising is just how good the model is, easily the best play-scale X-Wing to date. The way the hexagonal shaping of the nose is achieved is especially impressive.

The Z-95 Headhunter has been a frequent source of inspiration for my alternate builds recently. With so many variants in Star Wars lore, I decided to take on the Z-95 AF4-H multirole starfighter, better known as the Advanced Z-95 or the Heavy ’95.

Since the T-65 X-Wing was developed from the Z-95, the two share a similar nose design, which I’ve preserved across both models, albeit with internal adjustments to free up parts for other areas of the build. I removed the S-Foil Technic mechanism entirely and shortened the rear hump cowling. There’s no astromech slot here either, as this version is intended to be a budget, local defense snub fighter. The hinged mech chest armor piece works nicely as a visual feature while also concealing a small cargo compartment.

While the Heavy ’95 retains its four ion fission engines, it loses a pair of S-Foils and laser cannons, making it significantly lighter than the X-Wing. I’ve extended the wings to improve maneuverability in atmospheric flight, and with a stronger weight-to-power ratio, it can out-accelerate, out-turn, and outfly the T-65 in short-range missions.

I also redesigned the landing gear so it looks much cleaner when retracted, as I prefer displaying the model in flight mode. The build is very sturdy and ideal for swooshing around. Altogether, it feels right at home as part of a New Republic fleet, especially when facing swarms of TIE fighters, and it makes a striking addition to any LEGO Star Wars collection.