Why do some Starfighters have X-wings?

Sure they look cool, but is there more to the shape of a X-wing than meets the eye?


This one has kept hardcore Star Wars fans arguing for years – because the plank-like X-wings aren’t aerodynamically shaped, and aerodynamics are irrelevant in the vacuum of space in any case. Apart from looking great, one possible scientific explanation for their use is to provide a Starfighter’s weaponry with extra cooling surfaces.

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