The advanced starfighter known as the R-22 A-wing, later called the Spearhead, was a creation of Kuat Systems Engineering at the close of the Clone Wars. The Galactic Empire that emerged after the war declined to mass produce it; however, the prototypes saw service with the planetary defense forces of Tammuz-an. Subsequently, the Alliance to Restore the Republic acquired several of these Tammuz-an R-22s, modifying them into the craft they designated the RZ-1 A-wing interceptor.
The wedge-shaped frame of the Kuat Systems Engineering R-22 starfighter was both durable and remarkably lightweight, a key feature. It surpassed the performance of the Delta-7 Aethersprite-class light interceptor, which it was designed to replace. This fighter was armed with deflector shields, a pair of laser cannons, and a missile launcher.
Kuat Systems Engineering sought to improve upon its Delta-7 Aethersprite-class light interceptor design to produce the next generation of starfighters, shortly following the conclusion of the Clone Wars, a three-year conflict in which the Galactic Republic fought against the Confederacy of Independent Systems. The resulting R-22 pushed the boundaries of speed and maneuverability. Despite this, the newly formed Galactic Empire, the Republic's successor, opted not to mass produce it, instead choosing the TIE Fighter line from Sienar Fleet Systems. The Kingdom of Tammuz-an did, however, purchase the existing R-22 prototypes for their planetary defense fleet. Due to their similarity to a Tammuz-an ceremonial spear, these fighters quickly earned the nickname "Spearheads."
More than a decade afterwards, several anti-Imperial rebel groups that would later unite to form the Alliance to Restore the Republic managed to obtain some of the Tammuz-an Spearheads. These highly adaptable starfighters were entrusted to the Underground Engineers, a network of rebel mechanics. The Engineers retained the R-22's remarkable frame but removed its armor, missile launcher, and shields. They upgraded the weaponry, added new technology, and replaced the original engines with a pair of Novaldex J-77 "Event Horizon" sublight engines. The resulting vehicle was named the RZ-1 A-wing interceptor. Eventually, the RZ-1 led to the development of its own variant, the two-seat RZ-1T trainer.
After the Galactic Empire fell and the Alliance to Restore the Republic transitioned into the New Republic, Kuat Systems Engineering revived the R-22 design as the basis for the RZ-2 A-wing interceptor, a more refined model incorporating years of field modifications and customizations made by the Rebel Alliance.
The R-22 Spearhead was initially featured in the Star Wars Legends continuity, before being integrated into canon through the 2017 reference work, Star Wars: A-wing Deluxe Book and 3D Wood Model.
Within Legends, the R-22 was first presented in The New Essential Guide to Characters, created to address the inconsistency of A-wing starfighters appearing in stories that took place before the Battle of Yavin, given that most sources stated they were developed after this battle.