The flight surfaces of an X-wing are also called S-foils. During battle, the S-foils spread open to form a distinctive X shape, which provides a broader field of fire for the laser cannons mounted on each tip.

Torpedo launchers are located on either side of the X-wing's fuselage. Pilots usually line up their torpedo shots with help from a targeting computer.

The socket behind the X-wing's cockpit accommodates an astromech droid. During flight, the droid can calculate hyperspace jumps and perform simple repairs.

X-wings used by the Rebel Alliance had painted stripes at the back of each S-foil to distinguish the starfighters from one another.

A shield generator protects the X-wing from laser fire, a feature that gives it an advantage over the Empire's unshielded TIE fighter.