In its initial concept, Mazinger Z was originally called Energer Z and used a motorcycle as the control center instead of the Pilder the robot would eventually use. However, with Kamen Rider's popularity, Nagai changed it to an air vehicle with some inspiration from his previous series and main character, Demon Lord Dante. The name was also changed to give it the image of power of a god or a demon (hence the name Majin, Ma for demon and Jin for god).

The Jet Scrander is a winged, jetpack-like unit designed by Dr. Smith that attaches to the back of Mazinger Z to give it flight capabilities. The wings are razor sharp and can be used to cut enemies both in flight and when used as a weapon. It can be freely summoned by Koji when required by turning on the guidance circuit inside the Pilder, which activates the Scrander's tracking sequence through its radar. If the guidance circuit is switched off, the Scrander will automatically return to the Photon Power Laboratory. The Jet Scrander can be remotely controlled from the Laboratory, unless if the guidance circuit built into the Pilder is still active. The process of Mazinger Z docking with the Jet Scrander is coined as "Scrander Cross", due to Mazinger Z and the Scrander together forming a cross shape when docking.