Inkjet printer with in-flight droplet drying system

Inkjet droplets having a vaporizable carrier fluid are jetted from a printhead according to image data. A heated condensation shield between the printhead and a target area at which the printhead directs drops protects against condensation of vaporized carrier fluid and creates heat. A heat shield between the printhead and a support structure for the printhead protects the printhead and support structure from heat and condensation. A heated zone exists between the heat shield and the condensation shield. The condensation shield is heated to a temperature above a condensation temperature of vaporized carrier fluid in the second region so that ink droplets that pass through the heated zone are heated in a manner that causes ink droplets having a first concentration to spread when printed onto a paper in the target area as if the ink droplets had a higher concentration of at least one percent.