- Snowspeeder
Infobox Fictional Spacecraft
name = Snowspeeder
caption =
first = ""
last =
status =
affiliation =Rebel Alliance
launched =
decommissioned =
class =
registry =
fighters =
auxcraft =
armaments = Laser cannons Harpoon and tow cable
defense =
propulsion =
power =
length = 5.3 meters
width =
height =
primeref = Starwars.com Databankcite web|url=http://www.starwars.com/databank/vehicle/snowspeeder|title=snowspeeder|work=Star Wars Databank|publisher=Lucasfilm |accessdate=2008-06-23]A snowspeeder is a Rebel Alliance vehicle featured in "" (1980) and several books, comics, and video games in the "
Star Wars Expanded Universe ". Snowspeeder models and replicas have been merchandised by several companies.Origin and design
During production of "The Empire Strikes Back", designer
Joe Johnston conceived a ship that combined the body of anX-Wing and the cockpit of theY-Wing .cite web|url=http://www.starwars.com/databank/vehicle/snowspeeder/?id=bts|title=snowspeeder (Behind the scenes)|work=Star Wars Databank|publisher=Lucasfilm |accessdate=2007-08-12] However, this design was scrapped for the T-47, which featured no elements from previous craft. Johnston's designs for the Snowspeeders have influenced later "Star Wars" designers, such asTommy Lee Edwards .cite web|date=January 2, 2003|url=http://www.starwars.com/eu/explore/profile/f20030102/index.html|title=Tommy Lee Edwards: Saga Artist|publisher=Starwars.com|accessdate=2007-08-12]The models were built in three different scales by Steve Gawley, Charlie Bailey, and Mike Fulmer of ILM, with the smallest (20 inches) used for motion control photography, and the largest (2½ feet) for hero and pyrotechnic shots.cite book |last=Peterson |first=Lorne |title=Sculpting A Galaxy - Inside the Star Wars Model Shop |year=2006 |publisher=Insight Editions |location=San Rafael, California |isbn=1-933-784-03-2] All models included motor-controlled flaps to imply maneuverability, and the largest version also possessed motor-articulated crew. Several full-scale props were built in London for the hangar, cockpit, and speeder crash scenes.
Depiction
In "The Empire Strikes Back",
Rogue Squadron , led byLuke Skywalker (Mark Hamill ), pilot snowspeeders against ImperialAT-AT walkers during theBattle of Hoth .cite web|url=http://www.starwars.com/databank/vehicle/snowspeeder/|title=Star Wars: Databank: snowspeeder (The Movies)|publisher=starwars.com|accessdate=2007-07-20] When their lasers prove ineffective the Rebel pilots turn to tripping the walkers with the snowspeeders' harpoons and tow cables.The snowspeeders used on Hoth are modified Incom T-47 airspeeders initially used for civilians; they are modified to survive the "hostile environment of the ice planet Hoth". [cite book|year=2000|author=Slavicsek, Bill|title=A Guide to the Star Wars Universe|publisher=Del Ray and Lucas Books|isbn=0-345-42066-7|pages=494] Expanded Universe material states that the Y-Wing cockpit and other features were donated to the airspeeders. The two-man craft has an advanced power system and repulsorlift to compensate for additional armaments and armor, affording them a top speed of 1,000
km/h and combat speed of 600 km/h.cite web|url=http://www.starwars.com/databank/vehicle/snowspeeder/?id=eu|title=Star Wars: Databank: snowspeeder (Expanded Universe)|publisher=starwars.com|accessdate=2007-07-20] The playable snowspeeder in "" is armed with concussion missiles.Merchandise
Kenner released a toy snowspeeder in 1980.Hasbro released an electronic version in 1995 in anticipation of the theatrical re-release of the original "Star Wars" trilogy. Hasbro also released a battle-damaged snowspeeder. [cite web|url=http://www.starwars.com/collecting/news/hasbro/news20010524.html|title=Star Wars: Collecting: Hasbro TIE Bomber and Snowspeeder Exclusives|date=2001-05-24|accessdate=2007-07-20|publisher=starwars.com]LEGO has also sold snowspeeder models, [cite web|url=http://www.starwars.com/collecting/news/lego/news20040712.html|title=Star Wars: Collecting: LEGO Goes Retro|date=2004-07-12|accessdate=2007-07-20|publisher=starwars.com] [cite web|url=http://www.starwars.com/collecting/news/lego/news20021126.html|title=Star Wars: Collecting: Free LEGO Mini-Building Set|publisher=starwars.com|accessdate=2007-07-20|date=2002-11-26] and Snowspeeder models used in "The Empire Strikes Back" have been sold online. [cite web|author=IGNFilmForce|date=July 6, 2005|url=http://movies.ign.com/articles/631/631653p1.html|title=Star Wars for Sale|publisher=IGN.com |accessdate=2007-08-12]References
External links
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*sww|T-47 airspeeder
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