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{{Short description|Fictional vehicle type from the Star Wars universe}}
[[File:Landspeeder (214518414).jpg|thumb|Luke Skywalker's X-34 landspeeder from the 1977 film.]]
[[File:Star Wars @ the Discovery Science Center - Landspeeder (7034249667).jpg|thumb|right|At the [[Discovery Science Center]]]]
[[File:Star Wars Celebration V - Steve Sansweet and a landspeeder (4940991776).jpg|thumb|right|At [[Star Wars Celebration|''Star Wars'' Celebration]] V]]
'''Landspeeders''' are fictional [[anti-gravity]] craft used through the ''[[Star Wars]]'' movies and [[Star Wars expanded universe|''Star Wars'' expanded universe]]. They are depicted both in civilian and military capacities, and several versions have been merchandised as toys and models.
 
== Origin and design ==
Landspeeders first appear in ''[[Star Wars Episode(film)|Star IV: A New HopeWars]]''. Two of them—[[Luke Skywalker]]'s ([[Mark Hamill]]) X-34 and a V-35—were designed by noted special effects artist [[John Stears]] and were fitted around cars. Skywalker's landspeeder was designed and built by [[Ogle Design]] around the chassis of a [[Bond Bug]] three-wheeler car.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Force is strong with this three-wheeler from Preston|url=httphttps://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/features/the-force-is-strong-with-this-threewheeler-from-preston-2002249.html|newspaper=The Independent|date=17 June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gardencitymuseum.org/about_us/history_letchworth_gc/history/ogle_design|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130414220342/http://www.gardencitymuseum.org/about_us/history_letchworth_gc/history/ogle_design|url-status=dead|title=Ogle Design - First Garden City Heritage Museum|date=14 April 2013|archive-date=14 April 2013}}</ref><ref name="insider">{{cite web|url=httphttps://www.starwars.com/community/fanclub/mag/news20071204.html|title=Star Wars Insider #98 Excerpt: Roger Christian|accessdateaccess-date=2007-12-05|publisher=[[Lucasfilm]]|date=2007-12-04 |archiveurlarchive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071206071029/http://www.starwars.com/community/fanclub/mag/news20071204.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedatearchive-date = 2007-12-06}}</ref> One of the major challenges the production crew faced was disguising the wheels to create the illusion that the craft was hovering.<ref name="x34bts">{{cite web|url=httphttps://www.starwars.com/databank/vehicle/xp34landspeeder/?id=bts|title=Star Wars Databank: X-34 Landspeeder (Behind the Scenes)|publisher=Starwars.com|accessdateaccess-date=2007-08-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=httphttps://www.starwars.com/databank/vehicle/v35landspeeder/?id=bts|title=V-35 landspeeder (Behind the Scenes)|publisher=[[Lucasfilm]]|accessdateaccess-date=2007-10-14|work=Star Wars Databank}}</ref> For certain shots, they shot from camera angles that masked the wheels; for long-distance shots, they used reflective material, gelatin on the camera lens, and shadow effects. A small blur could be seen under the speeder, which George Lucas called "The Force Spot" (stated in Special Edition Tape).<ref name="x34bts" /> [[Production designer]] [[Roger Christian (filmmaker)|Roger Christian]] used an angled mirror and a broom attached to the vehicle's underside to create, at certain angles, the illusion that the craft was hovering and kicking up dust.<ref name="insider" /> ''Star Wars'' creator [[George Lucas]] used digital technology to enhance the landspeeder effects in the Special Edition of ''A New Hope''.<ref name="x34bts" />

[[Industrial Light and Magic]]'s (ILM) [[Doug Chiang]] designdesigned the [[Naboo]] Flash speeder with a "race car look" while the Gian speeder's appearance is ILM's response to Lucas' request that the Naboo troops have "a [[Technical (vehicle)|pick-up truck with guns]]."<ref>{{cite web|url=httphttps://www.starwars.com/databank/vehicle/flashspeeder/|title=Gian speeder|publisher=[[Lucasfilm]]|accessdateaccess-date=2007-10-14|work=Star Wars Databank}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=httphttps://www.starwars.com/databank/vehicle/gianspeeder/?id=bts|title=Flash speeder|publisher=[[Lucasfilm]]|accessdateaccess-date=2007-10-14|work=Star Wars Databank}}</ref>
 
The landspeeder was put on display in the exhibit ''Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination'' that moved between various museums in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Star Wars Exhibition Brings Reality to Fantasy|url=https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=111453|access-date=2021-02-01|website=www.nsf.gov|language=English}}</ref>
 
==Depiction==
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Flash Speeder.jpg|100|thumb|A Flash speeder in ''[[Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace|The Phantom Menace]]'']] -->
Within the ''Star Wars'' universe, speeder is a generic term for any "repulsorcraft" or vehicle which uses [[anti-gravity]] [[repulsorlift]] technology to hover and fly above a planet's surface.<ref>Dougherty, et al (2020), p. 257</ref> Landspeeders more specifically use repulsor technology to hover just above the ground, while they cannot achieve any great height they are cheap and fast. Many different types of landspeeders exist in the ''Star Wars'' universe to fulfill a variety of roles, including for personal transport.<ref>Walker (2018), p. 39</ref>
Expanded Universe material describes speeders as using a "repulsorlift" that allows them to travel above a world's surface; a key differentiating point between landspeeders and airspeeders is the altitude the repulsorlift allows the craft to reach.<ref name="rpg">{{cite book|title=Star Wars Roleplaying Game|edition=Second Edition, Expanded & Revised|publisher=[[West End Games]]|year=1996|isbn=0-87431-435-6}}</ref> In ''A New Hope'', [[Luke Skywalker]] ([[Mark Hamill]]) sells his landspeeder in order to pay [[Han Solo]] ([[Harrison Ford]]) to take him, [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]] ([[Alec Guinness]]), [[C-3PO]] ([[Anthony Daniels]]), and [[R2-D2]] ([[Kenny Baker (English actor)|Kenny Baker]]) to Alderaan. Naboo security forces use landspeeders in their attempt to retake the capital city of Theed in ''[[Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace]]'', and various speeders appear in ''[[Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones]]'' and ''[[Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith]]''. Speeders are playable-controllable craft in a variety of [[LucasArts]] titles.
 
;In ''Star Wars'' Film and Television
*'''X-34 Landspeeder''': In ''A New Hope'', [[Luke Skywalker]] ([[Mark Hamill]]) pilots an X-34 landspeeder, which he later sells before leaving [[Tatooine]] to join the [[Rebel Alliance]]. Reference material identifies the X-34 as a civilian vehicle manufactured by SoroSuub Corporation. At {{convert|3.4|m|abbr=on}} long, the X-34 can accommodate a pilot and passenger, while magnetic clamps behind the seating can accommodate [[Droid (Star Wars)|droids]] or other cargo. Other features include retractable windshield which can enclose the cockpit, terrain scanner and night-vision headlights.<ref name=SWCVNE141>Dougherty, et al. (2020), p. 140-141</ref> With three turbine engines, it has a top speed of {{convert|250|kph|abbr=on}} and maximum altitude of {{convert|1|m|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Walker43>Walker (2018), p. 43</ref><ref name=USWNE327>Barr, et al. (2019), p. 327</ref>
*'''Flash Speeder''': Flash speeders appear in ''[[The Phantom Menace]]'' as one of several patrol vehicles used by the Royal Naboo Security Forces. Designed for street patrol and high-speed pursuit by the SoroSuub Corporation, the Flash speeder is {{convert|4.5|m|abbr=on}} long with seating for a pilot and passenger and maximum altitude of {{convert|2|m|abbr=on}}. It is armed with a single pursuit/defense blaster on a 360° swivel mount.<ref name=SWCVNE48>Dougherty, et al. (2020), p. 48</ref>
*'''Gian Speeder''': Gian speeders appear in ''The Phantom Menace'' as another landspeeder used by the Royal Naboo Security Force. Unlike the Flash speeder though, reference material identifies the Gian speeder as a heavier vehicle only employed for tactical situations. Also manufactured by the SoroSuub Corporation, the Gian has a top speed of {{convert|160|kph|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Walker40>Walker (2018), p. 40</ref> Its narrower body makes it harder to hit from the front or rear at the expense of maneuverability and its tougher hull is reinforced with armor to withstand glancing hits. Larger than the Flash speeder with a length of {{convert|5.7|m|abbr=on}}, the Gian speeder seats a pilot, gunner and two passengers.<ref name=SWCVNE48/> Standard armaments include two side-mounted light repeating laser cannons, with the option of a hood-mounted heavy laser cannon. Each weapon is independently powered in the event the speeder's main generator is damaged.<ref name=SWCVNE48/><ref name=Walker40/>
*'''M-68 Landspeeder''': The M-68 landspeeder first appears in ''[[Solo: A Star Wars Story]]'' when [[Han Solo]] ([[Alden Ehrenreich]]) and [[Qi'ra]] ([[Emilia Clarke]]) hijack one to escape the White Worms gang. Within the ''Star Wars'' universe, the M-68 is described as a popular [[street racing]] model manufactured by Mobquet Swoops and Speeders. Nicknamed the "street blaster bolt", the M-68 has a top speed of {{convert|225|kph|abbr=on}} and is available in both [[hardtop]] and open-air models.<ref name=USWNE315>Barr, et al. (2019), p. 315</ref>
*'''A-A4B Truckspeeder''': When Han and Qi'ra attempt to flee the White Worms gang in ''Solo'', they are pursued by Moloch in an A-A4B Truckspeeder. Described as a heavy, rugged design, the A-A4B was built in-universe by Trast Heavy Transports with armored caging over the driver's seat and front grille, turning the landspeeder into a batter ram during high-speed chases.<ref name=USWNE315/>
 
== Cultural impact ==
{{Expand section|date=June 2008}}
Luke Skywalker's X-34 landspeeder was one of fifty fictional vehicles selected for display at the [[Petersen Automotive Museum]]'s ''Hollywood Dream Machines'' exhibition which focused on the most significant or important vehicles to feature in the science fiction and fantasy genre.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://laist.com/news/entertainment/see-50-of-the-coolest-cars-from-movies-and-tv-in-this-new-la-exhibit|title=50 Of The Coolest Cars From Movies & TV Are Together For The First Time In This LA Exhibit|first=Mike|last=Roe|website=LAist|access-date=23 May 2021}}</ref> The X-34 was chosen not just for its role in the plot but also it's thematic contribution to the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fanthatracks.com/news/conventions-events/the-original-star-wars-landspeeder-on-display-at-the-petersen-automotive-museum/|title=The original Star Wars landspeeder on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum|first=Mark|last=Newbold|website=Fanta Tracks|access-date=30 May 2021}}</ref>
A ''[[Star Wars]]'' fan named Daniel Deutsch built a full-scale replica of the landspeeder that can be driven like an [[automobile]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/08/star-wars-fan-s.html|title=Star Wars Fan Shows Off Drivable Landspeeder|first=Brian X.|last=Chen|work=wired.com|accessdate=22 December 2016}}</ref> It first surfaced at the Neatorama website where it was discovered by [[rapper]] [[Kanye West]] who posted pictures of the landspeeder in his [[blog]]. One of the photographs show former [['N Sync]] member [[Joey Fatone]] posing next to the landspeeder. [[Kanye West]] described the replica landspeeder as made of a "custom aluminum chassis, fiberglass body, and an electric drive system that hits lightspeed at 25 mph".<ref>http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=204385_-1__0_~0_-1_5_2008_0_0&em3161=&em3281=</ref>
 
Many ''Star Wars'' fans have been inspired to build "working" full-scale replicas of Luke's X-34 landspeeder. Daniel Deutsch built a drivable replica in 2007 using parts from an electric [[golf cart]] and [[fiberglass molding]]. The replica achieved fame when it was highlighted by former [['N Sync]] member [[Joey Fatone]] and [[rapper]] [[Kanye West]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotrod.com/articles/junkyard-empire-star-wars-lanspeeder/|title=Star Wars Hot Rod?! How to Build a Replica of Luke Skywalker's X-34 Landspeeder|first=Jordon|last=Scott|website=Hot Rod|access-date=23 May 2021}}</ref> Celebrity [[YouTube]] inventor Colin Furze created another replica in 2019 in celebration of the release of ''[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker]]''. The only known full-scale metal model of the X-34, it was sold on [[eBay]] for £50,000, with all proceeds going to [[BBC]]’s ‘[[Children In Need]]’.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2019/12/man-builds-a-driveable-star-wars-landspeeder-in-his-garage/|title=Man Builds A Driveable Star Wars Landspeeder In His Garage|first=Sergiu|last=Tudose|website=Carscoops|access-date=23 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/this-guy-built-a-working-star-wars-land-speeder-in-his-garage|title=This guy built a working 'Star Wars' land speeder in his garage|first=Alex|last=Reid|website=Driving.ca|access-date=23 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/this-star-wars-landspeeder-metal-replica-actually-drives-built-on-a-golf-cart-139398.html|title=This Star Wars Landspeeder Metal Replica Actually Drives, Built on a Golf Cart|first=Andrei|last=Tutu|website=autoevolution.com|access-date=23 May 2021}}</ref>
 
Landspeeders have served as a source of inspiration for ''Star Wars'' fans across artistic communities. Digital artist Brad Builds created a landspeeder version of the [[Pontiac GTO]] themed around [[Darth Vader]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/pontiac-gto-landspeeder-is-a-star-wars-muscle-car-rendering-161100.html|title=Pontiac GTO "Landspeeder" Is a Star Wars Muscle Car Rendering|first=Mihnea|last=Radu|website=autoevolution.com|access-date=23 May 2021}}</ref> French photographer Renaud Marion reimagined 9 classic cars as landspeeders as part of a project called Air Cars. Reimagined models included the [[Porsche 356]] and [[Aston Martin DB5]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thrillist.com/cars/classic-cars-as-star-wars-landspeeder-concepts-that-should-be-in-episode-vii|title=9 Classic Cars Reimagined as Star Wars Landspeeders|first=Aaron|last=Miller|website=thrillist.com|access-date=23 May 2021}}</ref>
 
Although they operate on different principles, [[flying car]]s are often compared to ''Star Wars'' landspeeders in popular media.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/composite-aerostructures-in-the-emerging-urban-air-mobility-market|title=Composite Aerostructures in the Emerging Urban Air Mobility Market|website=Composites World|access-date=18 June 2021}}</ref> The SkyDrive SD-03 flying car specifically was inspired in part by Luke Skywalker's landspeeder.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/09/05/flying-car-anyone/|title=Flying car, anyone?|first=Recto|last=Mercene|website=BusinessMirror|access-date=30 May 2021}}</ref>
 
Landspeeders have featured heavily in ''Star Wars'' merchandising since their inception. Examples includes [[Lego]] models,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://9to5toys.com/2020/03/20/lego-star-wars-landspeeder-review/|title=Lego Luke's Landspeeder Review: A fun way for Star Wars fans to pass the time|website=9 to 5 Toys|access-date=18 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.brothers-brick.com/2018/03/31/lego-75210-molochs-landspeeder-from-solo-a-star-wars-story-review/|title=Lego 75210 Moloch's Landspeeder from Solo: A Star Wars Story [Review]|website=Brothers Brick|access-date=18 June 2021}}</ref> a drivable [[Radio Flyer]] toy, <ref>{{Cite web|last=Liptak|first=Andrew|date=2018-07-06|title=I couldn't test-drive Radio Flyer's Star Wars landspeeder, but my 5-year-old did|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/6/17464476/radio-flyer-lukes-landspeeder-toys-star-wars-play-test|access-date=2021-01-21|website=The Verge|language=en}}</ref> and a cat bed.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Burton|first=Bonnie|title=Meow the Force be with this 'Star Wars' Landspeeder cat bed|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/meow-the-force-be-with-this-landspeeder-cat-bed/|access-date=2021-01-22|website=CNET|language=en}}</ref>
 
==Bibliography==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book|last1=Barr|first1=Patricia|last2=Bray|first2=Adam|last3=Jones|first3=Matt|last4=Horton|first4=Cole|last5=Wallace|first5=Daniel|last6=Windham|first6=Ryder|title=Ultimate Star Wars New Edition|publisher=DK Publishing|date=2019|location=United States|isbn=978-1-4654-7900-6}}
* {{cite book|last1=Dougherty|first1=Kerrie|last2=Fry|first2=Jason|last3=Hidalgo|first3=Pablo|last4=Reynolds|first4=David West|last5=Saxton|first5=Curtis|last6=Windham|first6=Ryder|title=Star Wars Complete Vehicles New Edition|publisher=DK Publishing|date=2020|location=United States|isbn=978-0-7440-2057-1}}
* {{cite book|last1=Walker|first1=Landry Q.|title=Star Wars Encyclopedia of Starfighters and Other Vehicles|publisher=DK Publishing|date=2018|location=United States|isbn=9781465482716}}
{{refend}}
 
== References ==
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* {{Wookieepedia|Landspeeder}}
 
{{Star Wars (film)universe|state=collapsed}}
{{Star Wars vehicles}}
{{Star Wars}}
 
[[Category:Star Wars vehicles]]
[[Category:Fiction about flying cars]]
[[Category:Fictional elements introduced in 1977]]