172-674: The following is a list of fictional Star Wars terrestrial vehicles, including armored fighting vehicles , military aircraft , and naval ships . The All Terrain Armored Transport, or AT-AT walker, is a quadruped mechanized infantry combat vehicle used by the Imperial ground forces. Standing over 20 metres (66 ft) tall with blast-impervious armor plating, these massive constructs are used as much for psychological effect as they are for tactical advantage. The AT-AT (pronounced either casually as 'at at', or using only
344-500: A doughnut shaped laser that can drag hollow glass spheres by a distance of roughly 7.8 inches, several times the distance of previous experiments. Another successful experiment was conducted at the University of Bristol , which revealed that sound could be manipulated to produce possible future tractor beams, rivalling light. This could be done using a precisely timed sequence of sound waves, produced by tiny loudspeakers, creating
516-576: A hacker in the Star Wars universe, describing individuals such as DJ ( Benicio del Toro ) from The Last Jedi . A form of security token is worn by Imperial and First Order officers called a code or access cylinder, which grants them access to restricted areas or databases. A report analysing the Empire's cyber-security systems used in Rogue One , in which IT experts were consulted, made
688-415: A science-fiction writer and former NASA astrophysicist , who is also author of the book The Science of Star Wars , all of this is a future possibility with the progress of science and technology. What is not possible, according to her, is the ability to accelerate either the growth of clones, or their ability to learn faster. Submersion in a liquid called bacta causes mutilated flesh to regenerate in
860-596: A " chicken walker ". The name Scout Walker is also used to refer to an AT-ST . This name was used for the official toy instead of the AT-ST name. An AT-ST also appears briefly in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story , patrolling Jedha City following an attack by Saw Gerrera 's forces. A modified AT-ST later appears in The Mandalorian under the possession of a group of raiders, as the Empire has ceased to exist by
1032-527: A "repulsorlift engine." According to in-universe material, a fusion-powered repulsorlift or 'antigrav' creates a field of negative gravity that pushes against the natural gravitational field of a planet. Terrestrial vehicles such as landspeeders and speeder bikes use this technology to propel themselves across a planet's surface. Repulsorlifts are also used by spacecraft as secondary engines for atmospheric flight and planetary landings and take-offs. Other vehicles that utilize repulsorlift engines include Jabba
1204-723: A 1/48 scale kit of the Snowspeeder. Speeder bikes first appear in a chase scene in Return of the Jedi and have appeared in various other Star Wars media. Related vehicles called 'swoop bikes' have also appeared in Star Wars films and other media. The AAT is a Trade Federation vehicle that appears in The Phantom Menace , Revenge of the Sith , and other Star Wars media . Early drafts of The Phantom Menace described
1376-434: A 10-episode adaptation of The Empire Strikes Back debuted in 1983. Billy Dee Williams joined the other two stars, reprising his role as Lando Calrissian. In 1983, Buena Vista Records released an original, 30-minute Star Wars audio drama titled Rebel Mission to Ord Mantell , written by Daley. In the 1990s, Time Warner Audio Publishing adapted several Star Wars series from Dark Horse Comics into audio dramas:
1548-628: A 27-meter-long piece of its lower structure were actually built. For shots involving the vehicle's movement, ILM used a 125-centimeter radio-controlled model. A computer-generated sandcrawler briefly appears in The Phantom Menace , and a sandcrawler also appears in Attack of the Clones . Sandcrawler-related merchandise include a Lego model, card game items, and Hasbro and Micro Machines toys. An Incom Corporation T-16 skyhopper appears in
1720-506: A chin-mounted medium laser cannon, two twin laser cannon turrets, wingtip-mounted light laser cannons, and fourteen missiles fitted with variable payloads including high explosive , EMP , incendiary and hard radiation . The gunship can also be modified to serve as a troop carrier for battle droids . The Naboo Royal Security Forces use Flash speeders in The Phantom Menace . The Naboo Royal Security Forces use Gian speeders in The Phantom Menace . They are larger, heavier counterparts to
1892-740: A class of Imperial spy ship seen in the Star Wars Rebels television series, possess a massive database that can store billions of yottabytes of data. In a 2016 article for TechCrunch , contributor Evaldo H. de Oliveira estimated the amount of data needed to manage the Death Star was in excess of 40,000 yottabytes. This included an estimate that the Death Star's crew would generate 8.84 exabytes per year, with an additional 2.08 exabytes generated per year by its droid population. An example of multi-purpose artificial intelligence
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#17327911237792064-463: A combination of repulsorlift drive and ion engine . Each pod is armed with a light blaster cannon and protected with armor plating and an armored canopy. While normally the port-side pod houses the pilot and starboard-side houses the gunner, both pods contain all the equipment necessary to fulfill either role in the event one is damaged. A pair of skiffs travel with Jabba's sail barge in Return of
2236-501: A current scientific impossibility, research on such concepts are still being hypothesized and exercised by scientists today, with occasional minor breakthroughs. Magnetic levitation already exists in modern times, but with fundamental differences from levitation seen in Star Wars . An example of vehicles that maintain constant levitation without the use of constant propulsion is the Maglev train . The Maglev train stays afloat by using
2408-434: A few conclusions. One claim by information systems management professor Hsinchun Chen was that the theft of digital architectural designs are a common phenomenon in real life. He concludes that software breaches should not just be resisted, as in the case of Star Wars , but successfully prevented by taking security measures far prior to any attempted attacks. Corey Nachreiner, in a 2017 GeekWire article, also examined some of
2580-402: A high-gravity world. Interdiction fields create gravitational shadows which prevent Star Wars ships from using their hyperdrives or pull them out of hyperspace . Levitation is depicted throughout the Star Wars films, as well as in most other spin-off media of the franchise. Levitation in Star Wars is primarily caused by a type of anti-gravity technology known within the setting as
2752-666: A low-fixed base on which is mounted a targeting photoreceptor , twin chin-mounted blaster cannons, and two missile launchers. Each launcher can carry up to 15 missiles, which have an effective range of less than one kilometer following deliberately evasive trajectories to their target. Although an effective platform against both ground and air targets, the Hailfire was phased out during the Clone Wars because of its limited ammunition supply. Joe Pappalardo of Popular Mechanics , in analyzing several different Star Wars vehicles, gave
2924-430: A master and their apprentice. The franchise is set against a backdrop of galactic conflict involving republics and empires, such as the evil Galactic Empire . The Jedi and Sith prefer the use of a weapon called the lightsaber , a blade of plasma that can cut through virtually any surface and deflect energy bolts. The rest of the population, as well as renegades and soldiers, use plasma-powered blaster firearms . In
3096-472: A mixed reception from critics and audiences. Several Star Wars films have been produced separately from the Skywalker Saga. In 2008, Lucasfilm released the animated film The Clone Wars , which is set during the prequel trilogy and serves as the theatrical pilot of the television series of the same name . Following Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, an "anthology" film series set between
3268-424: A mixed review of the Hailfire droid. He praised it for being a wheeled vehicle instead of a walking vehicle and noted that having the robot body suspended between wheels is a popular real-world design which allows robots to right themselves. However he argues the design's wheel size is too big for effectively traversing large obstacles, citing research done by Caltech and NASA on the issue. He also criticized
3440-399: A module of plasma-based deflector shields, inspired by the ones in Star Wars and other science fiction stories. However, the field poses some issues. One issue is that the deflector shield would have to be much stronger to repel than to hold the plasma in position. Another is that the shield would deflect electromagnetic energy, including light. This would make it impossible for someone inside
3612-692: A partial full-size mock-up of the craft to be built. In Star Wars: Rebel Assault , skyhoppers are used by Rebel pilots to train in Tatooine's Beggar's canyon. Legends : A T-47 airspeeder , better known as " snowspeeder ", is a Rebel Alliance vehicle featured in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and several books, comics, and video games in the Star Wars Expanded Universe and also in Atari game cartridges in
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#17327911237793784-457: A scientific reality. In 2016, ballistic and body armor company, AR500, in collaboration with Heckler & Koch produced body armor modelled after the iconic villain, Boba Fett. Carbonite freezing in Star Wars is first seen in the film The Empire Strikes Back when Darth Vader places Han Solo in a carbonite casing to be delivered to Jabba the Hutt. The reverse process is seen in Return of
3956-572: A series of murders of Jedi Masters. The Star Wars canon fictional universe spans multiple eras, of which three are focused around each of the film trilogies. The following eras were defined in January 2021, and further refined and expanded in April 2023: The Expanded Universe of spin-off media depicts different levels of continuity, which were deemed non-canonical and rebranded as Legends on April 25, 2014, to make most subsequent works align to
4128-646: A single deflector shield generator which can be adjusted to protect specific parts of the ship, while larger vessels may have multiple generators each protecting a specific area. Large starships with hangar bays will also employ another type of force field called a magnetic shield . These are activated whenever the hangar's blast doors are opened, retaining a pressurized atmosphere within the bay while allowing smaller vessels to come and go. The Gungans are described in Star Wars sources employing unique hydrostatic field generators to create their underwater bubble cities as seen in The Phantom Menace. This same technology
4300-406: A small compartment block. It was often a red-orange color with each cockpit arranged in a "shoe-shape" with the glass being on the "tongue" of the cockpit. Like the rest of Cloud City, cloud cars were designed to reflect a more refined art deco style. The scale models originally created for the movies were made of plastic parts using the then-new method of vacuum forming . Cloud cars inserted into
4472-418: A small squadron of modified T-47 airspeeders – aircraft which utilize repulsorlifts to achieve flight – shortly after establishing Echo Base on Hoth . These civilian speeders, originally meant for retrieving and hauling cargo sleds with their tow cables, were converted for military use by bolting on a pair of laser cannons with accompanying power converters and laser generator system. Additional armor plating
4644-437: A spray form. In Star Wars , prosthetics are first seen on film towards the end of Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back . The prosthetic limbs seen in the films bear an almost absolute resemblance to natural limbs, in terms of size, shape, and movement. The only distinction is the material that the prosthetic limbs are made of, which differs greatly from the organic material of the natural limbs and other organs that
4816-508: A stronger grip over uneven ground. Scientists have explored the concept of tractor beams, having some success since the early 2010s. In that time, they have managed to produce lasers with unusual intensity-beam profilesthat allow them to attract and repel tiny particles. Some breakthroughs include the successful project of a team of science researchers from the Australian National University , who managed to produce
4988-425: A study on the breakdown of Vader's breathing habits, one of the two physicians concluded that the suit would not be their top preference, but rather that lung transplantation would be a better choice. General Grievous's body is almost entirely cybernetic. Animation director Rob Coleman explained that Grievous was made with technological flaws, and experienced difficulties such as poor manoeuvrability and coughing,
5160-431: A suit equipped with cybernetic systems, both to help him function, and to protect his damaged body from exposure. His belt included high and low range audio sensors. The belt also included respiratory and temperature regulation adjustment controls. Vader's neural functions were also regulated by neuro sensors, located towards the back of his helmet. Additionally, to help him see, breathe, and maintain cognition, Vader's helmet
5332-899: A supramolecular TIE fighter ship design. It is unclear whether the experiment managed to achieve the desired results or not. The use of force fields in the Star Wars universe is documented both in the main films of the Star Wars saga and in spin-off media , such as The Clone Wars , as well as other media adaptations. According to reference material, protective force fields used to defend starships, buildings, armies and other objects from attack are known as deflector shields and come in two main types. Particle shields repel solid objects such as space debris or high-velocity projectiles. Ray shields (or energy shields) repel radiation , lasers, blasters and other energy-based attacks. Deflector shields which envelop an object can either be generated by it or be projected onto it from another location. Deflector fields come in many different sizes and varieties in
List of Star Wars air, aquatic, and ground vehicles - Misplaced Pages Continue
5504-442: A theme for Obi-Wan Kenobi for the miniseries and Han Solo's theme for Solo: A Star Wars Story . Williams also created the main theme for Galaxy's Edge . Several other composers worked on other soundtracks, including John Powell ( Obi-Wan Kenobi ), Michael Giacchino ( Rogue One ), and Ludwig Göransson ( The Mandalorian ). The first Star Wars audio work is The Story of Star Wars , an LP using audio samples from
5676-615: A top speed of only 35 km/h (22 mph). A crew of five battle droids operate the MTT and it is armed with a pair of twin 17kv antipersonnel blaster cannons, but its primary purpose is to carry 112 battle droids into battle. These are stored folded-up on an articulated deployment rack, which extends forward out of the MTT's bulbous front end via troop deployment hatch. During the Clone Wars , MTTS were modified to carry larger Super Battle Droids as well. Star Wars Star Wars
5848-437: Is an American epic space opera media franchise created by George Lucas , which began with the eponymous 1977 film and quickly became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon. The franchise has been expanded into various films and other media , including television series , video games , novels , comic books , theme park attractions , and themed areas , comprising an all-encompassing fictional universe . Star Wars
6020-514: Is common due to lightspeed hyperspace technology. The planets range from wealthy, planet-wide cities to deserts scarcely populated by primitive tribes. Virtually any Earth biome , along with many fictional ones, has its counterpart as a Star Wars planet which, in most cases, teem with sentient and non-sentient alien life. The franchise also makes use of other astronomical objects such as asteroid fields and nebulae . Spacecraft range from small starfighters to large capital ships, such as
6192-478: Is controlled by an advanced droid brain and measures 12.4 m (41 ft) long, 11 m (36 ft) wide and 3.1 m (10 ft) high. The gunship possesses a top speed of 600 km/h (370 mph). However it is considered relatively slow and with average maneuverability, compensated for by its ability to unleash incredible firepower and strong deflector shields . Its weaponry can be changed out depending on what's needed, but standard armament includes
6364-666: Is first seen being used by the Confederacy of Independent Systems in Attack of the Clones during the Battle of Geonosis and have featured in other Star Wars media. Hasbro released a spider droid figure in 2003. The DSD1 dwarf spider droid, as it is identified in background material, is essentially a walking cannon with a droid brain, built by the Baktoid Armor Workshop to fight for the Separatists during
6536-432: Is generally impervious to projectile weapons and blast shrapnel and can deflect a glancing blow from a blaster but will be punctured by a direct hit. Meanwhile, the traditional armor worn by Mandalorians , made from the fictional material known as beskar, is capable of repelling a lightsaber ; though by the time the films take place in, most sets only had small amounts of beskar, which was alloyed with other metals. This
6708-721: Is impossible for the Force. These superpowers are wielded by two major knightly orders at conflict with each other: the Jedi , peacekeepers of the Galactic Republic who act on the light side of the Force through non-attachment and arbitration , and the Sith , who use the dark side by manipulating fear and aggression. While Jedi Knights can be numerous, the Dark Lords of the Sith (or 'Darths') are intended to be limited to two:
6880-481: Is named the Khetanna and was built by Ubrikkian Industries as a pleasure barge for the crime lord. At 30 m (98 ft) long, it is powered by a repulsorlift engine to reach a maximum speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) but can also use its two sails to slowly travel by air power. While designed purely as a pleasure barge, the Khetanna is fitted with a laser cannon turret and heavy blasters can be mounted on
7052-461: Is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time. The original 1977 film, retroactively subtitled Episode IV: A New Hope , was followed by the sequels Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983), forming the original Star Wars trilogy . Lucas later returned to the series to write and direct a prequel trilogy , consisting of Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999), Episode II: Attack of
List of Star Wars air, aquatic, and ground vehicles - Misplaced Pages Continue
7224-403: Is seen in moisture vaporators, devices that produce water from hydrogen and oxygen in the air. These are first seen on film on the planet Tatooine in A New Hope . Their artificial intelligence is more basic than most other forms of artificial intelligence seen in the Star Wars universe, dealing with input from humidity and air density sensors. They use this input to help them take samples from
7396-416: Is thermally superconductive to absorb and spread heat over a wider area. For weaponry it is equipped with a heavy laser cannon turret and rapid-repeating heavy laser cannon turret on the roof; two side-mounted medium antipersonnel laser cannons that extend out from either side of the hull; two twin antipersonnel blaster cannons under the 'forward' cockpit; and two retractable rocket/grenade launchers. After
7568-432: Is used to make defensive shields for their army, from small handheld versions that can deflect solid objects and blasters to large generators carried on fictional Fambaa creatures. These generators can envelop an area as wide as one kilometre in a protective bubble which will stop weapons fire but not battle droids from marching through the perimeter. In 2014, physics students at the University of Leicester developed
7740-538: The Jedi Academy trilogy (1994) by Kevin J. Anderson , the 14-book Young Jedi Knights series (1995–1998) by Anderson and Rebecca Moesta , and the X-wing series (1996–2012) by Michael A. Stackpole and Aaron Allston . Del Rey took over Star Wars book publishing in 1999, releasing what would become a 19-installment novel series called The New Jedi Order (1999–2003). Written by multiple authors,
7912-442: The 2008 series of the same name . Following Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, all animated series released prior to 2014, apart from the 2008 series, were discarded from the franchise's canon . Subsequent animated series include Rebels , released in 2014; Resistance , released in 2018; and The Bad Batch , released in 2021. Several micro-series and shorts have also been released by Lucasfilm since Disney's acquisition, with
8084-420: The Clone Wars . Standing only 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) tall, it is also known as the burrowing spider droid for its ability to fit in tight spaces. Its primary weapon is a long blaster cannon capable of firing at different intensities and rates of fire, though it can also willingly utilize a self-destruct device to blow up the enemy. A pair of infrared photoreceptors on the armored brain casing allow
8256-481: The Clone Wars . This 10.9 m (36 ft)-long tank is designed to function on its own with a built-in droid brain, though it can also be controlled by a pilot battle droid . Consisting of a huge central tread and forward-mounted outriggers , the tank droid can cross almost any terrain with ease and achieve a top speed of 60 km/h (37 mph). Its weaponry includes two heavy repeating blasters, two ion cannons, and missile launchers. The Dwarf spider droid
8428-630: The First Order to attack Resistance forces in a former Rebel base). The All Terrain Scout Transport (AT-ST) is a two-legged mech walker introduced briefly in The Empire Strikes Back and featured extensively in Return of the Jedi . These vehicles were designed to screen and protect the flanks of slower moving AT-ATs and the larger tanks used by the Empire. Due to their design and movement, they are often dubbed as
8600-485: The Force . Holocrons resemble evenly-proportioned polyhedrons and typically store information in the form of holographic lessons. Many will only permit access to someone who is sensitive in the Force, and for additional security may require a separate memory crystal in order to activate. More mundane forms of data storage exist in the Star Wars franchise, though some have tremendous capacity. The IGV-55 Surveillance Vessel,
8772-463: The New Republic era, serving as the climax of the various live-action television series that began with The Mandalorian in 2019. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy will direct a third film about a new Jedi Order, set fifteen years after the sequel trilogy. In January 2024, it was announced that Jon Favreau would direct a new Star Wars film, titled The Mandalorian & Grogu . In February of
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#17327911237798944-466: The Republic , the return of Luke as a Jedi Master (a role similar to that of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original trilogy), Luke's sister (not yet determined to be Leia), Han, Leia, R2-D2 and C-3PO . However, after beginning work on the prequel trilogy, Lucas insisted that Star Wars was meant to be a six-part series and that there would be no sequel trilogy. Lucas decided to leave the franchise in
9116-476: The Sith . Although no longer canon, the story is paralleled in The Force Awakens with Han and Leia's son Ben Solo , who becomes the evil Kylo Ren. Three series set in the prequel era were published by Scholastic for younger audiences: the 18-book Jedi Apprentice (1999–2002) chronicles the adventures of Obi-Wan Kenobi and his master Qui-Gon Jinn in the years before The Phantom Menace ;
9288-480: The Star Destroyers , as well as space stations such as the moon-sized Death Stars . Telecommunication includes two-way audio and audiovisual screens, holographic projections, and hyperspace transmission. The universe of Star Wars is generally similar to the real universe but its laws of physics are less strict allowing for more imaginative stories. One result of that is a mystical power known as
9460-400: The Star Wars films, television shows and other media. Their main purpose is to protect the wearer from attacks and other hazards as in ancient and current times on Earth. They are most commonly seen on Imperial stormtroopers , clone troopers , bounty hunters and others, providing various levels of protection and other functions. According to Star Wars lore, the armor worn by stormtroopers
9632-497: The Star Wars universe, as seen in the films and explained in background literature. Droidekas , which made their theatrical appearance in The Phantom Menace , are equipped with deflector shields that are polarized to allow their own blaster bolts to pass through while stopping any fire coming from outside. In The Empire Strikes Back a shield system protects the Rebels' Echo Base on Hoth . Projected by modules studded throughout
9804-546: The Star Wars universe, characters who uses cybernetics to enhance their bodies are referred to as cyborgs . Cybernetics are used to replace organic body parts at a deeper and more complex level than prosthetics, and the process is usually irreversible. In the films, it is most recognizably used on two major characters: General Grievous and Darth Vader , both whom are cyborgs. Its applications are also first seen on film in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of
9976-631: The Star Wars universe. According to an in-universe reference book, bacta is a blue-hued chemical compound ; it must be mixed with a synthetic liquid which mimics bodily fluids. The combined bacterial medium regenerates traumatized flesh and promotes tissue growth . Luke Skywalker was first seen using a bacta tank in The Empire Strikes Back ; his father Darth Vader has a similar tank in Rogue One . Clone troopers also use such healing technology in The Clone Wars . Bacta can also be administered in
10148-565: The Thrawn trilogy, Leia considers an advantageous political marriage to Prince Isolder of the planet Hapes, but she and Han ultimately marry. Steve Perry 's Shadows of the Empire (1996), set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi , was part of a multimedia campaign that included a comic book series and video game. The novel introduced the crime lord Prince Xizor , another popular character who would appear in multiple other works. Other notable series from Bantam include
10320-457: The University of California explains that one problem with this type of cybernetic body is the lack of knowledge in brain circuitry coding, which has yet to be decrypted. Fallon argues that most prosthetic and cybernetic technology in Star Wars is still plausible with continuous research and development in the relevant fields. Many other minor characters and organizations within the Star Wars universe are known to utilize cybernetics. Lobot ,
10492-505: The University of Southern California , licensed the Star Wars radio rights to KUSC-FM for US$ 1 . The production used John Williams's original film score, along with Ben Burtt 's sound effects. The first was written by science-fiction author Brian Daley and directed by John Madden . It was broadcast on National Public Radio in 1981, adapting the original 1977 film into 13 episodes. Mark Hamill and Anthony Daniels reprised their film roles. The overwhelming success, led to
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#173279112377910664-593: The negative camber of the wheels for having no discernable purpose. The OG-9 homing spider droid appears in Attack of the Clones during the Battle of Geonosis and features in other Star Wars media, including as a playable vehicle in Battlefront II . During post-production, the droid was referred to as "Commerce Guild droid B." Referred to in source material as the OG-9 homing spider droid, these droid walking tanks were manufactured by Baktoid Armor Workshop for
10836-449: The sarlacc pit in Return of the Jedi . Illustrator Ralph McQuarrie designed the ship to appear more utilitarian in comparison to early designs, which made the ship reminiscent of a Baroque sea craft. Joe Johnston continued working on the design after McQuarrie stepped away from the project. A 30,000-square-foot (2,800 m) full-scale sail barge set was erected in Yuma, Arizona ; it
11008-475: The 11-book Jedi Quest (2001–2004) follows Obi-Wan and his own apprentice, Anakin Skywalker in between The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones ; and the 10-book The Last of the Jedi (2005–2008), set almost immediately after Revenge of the Sith , features Obi-Wan and the last few surviving Jedi. In 2019, a new prequel era novel, starring Qui-Gon and the young Obi-Wan, was published by Del Rey under
11180-737: The 80's . Snowspeeder models and replicas have been merchandised by several companies. During production of The Empire Strikes Back , designer Joe Johnston conceived a ship that combined the body of an X-wing and the cockpit of the Y-wing . 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 as Tommy Lee Edwards . The models were built in three different scales by Steve Gawley , Charlie Bailey, and Mike Fulmer of ILM, with
11352-659: The AAT floats above the ground thanks to anti-gravity " repulsorlift " technology and can achieve a top speed of 55 km/h (34 mph). At 9.75 m (32.0 ft) long, the AAT is crewed by four battle droids : a commander, a pilot and two gunners. Up to six additional battle droids can use handholds on either side of the tank's body to ride into battle . It is heavily armed with a primary turret-mounted heavy laser cannon; matching pairs of anti-personnel laser cannons and laser rangefinders which extend out either side on stalks; and two forward-facing short-ranged blaster cannons in
11524-465: The AAT must be removed and a loaded replacement installed using mechanical facilities. The Gungan "bongo" submarine is a transport in The Phantom Menace . Obi-Wan Kenobi ( Ewan McGregor ), Qui-Gon Jinn ( Liam Neeson ), and Jar Jar Binks ( Ahmed Best ) use a bongo to travel from the underwater city of Otah Gunga to the Naboo capital of Theed. Industrial Light & Magic 's Doug Chiang devised
11696-480: The Clones (2002), and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005). In 2012, Lucas sold his production company to Disney , relinquishing his ownership of the franchise. This led to a sequel trilogy , consisting of Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015), Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017), and Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). All nine films, collectively referred to as the " Skywalker Saga ", were nominated for Academy Awards , with wins going to
11868-484: The Commerce Guild to enforce their contracts. It consists of an armored reactor core body attached to four armored legs, giving it a height of 7.3 m (24 ft). While the legs are thin they are tougher than they look, allowing the droid to traverse nearly any terrain and achieve a top speed of 90 km/h (56 mph). Its primary weapons are two dish-shaped laser cannons mounted on the top and bottom of
12040-524: The DEKA Arm System and dubbed "The Luke", after Luke Skywalker's prosthetic arm, was approved for mass production by the US Food and Drug Administration after eight years of testing and development. More recently, scientists have begun to develop artificial skin jackets to cover prosthetic limbs, creating an effect similar to what is seen in the Star Wars films. Body armor is seen throughout
12212-535: The EU material until April 25, 2014, when the company announced all of the EU works would cease production. Existing works would no longer be considered canon to the franchise and subsequent reprints would be rebranded under the Star Wars Legends label, with downloadable content for the massively multiplayer online game The Old Republic the only Legends material to still be produced. The Star Wars canon
12384-408: The Force which is described in the original film as "an energy field created by all living things ... [that] binds the galaxy together". The field is depicted as a kind of pantheistic god. Through training and meditation, those whom "the Force is strong with" exhibit various superpowers (such as telekinesis , precognition , telepathy , and manipulation of physical energy); it is believed nothing
12556-688: The Guavian Death Gang, first appearing in The Force Awakens , receive cybernetic augmentations in exchange for their loyalty, including a second mechanical heart which pumps speed- and aggression-enhancing chemicals directly into the bloodstream. Reference material identifies a number of different methods by which energy is created in the Star Wars universe. Examples of power sources used for domestic devices include chemical, fission and fusion reactors. In Star Wars spacecraft and other large structures, fusion reactors powered by
12728-486: The Hutt 's sail barge and snowspeeders . Many droids and robots also use this technology to hover and move above a planet's surface, such as the Imperial Probe Droid . The carbonite freezing coffin that kept Han Solo in suspension was suspended in mid-air using a gravity repulsion force field. Levitation by this method is currently considered a physical impossibility by today's means. Despite being
12900-550: The Jedi novelization , George Lucas wrote: " Star Wars is also very much concerned with the tension between humanity and technology, an issue which, for me, dates back even to my first films. In Jedi , the theme remains the same, as the simplest of natural forces brought down the seemingly invincible weapons of the evil Empire." While many of these technologies are in existence and in use today, they are not nearly as complex as seen in Star Wars. Some of these technologies are not considered possible at present. Nevertheless, many of
13072-420: The Jedi , where he is unfrozen. The technology also appears in The Mandalorian . Carbonite freezing is based on the concept of cryonics , which involves freezing a living organism to keep it in suspended animation . The technology is still being researched and developed by scientists into a more sophisticated form. Carbonite exists in real life as a type of gunpowder . According to professor James H. Fallon,
13244-561: The Jedi . The skiff was originally conceived as a flying animal carrying strapped-on passenger modules. It was modified to be a nautical-type vehicle, and then transitioned to become more utilitarian. A full-size skiff was built alongside the sail barge in Yuma. An 81-centimeter miniature was also built, and it was "crewed" by poseable puppets. Skiffs are a common mode of transport on many Star Wars worlds as per in-universe sources, utilizing repulsorlift technology to move cargo and passengers on
13416-506: The Jedi" collection, in 2006 as a Target exclusive in the "Saga Collection" line, and three versions of it in the 2010 "The Vintage Collection", including a Target exclusive packaged as the original 1980 Kenner version. LEGO has also sold snowspeeder models, and Snowspeeder models used in The Empire Strikes Back have been sold online. Hasbro's Star Wars Transformers line included a Snowspeeder that transformed into Luke Skywalker . In 2009, Japanese model manufacturer Fine Molds released
13588-473: The Juggernaut's ten wheels consists of three independently spinning segments and utilize independent suspension to travel across nearly any terrain. Designed to absorb enemy fire, they help the tank achieve a maximum speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). A crew of 12 operates the Juggernaut and can control it from cockpits located at either end of the tank. The Juggernaut's nearly impregnable armor plating
13760-468: The MTT explains it was originally produced by Baktoid Armor Workshop, the same manufacturer of the Trade Federation's AAT . Measuring 31 m (102 ft) long and 3 m (9.8 ft) tall, the MTT is designed to deploy in traditional battle lines, hence its strong frontal armor. Although floating above the ground on heavy-duty " repulsorlift " engines, the MTT is a lumbering vehicle with
13932-413: The MTT have locomotive -type qualities and be capable of knocking down everything in its path; consequently, the MTT has battering rams and locomotive components. Although the MTT was primarily created using computer-generated imagery (CGI), a scale model was also built to film certain scenes of The Phantom Menace , combining elements of practical and digital special effects. Fictional background for
14104-492: The Marvel magazine Pizzazz between 1977 and 1979. The 1977 installments were the first original Star Wars stories not directly adapted from the films to appear in print form, as they preceded those of the Star Wars comic series. From 1985 to 1987, the animated children's series Ewoks and Droids inspired comic series from Marvel's Star Comics line. According to Marvel Comics former Editor-In-Chief Jim Shooter ,
14276-491: The NRSF Flash Speeders, and are used mainly for skirmishes against pirates and smugglers. However, they are still modified civilian landspeeeders, and prove relatively useless against Trade Federation tanks. They are painted purple, carry one medium blaster cannon, and have seating for four NRSF officers. They also have light armor plating for protection against hand-held blasters, but there is little protection for
14448-549: The Sith . Darth Vader, previously Anakin Skywalker, lost one of his limbs starting in the Clone Wars , and later, towards the end of the Clone Wars, lost most of his limbs after a deadly lightsaber duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi . Shortly after the duel, he was caught in the heat range of molten lava, resulting in the burning and melting of much of his flesh and tissue. Vader lost many of his nervous and sensory systems, most of which were replaced by prosthetics, bionics, and, later, cybernetics. Besides having cybernetic limbs, Vader wore
14620-562: The Sith is labeled "HAVw A6". The clone turbo tank, more formally the HAVw A6 Juggernaut, is described in Star Wars sources as being built by Kuat Drive Yards to serve as a heavily armed and armored military transport for the Republic during the Clone Wars . Measuring 49.4 m (162 ft) long, 19.6 m (64 ft) wide and 30.4 m (100 ft) high, the massive tank can carry as many as 300 clone troopers into battle depending on internal configuration. Each of
14792-649: The Star Wars universe, the Bongo is described as being organically grown by secret Gungan techniques and so no two are exactly alike. The submersible piloted by Jar-Jar, Obi-Wan and Qua-Gon was a Tribubble bongo 15 m (49 ft) long and manufactured by the Otoh Gunga Bongmeken Cooperative. It used hydrostatic bubble shields to keep the cockpit and cargo areas dry and filled with air. The cluster of semi-rigid electromotive tentacles at
14964-406: The Trade Federation's invasion of Naboo being led by "armored attack craft" that resembled helicopters . George Lucas narrowed down the AAT's design after looking at two different drawings from ILM design director Doug Chiang - one tank-like and the other shaped like a flying spade - and deciding it would be interesting to combine the two together. The final version's forward curve is based on
15136-855: The US military. A tractor beam is described as an invisible force field that can grab, trap, suspend, and move objects with force. According to Star Wars sources, tractor beams generators and projectors are common components on many spacecraft, with both military and civilian applications. Tractor beams can be used to move cargo, tow disabled vessels, or assist in docking manoeuvres. They can also be used offensively to slow down or immobilize an opponent, though targeting fast and manoeuvrable ships can be challenging. Additional uses are made of this technology for other purposes as well. Open-topped taxis on Coruscant emit tractor fields when in flight to keep passengers securely seated without requiring restraints. The AT-TE possess tractor-field generators in its footpads for
15308-426: The air and produce water. They also require input from robots. The film also shows Owen Lars , Luke's uncle, telling C-3PO that he needs a droid that can really understand the language of moisture vaporators, with the droid claiming that it is in his programming. Cybersecurity also plays a major role in the films and other media, with many real-world counterparts. The term slicer is the in-universe designation for
15480-727: The announcement. Since the new canon has been introduced, there has been a multitude of pieces of Expanded Universe continuity that have become a part of canon. Star Wars in print predates the release of the first film, with the November 1976 novelization of Star Wars , initially subtitled " From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker ". Credited to Lucas, it was ghostwritten by Alan Dean Foster . The first "Expanded Universe" story appeared in Marvel Comics ' Star Wars #7 in January 1978 (the first six issues being an adaptation of
15652-465: The assault walkers' thick armoring, Luke devises the unconventional strategy of using their tow cables to entangle the AT-ATs. Although Luke's gunner, Dak Ralter, is killed before he can try the maneuver himself, Wedge Antilles and Wes Janson succeed in tripping up an AT-AT with their snowspeeder and destroying it with a well-placed shot to its neck. While ultimately the Rebels lose the Battle of Hoth,
15824-717: The attacks of Rebel infantrymen of the Rogue One unit during the Battle of Scarif , although later defeated by the arriving Rebel Red Squadron of starfighers). The AT-AT also appears in a destroyed form in Star Wars: The Force Awakens , explained in the video game Star Wars Battlefront (2015) to be a residue of the Battle of Jakku, which was the Empire's last defeat and resulted in its dissolution. Modified forms appear in The Last Jedi (used by
15996-643: The background of the Lars residence in A New Hope , and Luke Skywalker ( Mark Hamill ) races a skyhopper in National Public Radio 's radio adaptation of that movie ; a skyhopper also appears at the end of the Special Edition release of Return of the Jedi . The skyhopper model that Skywalker handles in A New Hope is the concept model Colin Cantwell built; budget limitations allowed only
16168-417: The carbonite used in Star Wars might be a "dry ice" with an opposite charge. He further speculates that it is a form of carbon dioxide mineral, which, like in cryonics, is kept at very low temperatures, to the point that there is no need for oxygen or blood-flow. This could keep living organisms and living tissue in suspended animation. While the freezing process as depicted in the films is realistic, reversing
16340-410: The cheap. The Bantha-II cargo skiffs seen in Return of the Jedi are also a favorite of various criminal organizations, which use them for raids and prisoner exchanges. Built by Ubrikkian Industries, they are 9.5 m (31 ft) long, with an armored bow to withstand head-on collisions, and can reach speeds of 250 km/h (160 mph). A sail barge delivers Jabba the Hutt and his entourage to
16512-495: The chief administrative aide of Bespin 's Cloud City, is fitted with an AJ^6 cyborg construct. While it allows direct neural interface with computer systems via wireless signal and overall productivity increase, the implant tends to negatively affect the user's personality in what is referred to as the "lobotomy effect." Imperial Death Troopers are fitted with implants which provide biofeedback information and can stimulate sensory organs for increased performance. Foot soldiers of
16684-603: The collected data and present it to the user; and data-pads, portable computers (often handheld) which allow individuals to access and interpret information. An example of computing devices which perform very complex tasks in the Star Wars franchise are navigational computers, also called nav-computers or navi-computers, which form a key part of many Star Wars spacecraft. Such computers are said to store vast libraries of astrogation knowledge and work with their ships' sensors and hyperdrive to plot safe courses in real-space and hyperspace . Source material makes it clear that only
16856-410: The curve of a shovel, and parts of it are intended to suggest animalistic traits. LEGO released an AAT model in 2001. In-universe reference material describes the AAT as a battle tank designed specifically for head-on combat, with a very heavily armored front and a nose of almost solid armor so it can crash through heavy walls. First manufactured for the Trade Federation by the Baktoid Armor Workshop,
17028-595: The desperate or foolhardy would attempt traveling in hyperspace without an up-to-date navi-computer as a ship can easily smash into a hazard without one. Some small Star Wars spacecraft (such as the X-wing ) use an astromech droid in place of a navi-computer due to size restrictions. A unique form of data storage found in the Star Wars universe is the Holocron , a type of artefact used by both Jedi and Sith to store vital and sensitive knowledge, usually concerning
17200-416: The earlier animated series falling under Disney's "Vintage" collection of Star Wars content. The Star Wars franchise includes several live-action series. The first series, The Mandalorian , was released in 2019 for the streaming service Disney+ and is set between the original and sequel trilogies of the Skywalker Saga. Due to its success, the series spawned multiple live-action spin-offs set during
17372-644: The end of the Clone Wars, the tank continues to serve the Galactic Empire . A later model, the HCVw A9, appears in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story being used as a prisoner transport carrying Jyn Erso ( Felicity Jones ). Corporate Alliance tank droids appear in Revenge of the Sith and have appeared in other Star Wars media, including as playable vehicles in Battlefront II . This "snail droid"
17544-399: The episodic films, The Clone Wars film , and television series . From 1976 to 2014, the term Expanded Universe (EU) was an umbrella term for all officially licensed Star Wars storytelling material set outside the events depicted within the theatrical films, including novels, comics, and video games. Lucasfilm maintained internal continuity between the films and television content and
17716-495: The evil Sith lord Palpatine (Darth Sidious). The original trilogy depicts the heroic development of Luke Skywalker as a Jedi and his fight against Palpatine's Galactic Empire alongside his sister, Leia . The prequels tell the tragic backstory of their father, Anakin , who is corrupted by Palpatine and becomes Darth Vader . The sequels follow the conflict between Leia's son, Ben Solo , and Luke and Leia's protegé, Rey , and their eventual alliance against Palpatine after
17888-463: The fall of the Empire. In 1971, George Lucas wanted to film an adaptation of the Flash Gordon serial , but could not obtain the rights, so he began developing his own space opera . After directing American Graffiti (1973), he wrote a two-page synopsis, which 20th Century Fox decided to invest in. By 1974, he had expanded the story into the first draft of a screenplay. Fox expected
18060-706: The fictional "hypermatter" fuel are considered the most common source of energy. These fuels are typically hazardous to organic life, taking the form of corrosive liquids or poisonous gases. Solar power technology is a method of energy generation used mainly by the Imperial TIE fighter , which features in many Star Wars films and other media. According to the TIE Fighter Owner's Workshop Manual , these spacecraft are fitted with two hexagonal wings that have six trapezoidal solar arrays on both sides which collect energy from nearby stars and use it to power
18232-458: The fighter's ion engines . Another Star Wars ship noted for using solar power is the solar sailer piloted by Count Dooku ( Christoper Lee ) in Attack of the Clones and other media. It deploys a solar sail 100 m (330 ft) wide which captures interstellar energy in order to travel without requiring fuel. An electron transfer experiment conducted by scientists in 2005 involved
18404-479: The film would be of limited financial success, and so it was given a relatively low budget, with production being moved to Elstree Studios in England to help save on cost. Star Wars was released on May 25, 1977, and first subtitled Episode IV: A New Hope in the 1979 book The Art of Star Wars . The film's success led Lucas to make it the basis of an elaborate film serial . With the backstory he created for
18576-650: The film), followed by Foster's sequel novel Splinter of the Mind's Eye the following month. After penning the novelization of the original film, Foster followed it with the sequel Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1978). The novelizations of The Empire Strikes Back (1980) by Donald F. Glut and Return of the Jedi (1983) by James Kahn followed, as well as The Han Solo Adventures trilogy (1979–1980) by Brian Daley , and The Adventures of Lando Calrissian trilogy (1983) by L. Neil Smith . Timothy Zahn 's bestselling Thrawn trilogy (1991–1993) reignited interest in
18748-490: The films' Special Edition releases were computer-generated . Within the Star Wars universe, these cloud cars (formally identified as Storm IV Twin-Pod models) were built by Bespin Motors specifically as atmospheric patrol craft. The unusual vehicles consist of two separate pods connected together, one for a pilot and the other for a gunner. It can achieve low orbit and attain speeds of 1,500 km/h (930 mph) thanks to
18920-403: The final battle in Attack of the Clones and argues that destroying one of its legs would quickly knock the robot out of a fight. The Multi-Troop Transports or MTTs made their first appearance in The Phantom Menace , carrying and deploying Trade Federation battle droids during the invasion of Naboo . As with the AAT, parts of the MTT are intended to suggest animalistic traits. Lucas requested
19092-609: The first two releases. Together with the theatrical live action "anthology" films Rogue One (2016) and Solo (2018), the combined box office revenue of the films equate to over US$ 10 billion, making Star Wars the third-highest-grossing film franchise of all time. The Star Wars franchise depicts the adventures of characters "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away" across multiple fictional eras , in which humans and many species of aliens (often humanoid ) co-exist with droids , which may be programmed for personal assistance or battle. Space travel between planets
19264-532: The franchise and introduced the popular characters Grand Admiral Thrawn , Mara Jade , Talon Karrde , and Gilad Pellaeon . The first novel, Heir to the Empire , reached #1 on the New York Times Best Seller list , and the series finds Luke, Leia, and Han facing off against tactical genius Thrawn, who is plotting to retake the galaxy for the Empire. In The Courtship of Princess Leia (1994) by Dave Wolverton , set immediately before
19436-404: The franchise as "the tragedy of Darth Vader". Prior to releasing the original 1977 film, and made possible by its success, Lucas planned "three trilogies of nine films". However, he announced to Time in 1978 that he planned "10 sequels". He confirmed that he had outlined the prequels and sequels in 1981. At various stages of development, the sequel trilogy was to focus on the rebuilding of
19608-640: The gap between the High Republic publishing initiative and the events of The Acolyte . Titled Star Wars: The Acolyte – Kelnacca , the one-shot was written by High Republic writer Cavan Scott with art by Marika Cresta. It focuses on Kelnacca, the Wookiee Jedi introduced in The Acolyte . John Williams composed the soundtracks for the nine episodic films. He stated he would retire from the franchise with The Rise of Skywalker , but he composed
19780-483: The hands of other filmmakers, announcing in January 2012 that he would make no more Star Wars films. That October, the Walt Disney Company agreed to buy Lucasfilm and announced that Episode VII would be released in 2015. The co-chairman of Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy , became president and served as executive producer of new Star Wars feature films. Lucas provided Kennedy his story treatments for
19952-408: The heat radiator fins at the back of the ships to make them less efficient was this problem resolved and they become more commonly known as snowspeeders. In The Empire Strikes Back , Rogue Squadron, led by Commander Luke Skywalker ( Mark Hamill ), pilots snowspeeders against Imperial AT-AT walkers during the Battle of Hoth . However, when the snowspeeders' weaponry proves incapable of piercing
20124-520: The heat range of lava on the planet Mustafar, causing damage to his lung tissue. This would require the need for a filter mask to take in more purified oxygen, as well as replacement lungs, most of which are possible by modern scientific and technological means. A peer reviewed journal by two Danish physicians concluded that Darth Vader's suit acts as a wearable hyperbaric chamber , which supports his supposedly chronically injured lungs. It also protects his damaged and vulnerable skin from infection. In
20296-504: The hoverbikes seen in the Star Wars films. It is unclear, however, whether these hoverbikes were actually inspired by Star Wars or not. Another fundamental difference, besides their power sources, is that the hoverbikes in Star Wars can only climb a few meters above the ground, unlike the current ones being developed. Malloy's company, Malloy Aeronautics , is reported to have partnered with an American-based company for further experimenting, as well as developing Malloy's hoverbikes for
20468-418: The late 1980s and early 1990s, including the ability to create computer-generated imagery (CGI), inspired Lucas to consider that it might be possible to revisit his saga. In 1989, Lucas stated that the prequels would be "unbelievably expensive". In 1992, he acknowledged that he had plans to create the prequel trilogy. A theatrical rerelease of the original trilogy in 1997 " updated " the 20-year-old films with
20640-426: The latter caused by his lungs constantly filling with liquid. His mechanical body did, however, give him advantages in combat, due to being made of solid material, instead of organic bones and limbs. Grievous's organic body being destroyed in conflict left him with only a brain, eyes, and internal organs, which scientists placed in a constructed cybernetic body. Anatomy and neurobiology professor James H. Fallon of
20812-529: The lessons in cyber-security offered by Rogue One . This include the need to safeguard the Internet of Things represented by the droid character K-2SO ( Alan Tudyk ) and the need for strong multi-factor authentication . The use of cybernetics in Star Wars is documented by much of the Star Wars media, including novels, comics, and television series. It is used by characters for both enhancements and replacements for damaged or destroyed body parts. Within
20984-457: The letters ' A.T. A.T. ') was first introduced in The Empire Strikes Back (as the Galactic Empire 's main units against Rebel Alliance infantry during the Battle of Hoth ) and also appears in Return of the Jedi (as the vehicle used to transport Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader to their shuttle on the forest moon of Endor ) and in Rogue One (in the AT-ACT variant, used to respond to
21156-399: The magnetic repulsion of like charges, but relies on the surface that it travels above — in its case, the train tracks — to have the same charge as its own coils, resulting in a magnetic repulsion. One possibility for magnetic levitation as seen in Star Wars is suggested by physics associate professor Michael Dennin. According to him, if a planet were made out of
21328-549: The main episodes of the Skywalker Saga entered development in parallel with the production of the sequel trilogy, described by Disney chief financial officer Jay Rasulo as origin stories . The first film released was 2016's Rogue One , which tells the story of the rebels who steal the plans for the Death Star , the Galactic Empire 's superweapon, just before the events of the original Star Wars film. A second film, 2018's Solo , tells Han Solo's backstory, set 10 years prior to A New Hope . The series Obi-Wan Kenobi
21500-475: The manipulation of gravity is a common feature in the Star Wars films and other media. Examples include the use of tractor beams , force fields which envelop an object and manipulate it remotely, and repulsorlifts , which push against a planet's gravity to create lift. Artificial gravity and inertial dampeners are also used on Star Wars spacecraft, protecting their occupants from the crushing gravitational forces of high-speed manoeuvres or when landing on
21672-490: The movie material, while others rely heavily on the non-canonical Expanded Universe (rebranded as Star Wars Legends and removed from the canon in 2014). Star Wars games have gone through three significant development eras, marked by a change in leadership among the developers: the early licensed games, those developed after the creation of LucasArts, and those created after the closure of the Lucasfilm division by Disney and
21844-584: The movie's opening space battle, but were ultimately depicted as aircraft. Described by in-universe material as the Separatist counterpart to the Republic 's LAAT , the Heavy Missile Platform droid gunship (or HMP Predator) is a heavily armed repulsorlift airspeeder which can be adapted for a wide range of mission profiles. Mass-produced by Baktoid Fleet Ordnance on numerous worlds, the HMP
22016-455: The nine films of which are collectively referred to as the " Skywalker Saga ". The saga was produced non-chronologically, beginning in media res with the release of the original trilogy between 1977 and 1983. This was followed by the prequel trilogy, released between 1999 and 2005, and the sequel trilogy, released between 2015 and 2019. Each trilogy focuses on a generation of the Force -sensitive Skywalker family and their struggle against
22188-451: The nine-film series plotted, but due to the stress of producing the original trilogy, he had decided to cancel further sequels by 1981. In 1983, Lucas explained that "There was never a script completed that had the entire story as it exists now ... As the stories unfolded, I would take certain ideas and save them ... I kept taking out all the good parts, and I just kept telling myself I would make other movies someday." Technical advances in
22360-473: The original film and a new narration to retell the story, released in 1977. Most later printed novels were adapted into audio novels, usually released on cassette tape and re-released on CD. As of 2019, audio-only novels have been released not directly based on printed media. Radio adaptations of the films were also produced. Lucas, a fan of the NPR-affiliated campus radio station of his alma mater
22532-497: The outer reaches of the galaxy, crime syndicates such as the Hutt cartel are dominant. Bounty hunters are often employed by both gangsters and governments, while illicit activities include smuggling and slavery . The combination of science fiction and fantasy elements makes Star Wars a very universal franchise, capable of telling stories of various genres. The Star Wars film series centers around three sets of trilogies,
22704-498: The prosthetic limbs replace. Such precision is not considered possible by current technological means. However, according to recent research and development conducted at the Case Western University , which produced prosthetic limbs similar to the ones seen in Star Wars , the ability for prosthetics to produce feeling has become closer to reality. A similar production, even closer to natural organic limbs, known as
22876-581: The railings. Landspeeders are antigravity vehicles that appear throughout the films and Expanded Universe in both civilian and military roles. They appear in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope . C-3PO ( Anthony Daniels ) and R2-D2 ( Kenny Baker ) are briefly held in a Jawa sandcrawler in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope . Shots of the sandcrawler at a distance were actually a matte painting ; only two of its treads and
23048-462: The reactor core: the top-mounted cannon primarily releases sustains bursts to wear down deflector shields , while the bottom cannon suppresses enemy infantry. Joe Pappalardo of Popular Mechanics praised the design of the Homing spider droid for mirroring the design of a real-world robot, RoboSimian, designed by JPL for traversing rough terrain. However he criticized it's apparent slow speed during
23220-441: The right magnetic materials, such as iron or nickel , the vehicle could then produce a repulsive charge, allowing it to lift above the surface. In 2010, Australian inventor and engineer Chris Malloy constructed a hoverbike that uses turbofans to enter flight. It is claimed to fly up to 10,000 feet (3,050 m) and fly at a horizontal speed of 173 miles per hour (278 km/h). The hoverbike has been repeatedly compared to
23392-431: The same fictional era, including The Book of Boba Fett , released in 2021; Ahsoka , released in 2023; and the upcoming Skeleton Crew . These series follow the plight of the New Republic and its allies against the remnants of the fallen Galactic Empire . A story focused on Obi-Wan Kenobi was planned as a film before becoming a live-action series after the box office failure of Solo in 2018. The series
23564-447: The same process by heating, he argues, is more challenging, and can be dangerous if heated too fast. He also argues that this process, as depicted in the film, is a scientific, physical challenge. In 2020, researchers were able to preserve nematodes in a suspended animation state known as anhydrobiosis inside a liquid metal cage (Gallium, which later solidified) during seven days, and then recovered them alive. Aside from droids/robots,
23736-502: The same year, Bob Iger announced that the film would be the first release of the next slate of Star Wars movies. The Mandalorian & Grogu is scheduled for release on May 22, 2026. Lucasfilm has a number of Star Wars films in various stages of development, including: The first two animated series, Droids and Ewoks , were produced in the 1980s. They were followed by the Clone Wars animated micro-series in 2003 and
23908-460: The sequel, Lucas decided that the series would be a trilogy of trilogies. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back was released on May 21, 1980, also achieving wide financial and critical success. The final film in the trilogy, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi , was released on May 25, 1983. According to producer Gary Kurtz, loose plans for a prequel trilogy were developed during the outlining of the original two films. In 1980, Lucas confirmed that he had
24080-667: The sequels during the 2012 sale, but in 2015 it was revealed Lucas's sequel outline had been discarded. The sequel trilogy also meant the end of the Star Wars Expanded Universe stories, which were discarded from canon to give "maximum creative freedom to the filmmakers and also preserve an element of surprise and discovery for the audience." Episode VII: The Force Awakens was released on December 16, 2015, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi on December 13, 2017, and Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker on December 18, 2019, in many countries. The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi were both critical and box office successes. Episode IX received
24252-467: The series was set 25 to 30 years after the original films and introduced the Yuuzhan Vong, a powerful alien race attempting to invade and conquer the entire galaxy. The bestselling multi-author series Legacy of the Force (2006–2008) chronicles the crossover of Han and Leia's son Jacen Solo to the dark side of the Force; among his evil deeds, he kills Luke's wife Mara Jade as a sacrifice to join
24424-457: The shield to see anything. In 2015, the American company Boeing built plasma-based force fields, similar in size and dimensions to the force fields used in Star Wars ground battles. Like the ground force fields in the Star Wars films, these shields cannot block or repel solid matter, but are instead built to protect vehicles from the force of explosions. Technology which allows for
24596-527: The smallest (20 inches) used for motion control photography, and the largest (2½ feet) for hero and pyrotechnic shots. 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. According to background sources, the Rebel Alliance received
24768-456: The snowspeeder earns an honored place in the history books for the role it played. Kenner released a toy snowspeeder in 1980. Kenner re-released an updated version utilizing the same mold in 1995 for their new 'Power of the Force' line. After Hasbro shut down the Kenner offices in 1999, it was released several times under Hasbro's brand name: in 2001 as a Wal-Mart exclusive in the "Power of
24940-484: The spider droid to see its surroundings while four articulated legs are designed to affix to the sides of cliffs so it may climb difficult terrain. It can achieve a maximum speed of 90 km/h (56 mph). Droid gunships appear at the Battle of Kashyyyk in Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Battlefront II . Their circular shape is designed to be reminiscent of the Trade Federation ships seen in The Phantom Menace . These ships were originally intended to appear in
25112-443: The strong sales of Star Wars comics saved Marvel financially in 1977 and 1978. Marvel's Star Wars series was one of the industry's top selling titles in 1979 and 1980. The only downside for Marvel was that the 100,000 copy sales quota was surpassed quickly, allowing Lippincott to renegotiate the royalty arrangements from a position of strength. In the late 1980s, Marvel dropped a new Star Wars comic it had in development, which
25284-417: The style of CGI envisioned for the new trilogy. Episode I: The Phantom Menace was released on May 19, 1999, Episode II: Attack of the Clones on May 16, 2002, and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith on May 19, 2005. The first two films were met with mixed reviews, with the third being received somewhat more positively. Together with the original trilogy, Lucas has referred to the first six episodic films of
25456-663: The subject being cloned would need to be extracted and electronically fused together with the enucleated egg. A surrogate mother needs to be impregnated with the embryos to give birth to the clone. Cloning in Star Wars does not seem to use this process, and instead depicts advanced machinery that directly processes the human subject's DNA, and produces the clone or clones, by the thousands, if desired. The clones in Star Wars can also be genetically altered during their pre-birth phase to have their growth hormones and learning abilities accelerated, as well as their independence and self-consciousness restricted. According to Jeanne Cavelos ,
25628-462: The submarine's squid-like propeller design. This assembly was then merged with the design for a manta -shaped underwater transport written out of an earlier draft of the story. This design replaced earlier concepts that depicted the Gungan vessel as an organic-looking diving bell . Practical and CGI models of the Gungan vessel were built, as well as a full-size set for the actors to work in. Within
25800-552: The submersible's rear could propel it to a top speed of 85 km/h (53 mph). It was unarmed but in an emergency the cockpit section could detach from the rest of the submersible as an escape pod. The turbo tank is a ten-wheeled battle tank and armored personnel carrier that appears in Revenge of the Sith and is based on designs done by Joe Johnston for use in The Empire Strikes Back . West End Games based their "HAVw A5 Juggernaut" design on Johnson's sketches. The larger, more heavily armed vehicle that appears in Revenge of
25972-544: The surrounding territory and powered by a central generator, only slow-moving ground-contact vehicles (such as Walkers) can penetrate the shield. The incomplete Death Star II is protected remotely via deflector shield generator located on the Endor in Return of the Jedi . Identified as a SLD-26 Planetary Shield Generator, it can envelop a small moon (or large space station) with a nearly impenetrable shield for an indefinite period of time. In Rogue One: A Star Wars Story ,
26144-403: The tank's main body. The base of the tank also incorporates six energized projectile launchers which carry three main ammunition types: "bunker-buster" high explosive shells, armor-piercing shells and high-energy shells. When fired, these shells are cocooned in high-energy plasma which reduces air friction and improves penetration. In order to reload the launchers though, the entire "foot" of
26316-431: The technologies depicted by Star Wars parallel modern real-life technologies and concepts, though some have significant differences. Star Wars also depicts the practice of cloning and genetic engineering, though far more advanced and sophisticated than modern scientific and technological standards. Cloning in Star Wars was first mentioned in the original 1977 Star Wars film ( A New Hope ) and its novelization . It
26488-457: The three-part Dark Empire saga, Tales of the Jedi , Dark Lords of the Sith , the Dark Forces trilogy, and Crimson Empire (1998). Return of the Jedi was adapted into 6-episodes in 1996, featuring Daniels. The Star Wars franchise has spawned over one hundred computer, video, and board games, dating back to some of the earliest home consoles . Some are based directly on
26660-706: The time of the series. An updated model of the AT-ST is used by the First Order in The Last Jedi . Shortly before the film's climax, an AT-ST is commandeered by BB-8 . Cloud cars fly around Bespin 's Cloud City in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi . Compositing the cloud cars into the original releases required multiple motion control passes to prevent the vehicles from standing out too distinctly from their cloudy background. Cloud cars were designed to have two cockpits that were interconnected with
26832-490: The title Star Wars: Master and Apprentice . Although Thrawn had been designated a Legends character in 2014, he was reintroduced into the canon in 2016 for the third season of the Rebels animated series, with Zahn returning to write more novels based on the character and set in the new canon. Marvel Comics published a Star Wars comic book series from 1977 to 1986. Original Star Wars comics were serialized in
27004-404: The transfer of the license to Electronic Arts . Repulsorlift The space-opera blockbuster, Star Wars franchise has borrowed many real-life scientific and technological concepts in its settings. In turn, Star Wars has depicted, inspired, and influenced several futuristic technologies, some of which are in existence and others under development. In the introduction of the Return of
27176-418: The tropical planet Scarif is completely enveloped in a deflector shield to prevent anyone from landing or leaving the planet without Imperial authorization except by a single shield gate. Many Star Wars spacecraft and starfighters are said to possess generators which create both types of deflector shields around them to protect against normal space travel and enemy attacks. Smaller vessels may only have
27348-423: The use of artificial intelligence and computers is found very commonly in the Star Wars universe. Computing technology exists in many different forms in both the Star Wars movies and other media , with the capacity to process large volumes of data every millisecond and store it for safekeeping. Examples include simple viewscreens that receive and display information; scanners which examine an object, interpret
27520-637: The vehicles occupants. Hailfire droids are mobile missile platforms that appear in Attack of the Clones during the Battle of Geonosis and have featured in other Star Wars media associated with the Clone Wars . In-universe material identifies them as IG-227 Hailfire -class droid tanks produced by Haor Chall Engineering and commissioned for the InterGalactic Banking Clan prior to the Clone Wars to assist with debt collection. Standing 6.8 m (22 ft) tall and capable of 45 km/h (28 mph), they consist of two large wheels with
27692-484: Was also added on to increase protection; this armor was originally carried by Y-wing starfighters but removed by Rebel technicians to ease maintenance. These modifications made the T-47 a highly maneuverable short-range attack craft which uses its speed and agility to avoid being hit. However, the intense environment of Hoth initially proved too hostile to these T-47s as the cold temperatures would cause their power generators to lock up. Only after Rebel mechanics modified
27864-534: Was announced in January 2014 that in 2015 the Star Wars comics license would return to Marvel Comics, whose parent company, Marvel Entertainment , Disney had purchased in 2009. Launched in 2015, the first three publications were titled Star Wars , Darth Vader , and the miniseries Princess Leia . First announced as Project Luminous at Star Wars Celebration in April 2019, the Star Wars: The High Republic publishing initiative
28036-641: Was because most of the beskar in Mandalore's crust had mined out millennia prior. Major characters in the Star Wars franchise are also known for wearing body armor. The bounty hunter Boba Fett wore modified body armor fitted with various gadgets like his predecessor, Jango Fett . This armor has multi-purpose tactical abilities along with many scrapes and dents which Fett wears with pride. Darth Vader wears an armored suit which protects him in combat as well as provides life-support functions for his badly burned body. Such type of armor has slowly begun to become
28208-488: Was equipped with enhanced visual sensors, body heat vents, and neural function sensors. Vader's internal oxygen, blood, and nutrient flows, as well as nervous systems, were regulated by the control plate on his chest. His muscular system was enhanced by a neuro-electrical nervous pulse system in his cybernetic suit, giving him amplified physical strength. Scientists and scientific commentators have suggested that Vader lost his lungs by inhaling air in extreme temperatures within
28380-471: Was first seen on film in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002). There are major differences between the current ability to clone humans and those seen in Star Wars . Current human cloning methods need to use the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), which requires an unfertilized egg from a female donor to have its nucleus removed, resulting in an enucleated egg. DNA from
28552-507: Was one of the largest Star Wars sets created. Measuring 150 feet long, 130 feet wide and 65 feet high, the sail barge set was supported by 130 wooden posts, each 27 feet high, which were deeply embedded into the ground. Underneath the barge were several offices and a commissary which could feed 150 people. In order to get to the set, a two-mile road made of compacted sand was built, requiring roughly 80,000 gallons of water to construct. According to Star Wars references, Jabba's sail barge
28724-596: Was originally designed for Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones for the climactic Battle of Geonosis, but they did not make it into the final cut of the film. Formally identified in background material as the NR-N99 Persuader -class droid enforcer, these tanks are manufactured by the Techno Union and primarily used by the Corporate Alliance, which sides with the Separatists during
28896-411: Was originally planned as a film, but changed to a miniseries due to Solo underperforming at the box office. In April 2023, three new Star Wars films were announced to be set within different eras of the franchise. An untitled film written and directed by James Mangold will be set during the "dawn of the Jedi". Dave Filoni will direct a film set between the original and sequel trilogies during
29068-534: Was picked up by Dark Horse Comics and published as the popular Dark Empire series (1991–1995). Dark Horse subsequently launched dozens of series set after the original film trilogy, including Tales of the Jedi (1993–1998), X-wing Rogue Squadron (1995–1998), Star Wars: Republic (1998–2006), Star Wars Tales (1999–2005), Star Wars: Empire (2002–2006), and Knights of the Old Republic (2006–2010). After Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, it
29240-542: Was released on Disney+ in 2022 and is set between the prequel and original trilogy films. It was followed by the live-action series Andor in the same year; both series follow their titular characters during the reign of the Empire. The Acolyte is a series created by Leslye Headland set at the end of the High Republic era before the events of the Skywalker Saga , and follows an investigation into
29412-478: Was revealed in a press conference in February 2020. Involving the majority of the then current officially licensed publishers, a new era set 200 years before the Skywalker Saga was explored in various books and comics. Including ongoing titles by Marvel and IDW Publishing, written by Cavan Scott and Daniel José Older respectively. Marvel Comics will publish a one-shot comic book on September 4, 2024, that bridges
29584-503: Was subsequently restructured to only include the existing six feature films, the animated film The Clone Wars (2008), and its companion animated series. All future projects and creative developments across all types of media would be overseen and coordinated by the story group, announced as a division of Lucasfilm created to maintain continuity and a cohesive vision on the storytelling of the franchise. Multiple comics series from Marvel and novels published by Del Rey were produced after
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