Aratech Military Speeder Bike Prototype
The Aratech Military Speeder Bike Prototype was a craft used by the Rebel Alliance. The craft's agility and acceleration was superior to that of landspeeders and airspeeders. Its armaments included a concussion missile launcher. The Rebels used the Aratech speeder bikes for scouting during the Battle of Endor[1] in 4 ABY.[2]
Behind the scenes
The Aratech Military Speeder Bike Prototype was originally a piece of concept art by Joe Johnston for Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi.[3] It was later turned into a vehicle by Hasbro as part of its Expanded Universe line of toys in 1998, where it was also referred to as simply "Prototype Speeder Bike." It included an exclusive Rebel speeder bike pilot action figure.[1]
The speeder bike once made a live action appearance in a commercial for various Expanded Universe vehicles, which portrayed the bike and its pilot on Endor being pursued by Imperial scout troopers on speeder bikes.[4]
Sources
- Return of the Jedi Sketchbook (First pictured)
- The Art of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (First mentioned)
- The Star Wars Sourcebook (Picture only)
Star Wars: The Power of the Force (Pack: Speeder Bike) (backup link) (First identified as Aratech Military Speeder Bike Prototype)- Star Wars: The Action Figure Archive
"Scouting the Galaxy" – Star Wars Insider 60- The Making of Return of the Jedi (Picture only)
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Star Wars: The Power of the Force (Pack: Speeder Bike) (backup link)
- ↑ The New Essential Chronology places the Battle of Endor in 4 ABY.
- ↑ Return of the Jedi Sketchbook
- ↑
Star Wars - The Power Of The Force: Expanded Universe Vehicles Commercial on the Star Wars Comercials YouTube channel (backup link)