The History of the Landspeeder From “Star Wars”

Star Wars is one of the world's most recognizable media franchises and one of the most notable media phenomena in history. Throughout its history, Star Wars has given the world many treasures, from lightsabers and Jedis to charismatic heroes like Luke Skywalker and Poe Dameron. Landspeeders are a popular part of the Star Wars universe, appearing in the first movie in 1977. Since then, this spaceship has become a classic part of Star Wars iconography with a rich history to explore.

This deep dive will explore the history of the landspeeder by looking at its role in the Star Wars universe. From its design, multiple appearances and other models used by the characters, we will take a look at it all to honor this beloved fictional vehicle.

What Is a Landspeeder?

In the Star Wars universe, landspeeds are anti-gravity crafts used for transportation. The very first time we see one is in “A New Hope.” Luke uses his X-34 model to traverse the vast deserts of Tatooine. The X-34 is the most iconic version of the landspeeder, but it wasn't the only one to appear in the first film. The V-35 appears in the Mos Eisley Spaceport. Eagle-eyed viewers can see it in the background.

Design and Dimension

Landspeeders were designed by the legendary special effects artist John Stears. The models in the movies were fitted around cars. A British design consultancy company called Ogle Design built the one Luke Skywalker uses. They used the chassis of a three-wheeler car called the Bond Bug. A life-sized version of the prop was taken to Tunisia, where that part of the movie was filmed.

The rounded edges are the biggest tell that these vehicles share the same skeleton. Thanks to the clever camera work, the wheels can't be seen in the movie, but this was a tricky workaround. For long-distance shots, the crew put reflective materials like gelatin on the camera lens. There are small blurs under the landspeeder. George Lucas also used shadow effects to hide the wheels — Lucas referred to these small blurs under the landspeeder as "The Force Spot."

Roger Christian, the product designer, attached a broom to the underside of the vehicle and angled mirrors to make it look like the vehicle was kicking up dust and hovering. In the special edition of “A New Hope,” George Lucas used digital technology to enhance the landspeeder effects.

Famous Landspeeder Models

A variety of other landspeeder models have been introduced throughout the years. Different makes and models have appeared in Star Wars media, each with unique attributes and styles. According to the Star Wars Fandom Wiki, there are over 100 types of landspeeders that exist in the Star Wars canon.  Let's take a look at the most prominent landspeeders we've seen in Star Wars media.

X-34 Landspeeder

Let's start with the most famous landspeeder in Star Wars, Luke's X-34. The X-34 model is mostly used as a civilian transport unit, specifically made to travel smoothly across rough terrain. This is why they are seen in desert areas rather than cities. Tatooine, having enormous harsh deserts, was the perfect to utilize this vehicle. The vehicle is 3.4 meters in length.

The X-34 landspeeder was operational during the Imperial Era, which took place after the events of the “Revenge of the Sith.” By the time Luke was using it in “A New Hope,” 19 years had passed between the events of these movies. Despite being used in this era, a green X-34 can be seen in the background in "The Phantom Menace." This suggests that the X-34 is a much older model than assumed and could mean that the one Luke uses is over 30 years old.

Luke's model was considered old by the time “A New Hope” started. It was used extensively by him, his aunt and his uncle to travel to and from nearby towns and the Mos Eisley spaceport. Sand pockets, along with many dents and signs of wear and tear, can be seen on the vehicle. Parts of it are also sun-faded. It's also missing the portside turbine cowling.

Episode IV is the most time we spend with the X-34. After the death of his aunt and uncle, Luke sold his X-34 landspeeder for two thousand credits and used the cash to pay for transport to Alderaan.

V-35 Landspeeder

Onto the second landspeeder, which we see in “A New Hope,” the V-35. The V-35 Courier was considered outdated by the time we first saw it in Episode IV, making it a cheap model at the time. Luke's uncle and aunt, Owen and Beru Lars, also had a V-35 on their farmstead. Luke used the X-34 instead. The V-35's most notable feature is its sharp, angular nose. It has three raised repulsorilift thrusts and a large-barrel-shaped power source on top. This model has a one-driver, open-air port.

While the X-34 was seen in Episode I, the V-35 Courier was seen in Episode II. This inclusion might have been to serve as a reference, but the canonical implication means that these are very old machines. This is noteworthy because it highlights how detailed and comprehensive Star Wars' world-building is. World-building like this is a big part of why fans adore Star Wars media.

Going back to the repulsorilift thruster, this technology is what allowed the craft to hover off the ground. This technology was groundbreaking in the Star Wars universe. It's used by every land vehicle, like speeder bikes and other landspeeders. 

Flash Speeder

The Flash speeder is a lightweight landspeeder featured in “The Phantom Menace.” While the X-34 is 3.5 meters long, this was 7.54 meters long because of the turret.  The Royal Guards used it on Naboo for patrols. This model is designed to be quick and agile for patrolling and chasing down suspects. What makes this one different is the mounted blaster turret fitted on the rear spoiler, which allowed a second officer to shoot while another drove.

The Flash speeder also had a civilian model used solely for transport and had no weaponry. Much like its patrol variant, this model could also seat three passengers and a driver. This version was a blueish-green color that featured in “The Clone Wars” animated series. 

Gian Speeder

The V-19 landspeeder, mostly referred to as a Gian speeder, is a small landspeeder that the Royal Naboo Security Forces used. This and the Flash speeder were useful machines for the security personnel in Naboo. V-19 landspeeders had more firepower than Flash speeders and were 5.7 meters long. The vehicle featured three light repeating blasters. The two on the sides were permanent, but the third was affixed to the center console right next to the steering handle.

A large number of these vehicles were made for “The Phantom Menace” and the Royal City's fleet had 36 Gian speeders at their disposal. Many Gian speeders were destroyed by heavy Armored Assault Tnaks used by the Trade Federation's forces.

M-68 Landspeeder

The M-68 landspeeder is a civilian model popular among speeder enthusiasts on planet Corellia, Han Solo's home planet. These landspeeders were featured in “Solo: A Star Wars Story” and was owned by Han Solo. M-68 landspeeders were marketed to a young audience in the Star Wars universe. Despite its compact size, it had open-air and hardtop models and was considered a high-performance vehicle.

M-68s used a 289-hirep repulsorilift generator and two propulsion thrusters to make it a fast and smooth ride. It would draw air into its custom-cool burning injection engine through an exposed inlet on the front grille. Pilots could spin the speeder at high velocities because each thruster had an adjustable exhaust nozzle to direct the thrust.

The design of this landspeeder was influenced by the Dodge Charger and Chevrolet Malibu. The one used in the movie was built by Lucasfilm's prop department. Due to its role in the movie, it was made to look more like a Star Wars-appropriate sports car.

A-A4B Truckspeeder

Landspeeders are more than just lightweight hovercrafts. Some are large trucks. The A-A4B truckspeeder is a type of landspeeder primarily used for short-haul cargo transportation. This is another vehicle that debuted in “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” The A-A4B is a square-shouldered vessel with a long narrow and rectangular forward section. The cockpit is behind the forward section, which helped the noisy T-RA950 engine. A large, mounted reinforced box is in the rear for cargo storage.

Due to its suitability for short-haul cargo runs, this was a popular landspeeder for smugglers. Crime syndicates would have many at their disposal for odd jobs and transportation. A-A4Bs are study vehicles and are relatively fast, given their size and weight. They were so armored they almost resembled a tank.

Hidden compartments and retractable weapons were often outfitted to these vehicles by the smugglers who used them. Some even installed battering rams, shield generators and other illegal modifications to aid in their illicit smuggling.

Airspeeders

Airspeeders and like landspeeders, but rather than being hover vehicles, these are able to fly. They can be used for transport and combat purposes. There are several types of airspeeders seen in the movies and series, but three stand out above the rest.

Anakin used the Xj-6 airspeeder to chase down a bounty hunter in “Attack of the Clones.” Arguably, the most famous airspeeder is the T-47 snowspeeder. In “The Empire Strikes Back,” this vehicle was used to wrap cables around the legs of the giant AT-ATs, resulting in one of Star Wars' most famous action scenes. 

The third airspeeder that deserves a shout-out is the V-4X-D. This was the vehicle Finn and Rose used in “The Last Jedi.” Finn attempted to drive his V-4X-D skispeeder into Imperial forces to sacrifice himself and save the lives of his friends. Rose uses another one to collide with him to keep him safe.

Appearances

Being such a big part of Star Wars iconography, it's no surprise that landspeeders can be found in all sorts of Star Wars media. This list will look at the various roles it played in the movies, television series and video games.

Movies

Landspeeders played various roles in the movies. In “A New Hope,” it was an important part of the plot. Luke used it to travel to Mos Eisley with Obi-Wan, R2D2 and C-3PO to find Han Solo and Chewbacca, thus kicking off his fateful adventure. It was also sold to get him to Alderaan so the plot could advance.

In “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” the M-68 is seen and used in many scenes and races. It was used to emphasize the daredevil nature that Han Solo is so well known for. In “The Phantom Menace,” landspeeders played a less important role. They were mostly used for world-building and security. 

Series

Star Wars has created many television series that expand the universe and add to the canon. Many different types of landspeeders feature in these shows in various capacities. From featuring in exciting chase scenes to moving the story along they serve all sorts of functions.

The two most popular animated series, “The Clone Wars” and “Rebels,” feature many landspeeders. Even the Star Wars timeline is considered when new landspeeders are featured. This is a small, but important detail to keep consistent, but it means a lot to those who keep track of everything.

Video Games

Star Wars is well-known for its many video game titles. Many feature landspeeders as vehicles the player can control and move around in. In the Lego Star Wars titles, the player can explore levels and hub areas with various landspeeders. In some video games, entire levels occur on landspeeders as you try to make it to the end of a thrilling chase scene. Landspeeders are prominently featured in video games because they are tied to the DNA and world of Star Wars.

Legacy

The legacy of the landspeeder is evident in Star Wars memorabilia. Hundreds of buildable models, collectible figurines and Lego sets of landspeeders are available. While many other vehicles, like the AT-AT or Millenium Falcon, are also famous, there is something about landspeeders that stands out. Their design and how they are presented in the movies make them feel like sci-fi cars you would want to drive.

Even the noises they make when they speed through scenery invoke a feeling of excitement and intrigue. It's incredible how much of a role they play in the stories in such subtle ways. What is essential is a prop, which feels like an intrinsic part of the world with character and value. Looking out for different landspeeder models is a fun way for fans and viewers to find new details in this beloved fictional universe.

If you look hard enough, you can find them in the real world at the Volo Museum. We have a life-sized version of Luke's X-34 landspeeder. Step into our Star Wars museum exhibit and experience what it was like to ride through the harsh deserts of Tatooine in real life.

Immerse Yourself in Star Wars History at Our Museum

The Volo Museum boasts an enormous selection of automobiles from history, fiction and beyond for you to explore. Our exhibits showcase the exciting world of cars and so much more. We have planes, trains, automobiles and an extensive Hollywood collection of famous cars and vehicles. Plan parties and events with us, venture through our Jurassic gardens, browse our antique malls and even more.

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