airspeeder, Anakin Skywalker's

• Appeared in:
  
  I
  II
  III
  IV
  V
  VI
  CW

• Size:
  6.23 meters long

• Type:
  Luxury airspeeder hot rod

• Manufacturer:
  Custom special (Narglatch AirTech kit)

• 

From the Movies

When Padmé Amidala's would-be assassin attempted to flee the scene of the crime, Anakin Skywalker commandeered this sleek yellow airspeeder and gave pursuit. The open-cockpit model had just the right speed capabilities that Anakin was looking for, as well as a truly gonzo paint scheme. With Anakin's deft piloting abilities, the twin-turbine speeder kept pace with Zam Wesell's sleek forked dragster, but it was Anakin's connection with the Force that ultimately allowed him to steer Zam out of the chase.

From the Expanded Universe

With its Podracer-like forward mounted turbine engines and bold color, it's no wonder this custom-built luxury hot rod speeder caught Anakin's eye. The speeder was built to the exacting specifications of Senator Simon Greyshade, a wealthy playboy of a politician representing the Vorzyd sector. The vehicle uses twin turbojet engines originally designed to function in groups of 50 aboard the gigantic bank-courier repulsor trucks of Aargau. These engines direct pressurized air through a series of thrust ducts that propel the craft. The speeder also features a state-of-the-art sound system, and a hyper-accurate tracking device.

After Anakin borrowed the craft, Senator Greyshade, unaware of the situation, was livid and called the authorities. Investigating officers arrested an innocent but suspicious-looking youth, Reymet Autem, son of a Senate security guard. Though Autem was innocent of this crime, it was only one of the earlier incidents in what would prove to be a very checkered life.

Behind the Scenes

The Coruscant airspeeder chase stems from Writer / Director George Lucas' love of classic automobiles, and his teenage years racing hot rods. This love is best epitomized in his film, American Grafitti, so perhaps it's more than just a coincidence that Anakin's appropriated speeder bares a passing resemblance to John Milner's yellow deuce-coupe. With its exposed engines and teardrop seats, the speeder also has similar lines to Anakin's Podracer from The Phantom Menace.