T-47 airspeeder/Legends

The Incom T-47 airspeeder was a civilian vehicle. It was designed for industrial use for cargo handling. Its cockpit featured positions for a forward-facing pilot and a rear-facing cargo manager. The cargo manager used the airspeeder's magnetic harpoon and tow cable to control repulsorlift cargo modules.

It was modified by the Alliance to Restore the Republic into a patrol and combat craft, becoming commonly known as the snowspeeder, especially after its extensive use at Echo Base on Hoth.

History


The Rebel Alliance used T-47 airspeeder for reconnaissance on Dantooine and other planets. When the Rebels moved to Hoth, the airspeeder required modifications to function for extended periods in the extremely cold climate. Heaters were added near the drive units and deicing nozzles added to preventing icing on control surfaces.

The Rebels armed the craft with dual laser cannons and converted the cargo manager into a gunner. Computerized targeting systems and displays were used by the gunner to control the lasers and harpoon gun. However, the pilot could take control of weapons in needed. Since the speeder lacked shields, armor plating was added to the hull. Advanced powerplant and repulsorlift engines were installed to compensate for the added weight of armor and weapons. Its small size, manuverablity and speed allowed the ship to dodge enemy blasts.

During the Battle of Hoth in 3 ABY, snowspeeders delayed the advancing Imperial forces, providing extra time to evacuate Rebels from Echo Base. The snowspeeders blasters were ineffective against the armored AT-AT walkers. The tow cables were then used to tie up the legs of AT-ATs causing at least one to crash to the ground. Despite this, many&mdash;if not most all&mdash;of the speeders that participated in the battle were destroyed or seriously damaged in the battle.

In addition to cold environments, T-47s were modified by Alliance forces for use in a wide variety of areas. The swampspeeder version included floatation gear and water-tight seals. The sandspeeder was equipped with advanced filters to keep out sand, engine cooling units, and long-range radar for navigating sandstorms. The skyspeeder had a pressurized cockpit and more powerful repulsorlifts for higher altitudes.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Empire at War
 * Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds
 * Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
 * LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
 * Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
 * Star Wars: Rogue Squadron
 * Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader
 * Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike
 * Star Wars: Battlefront
 * Star Wars: Battlefront II
 * Star Wars: Demolition
 * X-wing: Rogue Squadron
 * Planet of Twilight