Naboo Landspeeders


The Naboo Flash speeder


The Naboo Gian speeder

Probably the single most common vehicle in the galaxy, the landspeeder exists on virtually every world capable of producing repulosorlift technology; but of course, the Naboo variants on the craft combine the rugged versatility of the landspeder with a definite sense of style. The Naboo Flash and Gian speeders are by far the most elegant examples of this classic vehicle we have yet to see in the films, but their classy looks should not be interpreted to mean that these are anything but top-of-the-line products, every bit as useful to the Naboo Security Forces as Luke Skywalker's was around the Lars' moisture farm and the Dune Sea.

The Flash and the larger Gian are both military models of landspeeder, and as such have certain elements not found in their civilian counterparts. Both are armed vehicles, and feature heavier plating on their undersides to afford greater protection from mines and other ground hazards. The Flash is a typical security patrol vehicle on Naboo, used essentially as a police vehicle for rounding up troublemakers with a minimum of fuss (once they catch sight of its laser turret). The Gian, designed specifically for excursions outside Naboo cities in pursuit of more dangerous malefactors, also features ports that a holographic display unit can be plugged into for battlefield coordination, and a much-heavier complement of firepower than its smaller counterpart.

It is interesting that such a peaceful planet developed these combat-capable speeders...although the Flash is only slightly modified from the civilian version deriven by the citizens of Naboo, the Gian is a model unique to the Security Forces. While neither vehicle is designed for direct confrontation with a serious military opponent, the maneuverabilty and speed of these vehicles, in addition to the weaponry they carry, makes them more than a match for civilian models in the hands of criminals. During the Trade Federation invasion and occupation of Naboo, both models saw heavy use transporting resistance fighters from firefight to safehouse at maximum speed; while no match for the Federation's AATs, the Naboo speeders were built to zip through the narrow, twisting streets of the Naboo capital of Theed, and were hard targets for Federation cannons.

The Gian design varies from its counterpart for several reasons, paramount among them being the presumed need for heavier firepower and greater armor against a potentially more dangerous foe based outside of an urban area (and of course, carrying two more people), but in being so adapted gave up a degree of speed and maneuverability. To compensate for this, the Gian's thrust pods are tucked inside the body to reduce the vehicle's target silhouette somewhat.

The Flash and its civilian cousins are seen regularly on the streets of Theed. The Gian is rarely called into use, and many Naboo citizens have never even seen one.

Flash Speeder stats
Length: 4.5 m Type: Landspeeder
Scale: Speeder
Skill: Repulsorlift Operation: Landspeeder
Crew: 1
Passengers: 1
Cover: 1/2
Cargo Capacity: none
Move: 105;300 kmh
Maneuverability: 2D+2
Body Strength: 2D(3D+1 undercarriage)
Weapons:

Altitude Range: Ground level-1.5 m
Cost: 19000 credits

Gian Speeder stats
Length: 5.7 m Type: Landspeeder
Scale: Speeder
Skill: Repulsorlift Operation: Landspeeder
Crew: 2 (1 pilot, 1 gunner)
Passengers: 2
Cover: 1/2
Cargo Capacity: none
Move: 80;230 kmh kmh
Maneuverability: 1D+2
Body Strength: 4D(5D undercarriage)
Weapons:

Altitude Range: Ground level-1.5 m
Cost: 21000 credits (23000 with optional holographic tactical display)

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