A simple repulsorlift transport vehicle used across the galaxy, SoroSuub�s X-34 landspeeder was a popular craft, though it was hardly a cutting-edge vehicle, even at the time of the Rebellion.

Landspeeders were commonplace on many worlds, and while the basic components of each craft were the same, the design of each varied depending on the manufacturer. The X-34 had an open cockpit and a retractable duraplex windscreen. Three turbine engines rested at the back of the speeder, fed by the repulsorlift engine, and could propel the craft at a top speed of two hundred and fifty kilometers per hour. The landspeeder's repulsorlifts were low-grade, and provided a flight ceiling of around one metre. However, for a civilian model such as the X-34, this was perfect.

The controls consisted of a steering wheel and foot pedals, and were hardly difficult to get to grips with. The X-34 also featured an onboard scanner, usually set on autoscan, which handled navigation and traffic information. It could also search the surrounding area for a variety of pre-set objects - from common terrain obstacles to life-forms or droids. Being situated across from the pilot, the scanner was often operated by the passenger, who sat in the seat next to the pilot. Though the X-34 could only carry two, space on either side of the top-mounted turbine allowed for a particuarly daring third or fourth passenger.

Cargo space was limited, as the only places it could be stashed were in the passanger-side footwells, in a semi-circular bin behind the seats, or tied to the back of the vehicle. Thus, the X-34 could manage little more than five kilograms of supplies and other cargo. For someone like Luke Skywalker, who worked on his uncle's moisture farm, carrying heavy cargo was often a necessity.

Luke Skywalker purchased his X-34, after he and his aunt persuaded Uncle Owen to shell out for a speeder, though the grumpy moisture farmer insisted on going with him to make sure he didn�t get swindled. Though an old vehicle - X-34 speeders had been around since before the Battle of Naboo - Owen deemed it good enough for his nephew. Luke spent a lot of time upgrading and adding to the speeder, so Owen was glad Luke was at least learning some mechanical skills. He later used it to ferry himself, Ben Kenobi, R2-D2 and C-3PO to Mos Eisley, where he was forced to sell the speeder for credits to reach Alderaan.

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Page created: 10 April 2004