Lambda-class shuttle
Lambda-class shuttles are spacecraft in the fictional Star Wars universe. The craft appear in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, and in the Star Wars Expanded Universe's book, comics, and games.
Origin and design
Joe Johnston, Ralph McQuarrie, and Nilo Rodis-Jamero borrowed elements from the skyhopper designed for Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope when refining the shuttle's appearance.[1] Earlier versions were boxy, boat-like, or had TIE fighter-like components.[1] Industrial Light and Magic's modelmakers made two shooting models, although CGI versions were used for the craft's Special Edition appearance in The Empire Strikes Back.[1]
Depiction
The Lambda-class shuttle initially appeared in Return of the Jedi. Both Darth Vader (David Prowse) and Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) arrive aboard the second Death Star in Lambda-class shuttles. Later in the film, the stolen shuttle Tydirium transports a Rebel Alliance strike team led by Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to the forest moon of Endor, and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) escapes from the exploding Death Star aboard another Lambda-class shuttle. Scenes of Vader traveling aboard a Lambda-class shuttle were created for the Special Edition release of The Empire Strikes Back. Lambda-class shuttles also appear in numerous LucasArts titles, including the X-Wing and Rogue Squadron flight simulator series.
Cultural impact
An imperial shuttle makes a cameo appearance in "Serenity", the pilot episode of Joss Whedon's Firefly.[citation needed]
Merchandise
References
- ^ a b c "Imperial Lambda-class shuttle". Star Wars Databank. Lucasfilm. Retrieved 2007-09-08.
External links
- Imperial Lambda-class shuttle in the StarWars.com Databank
- Tydirium on Wookieepedia, a Star Wars wiki
- Lambda-class T-4a shuttle on Wookieepedia, a Star Wars wiki