Suvudu Universe

To close out the Omaze Force For Change campaign, Lucasfilm and J.J. Abrams has released another video featuring J.J. from the Pinewood Studios lot for Episode VII.

Before we dig into the new ship, head over to Omaze and donate to help UNICEF’s Innovation Labs and Programs.

This video reveals a familiar yet different ship, a familiar pilot outfit, and a familiar little Imperial droid.

VIDEO:

The X-Wing matches the unfinished images we saw leaked from TMZ and is clearly a different design than the X-Wings we saw in the original trilogy. It is much closer to the concept art of the X-Wing done by artist Ralph McQuarrie.

Things I noted from the Episode VII X-Wing:

1) Note heavy weathering/blast damage on the fighter

This is interesting because it suggest a number of different ways the story could go. This could be an old ship that is scavenged by someone in desperation. Or it could suggest the fact that the Rebels are really struggling and cannot afford to maintain their ships very well 30 years after the destruction of the second Death Star.

2) Built in ladder and hand-holds for boarding

This is interesting and may indicate the fighter was designed to be less of a fleet ship. Designed to be boarded differently than an X-Wing that is housed in a docking bay or hanger. Perhaps a scout fighter.

3) Different engines

A single engine on each wing instead of the dual engines on each side of the craft as we saw in the original trilogy.

4) No droid in socket, is this a droid-less version?

They have already revealed that R2 will be in the film, so we know that the astromechs are still around. But there is clearly one missing from this craft. Could indicate that this ship doesn’t have a droid socket or simply they don’t want to reveal which droid is in this craft yet.

5) Proton Torpedo Launcher directly below cockpit versus further up on the nose of the fighter.

It appears that the nose on this craft may be shorter because the proton torpedo launchers have been moved back on the craft directly below the cockpit instead of farther down on the nose like the X-Wings in the original trilogy.

6) Different Wings

There doesn’t appear to be much if any of a seam in the wing where we would expect it to split if it did like the original trilogy X-Wing. I would also note the way the end of the wing curls with the blaster canon. This leads me to think that the wing will split on the vertical plane instead of on the horizontal plane. It certainly appears there is a seam on the top of the wing instead of the front of it which would support this theory.

Making Star Wars got a nice shot of the X-Wing pilot which to my eye includes a similar flight suit but different helmet.

I also love the cameo by the Mouse Droid.

SOURCES: Omaze and The Wrap