If memory serves me correctly, this has got to be the 5th version of the Republic Gunship or as its formal designation, the Low Altitude Assault Transport(L.A.A.T). This particular version is based on the Star Wars, Clone Wars animated movie(the reference is the Twi'lek female painted on the side). To be honest, it's just another gunship with a different paint job. But I'll save the criticism for later. Now on with the show.
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W.A.R. Contents:
-Packaging
-Detail/Sculpt
-Features
-Pricing
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Packaging
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Detail/Sculpt
The gunship has always appealed to the regular Star Wars fan. It's one of those vehicles that looks bulky and clumsy and yet is very versatile and packs quite a punch. Even though this vehicle is not up to the right scale(I'll point out why), its the best for now.
The wingspan is impressive, the two mass-driver missile launchers on top is sure to keep separatist air force at bay. The wings aren't for display either. They carry 4 air-to-air missiles underneath each wing and to top it off, 4 composite beam pinpoint laser turrets. And don't forget the 3 Anti-personnel turrets (2 at the front, one at the rear of the craft).
If that still doesn't deter the separatist ground force, then the 30 or so armed clone troopers on board would have a word or two with them.
Issues(Well...mine at least)
First, is the size of the ship itself. It's suppose to be able to carry 30...at most you can fit 15. I could barely squeeze in 9 without it looking like a bunch of people standing in a crowded pub.
Second, the blast shield doors does not close the entire way(Star Wars die hard fans would argue that there are different models especially towards the end of the clone wars). The reason I point this out is because this is based on the animated movie and it clearly shows the blast shield doors close all the way to protect the troopers on board from ground fire and shrapnel.
Third, the gunship also acts as a dropship and is able to carry other transports like the AT-TE walker into the battlefield. This in theory would not be able to do that.
Fourth, when are they going to make a decent gun turret pod that you can fit in a clone trooper like in episode 3? They are some S.W. enthusiasts that have made custom turret pods. But if Hasbro made those the other faults wouldn't be as bad. Oh wait...they are making one(August 2009). So cancel the fourth...the Gunship is PERFECT! LoL.
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Features
-Rotating turrets(front) with firing projectiles
-Opening cockpit(for 2 clone pilots)
-Auto-opening blast shield doors
-Rotating turrets(wings)
-Missile lauchers(atop vehicle)
-Drop platform
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Pricing
When this version first came out it was AUD 127. Then after a few months it was down to AUD89. Plus it was only available at K-Mart(Wal-Mart in the States). I've looked for this online and its available at Brian's Toys, Amazon and Ebay. Though I haven't seen anything below USD 100.
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Btw, the turret pods that I mentioned are available for pre-order from Entertainment Earth's website. Click on the pic to go to the product page.
Last but not least, keep it real and keep collecting.
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