Snowspeed

A Snowspeeder, also known as a Rebel snowspeeder or T-47 airspeeders modified for atmospheric combat, is a fictional repulsorlift vehicle featured in the Star Wars universe, most notably in the film Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. They were originally T-47 airspeeders manufactured by Incom Corporation intended for civilian cargo hauling.

During the Galactic Civil War, the Rebel Alliance repurposed the T-47s into combat vehicles, specifically modified for use on the ice planet Hoth. These modifications included adding laser cannons, harpoon guns, and deflector shields. The open cockpit design, while offering good visibility, left the pilots and gunners exposed to the harsh Hoth environment.

Snowspeeders were primarily used in hit-and-run attacks against heavily armored vehicles, such as AT-AT walkers, utilizing their harpoon guns and tow cables to entangle the walkers' legs and cause them to topple. They proved effective in slowing down the Imperial advance during the Battle of Hoth, buying time for the Rebels to evacuate Echo Base.

Despite their effectiveness in the specific environment of Hoth, Snowspeeders were not widely used by the Rebel Alliance in other engagements due to their limited atmospheric capabilities and vulnerability against more heavily armed starfighters and ground vehicles in diverse terrains. Their legacy primarily resides in their crucial role during the defense of Echo Base and their innovative use of unconventional tactics.