Anakin's Jedi Starfighter

from "Star Wars - Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" (2005)

Scale: 1/24
Initial Release: 2005
Medium: Polystyrene
Kit Rarity: 3

About the Design

Featured prominently in the Episode III's opening battle sequence, the ETA-2 Actis-Class Jedi Interceptor represents a "transitional" stage between the more elegant craft of the early "prequel" trilogy and the more severe, geometrically rigid ships of the original films. The "solar panels" on the wing tips can fold down into the main wings for landing (As seen in the first of four photos above.)

The craft's yellow markings on Anakin's craft are said to reflect the yellow markings featured on the pod racer he flew as a child on the desert planet of Tatooine in Episode I (Although the "cardinal-and-gold" markings were perhaps actually inspired by the school colors of George Lucas' alma mater, USC!).

About the Kit

This pre-painted "snap" kit was released by Revell of Germany in late April 2005, but has been unavailable in the United States where AMT/Ertl has the lone license for "Star Wars" model kits.  The kit is one of six that Revell released in Europe in conjunction with "Revenge of the Sith."  The model has been given an oil "wash" and heavily weathered to bring out the details.

This model was built from an original issue.