X-Wing Fighter To Take Flight On October 10th

[Furtherman]

Rocket Powered 21-Foot Long X-Wing Model Actually Flies (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/star-wars/rocket+powered-21+foot+long-x+wing-model-actually-flies-updated-built+in-r2+d2-305976.php)

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/10/X-Wing35.jpg

It even has R2D2.

Andy Woerner and his crazy rocketeer friends have built a 21-foot long X-Wing model that can actually fly. Yes, this is a real X-Wing powered by four solid-fuel rocket engines complete with radio-controlled moving wings. It blasts off in California next week, and we talked with Andy about the project, and how they expect it will do. All the details and a full construction gallery after the jump.

The X-Wing model is huge. At 21 feet long and with a wingspan of over 19 feet it is, in fact, big enough to fly a kid in. However, knowing that it will be powered by solid-fuel rockets, they wouldn't put a kid, dog, monkey or Gizmodo editor inside, even if it uses three full parachutes to land.

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/10/X-Wing34.jpg

Yea, they're cool.


I can't wait to see the video.

Will it fly? Or will it end up like Red Six?

[Fezticle98]

No pilot (or passenger)? Pussies.

[spoon]

This is going to draw a crowd I'm sure. And don't be surprised if Lucas doesn't sue!

[Freitag]

I got a bad feeling about this....

[cupcakelove]

I have a feeling its going to get ripped apart as soon as it takes off.

[TheMojoPin]

In his honor it's gonna crash and explode into the nearest house:

http://www.teamdroid.com/img-2/porkins.jpg

[mdr55]

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/10/X-Wing34.jpg

I bet they have another group picture of themselves with their Star Wars clothes on.

[tele7]

Hope it has a parachute

http://msnbcmedia1.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061212/061212_knievel_vlg11a.widec.jpg

[cougarjake13]

looks cool hopefully it flies

[cupcakelove]

looks cool hopefully it flies

Its going to fly, its basically just a giant model rocket. The real question is how long can it fly before it turns into a giant fire ball?

[MadMatt]

OK, my question is this: How is it going to launch? I am assuming vertical takeoff, but won't that put a great deal of stress on the "wings?"

And how will the craft be stabilized for launch? If that thing tips over on launch, there could be BIG problems.

[Doogie]

In his honor it's gonna crash and explode into the nearest house:

http://www.teamdroid.com/img-2/porkins.jpg

"Jek, pull up"

"Nah. I'm all right, I'm alright...{CRASH!!}"

You think the Air Force should dispatch a F-22 to shoot it down, Vader style??

[topless_mike]

maybe the military can shoot the footage of it flying by using one of their wonderful v-22 ospreys...

[BMoses]

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/10/X-Wing34.jpg

Holy shit there is a chick there. One of these guys might get a handy if it actually works.

maybe the military can shoot the footage of it flying by using one of their wonderful v-22 ospreys...

You mean this same V-22
<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qyI96AfYgC8"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qyI96AfYgC8" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

[deepinthewoods]

I hope the damn thing works, cuz that death star that Halliburton has been building behind the moon is almost done.

[cupcakelove]

Looks like they moved up the launch date. (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/boom/x+wing-rocket-launches-disintegrates-mid+air-307945.php)

[Judge Smails]

Looks like they moved up the launch date. (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/boom/x+wing-rocket-launches-disintegrates-mid+air-307945.php)

What a piece of junk!

[STC-Dub]

I am now wondering if Star Wars was real.

[PapaBear]

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/10/X-Wing34.jpg

I bet they have another group picture of themselves with their Star Wars clothes on.
Not a single one of them would say "no" to that chick.

[furie]

Fine, now let's get to work on that death star

[Furtherman]

Wow. All that work for about 3 second of coolness.

<object width="425" height="353"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ogYrvEEM0Ts&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ogYrvEEM0Ts&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="353"></embed></object>

Just like Red Six.

[TheMojoPin]

We'll always be a couple of shooting stars, Biggs.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Apparently, it's NOT like shooting womprats.

[Tenbatsuzen]

You would have thought Scotty would have taught us a little about something called "structural integrity".

[TheMojoPin]

http://content.ytmnd.com/content/b/1/1/b11c339c81073acada03ae2564907eba.jpg

[scottinnj]

Looks like R2 couldn't lock down that stabilizer after all.

"Stay on Target"

[scottinnj]

"Flying through hyperspace ain't like dusting crops boy!"

[TheMojoPin]

They were as clumsy as they were stupid.

[Ted_Baxter]

I sense a great disturbance in the Force, as if eleven nerds cried out in disappointment and were suddenly winded.

[furie]

She broke up on take off (http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1780325)

[lleeder]

Thats hilarious.

[Furtherman]

She broke up on take off (http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1780325)

I have to admit that I was about to sarcastically reply that we already know what happened but the video you posted was even better. HA!