While they probably can’t complete the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs, as Han Solo might say, these drones are probably fast enough for you old man. Propel, a radio-controlled toy company, has announced that it’s going to be making officially licensed Star Wars drones that will be released this fall.
Propel will be releasing an X-Wing rebel ship, Darth Vader’s TIE fighter, and the Millennium Falcon. The drones will be able to hit speeds of up to 40 mph, according to Wired, and perform aerobatic stunts at the push of the button. The drones will also be equipped with lasers that will allow up to 24 pilots to play an aerial version of laser tag. Come Christmas time, kids around the world will be able to recreate the Battle of Yavin IV, turning living rooms and backyards into their own personal Death Star trenches.
These drones, unveiled at a Star Wars event in London yesterday (July 21), will cost between $200 and $300, but unfortunately won’t be available in North America at launch. If you’re still interested in getting your hands on what is likely to be a hot commodity this holiday season, you can reserve one on Propel’s website. (Though the site is currently down, as it seems the sheer collective excitement of the internet at the prospect of official Star Wars drones has hugged Propel’s site to death.)
These aren’t the first Star Wars drones that have graced the internet—there are even some rudimentary Star Wars-branded flying toys for sale, and some very enterprising drone racers who built their own—but these are the first that aren’t homemade or just a toy that flies. In other words, these are official quadcopter drones hitting the market. Until they go on sale, or at least until Propel’s site is back up, check out this fan-made Star Wars film shot entirely on drones to tide you over: