Imperial Sniper Vehicle (POTF 1985)

The Sniper is another one of those little vehicles Kenner made to provide more play value at a cheaper price. The Sniper never appeared in any of the movies, even though the card picture makes it appear as though it was used on Endor. What is even more confusing is that one of the Snipers pictured is carrying an R5 droid. First of all, no R5 droid has been directly featured since the first movie. Secondly, the inept little grappler arm on the Sniper can’t hold something that big anyway (unless you used string). Now for the kicker – if you look carefully at the grappler arm on the Sniper, you’ll realize you’ve seen it before. Yes, it is one of the claw arms on the ESB mini-rig, CAP-2! Weird, wacky stuff my friend.

Why should you own this vehicle? Five reasons:

1. The Power of the Force logo on the packaging looks cool enough.

2. The grappler arm could be a torture device for Ewoks.

3. Small and cheap.

4. Very easy to hold for playing.

5. Laser cannons and jets! A little boy’s dream!

Backstory:

Although probably made up just for the toy line, Kenner managed to work the Imperial Sniper into an Episode of Droids, “The New King.” It appears idle in a docking bay. It was one of three small one-man vehicle nicknamed “body rigs”: The Sniper, the Security Scout, and the Sand Skimmer.

Want a little more? Wookieepedia article

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