THE EXTENDED HISTORY OF LEGO STAR WARS REPUBLIC GUNSHIP SETS
Although initially met with mixed reviews upon release, the Star Wars prequel trilogy has become a beloved part of the franchise.
A popular aspect was the introduction of new iconic ship designs, from the sleek Naboo N-1 starfighter to the intimidating Venator-class Star Destroyer.
The most iconic prequel ship, however, might be the Republic Gunship (or Low Altitude Assault Transport/infantry), first seen flying Clone Troopers in the Battle of Geonosis in Attack of the Clones.
The fan-favorite ship has appeared multiple times throughout LEGO history and was even the subject of a passionate fan campaign surrounding the idea of a UCS Republic Gunship, which ultimately gave LEGO the confidence to release 2021's 75309 UCS Republic Gunship.
With the release of 75354 Coruscant Guard Gunship as part of the September 2023 Star Wars wave, our regular Star Wars correspondent Vaderfan takes a look at the history of LEGO Star Wars Republic Gunship sets and sees how these beloved models fit into have held up over time.
2002: THE LEGO REPUBLIC'S FIRST GUNSHIP
LEGO 7163 Republic Gunship
Number of stones: 686 | Minifigures: 8
The first LEGO Republic Gunship made its debut in 2002, the same year it hit the screen in Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Despite a more rudimentary design, it closely approximated the Gunship's shape and came with several figures, including the now iconic Jedi Bob and four brand new Phase I Clone Troopers. The Gunship had several fun play features, including sliding doors, pop-out bubble turrets, weapon racks and an opening front section with a hidden chest inside!
It may be over twenty years old, but its age has only increased the value of this set. On Bricklink an unopened set 7163 costs approximately €900.
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2003: The following year: a smaller version of the Gunship
LEGO 4490 Republic Gunship
Number of stones: 102 | Minifigures: 0
The year after the introduction of the first version of the LEGO Republic Gunship, LEGO introduced a second version of the spaceship. Much smaller, because from the Mini Build line, but no less fun.
This set contains extra bricks to build a Y-wing Fighter if you also use the extra bricks from the LEGO sets 4488, 4489 and 4491.
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2008: THE ANIMATED CLONE WARS VARIANT
LEGO 7676 Republic Attack Gunship
Number of stones: 1034 | Minifigures: 5
It took six years for LEGO fans to get their next Republic Gunship playset, and this time it was based on the new Clone Wars animated TV series.
7676 Republic Attack Gunship had a variant of the ship that could travel through space, ditching the bubble turrets on the side in favor of doors that could close all the way. It also boasted other creative features, including an extendable Bacta tank, deployable drones, and a rear ramp for the included speeder bike! This set also included the minifigures of iconic Star Wars characters such as Asajj Ventress, Plo Koon and Commander Cody. Armed with 8 missiles and sporting stickered graffiti on the front, the 7676 took new heights to what was possible in a LEGO Republic Gunship.
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2013: A RETURN TO LIVE ACTION
LEGO 75021 Republic Gunship
Number of stones: 1175 | Minifigures: 7 | Retail price: $119.99 (US)
The 2013 LEGO Star Wars wave included a return to the desert battlefield of Geonosis, with updated sets from Episode II. One of these sets was the highly anticipated 75021 Republic Gunship, featuring brand new Episode II variants of Anakin, Obi-Wan and Padmé.
The Gunship itself had a Technic carrying handle, pop-out bubble turrets, 8 missiles, a hidden missile rack and a speeder bike stored in the back. It also came with a double-sided poster! Additionally, you can combine this set with 75017 Duel on Geonosis to replay the exciting final chase and duel from start to finish.
This set is still immensely popular because it was the last 'regular' playset scale variant of the Republic Gunship
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2015: SIGNIFICANTLY SMALLER, BUT STILL COMPATIBLE WITH MINIFIGURES
LEGO 75076 Republic Gunship
Number of stones: 105 | Minifigures: 1
In 2015, the Republic Gunship was added to LEGO's microfighter theme. This 75076 Republic Gunship was a microscale version of the Gunship and featured caricatured proportions, as well as a Phase I Clone Pilot minifigure behind the cockpit. It also had a few flick missiles, but otherwise this model had little to write home about.
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2021: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTIBLE VERSION?
LEGO 75309 Republic Gunship
Number of stones: 3292 | Minifigures: 2 | Retail price: $399.99 (US)
In 2020, the LEGO Star Wars design team had fans vote on LEGO Ideas to choose the next UCS set: a three-way match between the Republic Gunship, the Nebulon-B frigate and the TIE Bomber.
Fans of the prequel trilogy certainly showed up, as the Gunship received over 30,000 votes (58% of the total votes) and joined the UCS in 2021 with 75309 UCS Republic Gunship
What would be the ultimate LEGO version of the Gunship was met with controversy upon its unveiling, as early copies of the set incorrectly featured the Imperial logo at the top left. Some fans took issue with the addition of a generic Phase I Clone Commander, as opposed to a Phase II Commander Cody or a Clone Pilot. Nevertheless, the model itself impresses with a huge wingspan, movie-accurate features and a pleasant color scheme. The model is still available and time will tell whether the model will increase in price.
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2023: NEW COLORS, NEW PRICE
LEGO 75334 Coruscant GunShip
Number of stones: 1083 | Minifigures: 5
The latest version of the Republic Gunship, 75354 Coruscant Guard Gunship, offers a slightly different twist. Featuring a striking dark red color palette, this Clone Wars-era set instead transports the Coruscant Guard as city transportation.
Gone are the militarized bubble domes; instead, this model has fully closing sliding doors and stud shooters on top of the wingtips. Five brand new minifigures are included, all fitting in with the dark red theme: two Shock Troopers, Phase II Commander Fox, Padmé Amidala and Chancellor Palpatine.