Freerunner

Freerunner
Production information
Manufacturer	Kelliak Arms and Armor Company
Cost	27,000—140,000 credits (new) 14,000—110,000 credits (used)
Technical specifications
Length	14.6 meters
Maximum speed	300 KMH
Maximum altitude	2 meters
Shielding	Equipped
Armament	2 anti-vehicle laser cannons OR 1 Mk 3e/S laser cannon 2 anti-infantry blaster batteries OR 2 Mk 2/S heavy blaster cannons
Crew	2; 3 gunners
Passengers	6
Cargo capacity	250 kilograms
Consumables	1 week
Usage
Role(s)	Combat assault vehicle
Affiliation	Alliance to Restore the Republic New Republic

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The Freerunner was considered one of the most powerful assets of the Rebel CAV arsenal.

It got its name from the freely rotating gun platforms mounted on the repulsorcraft. These independent platforms were designed to accommodate up to four various kinds of weaponry, based on mission requirements, and swap them quick and easily. Armed with stripped down anti-personnel and anti-vehicle batteries, each vehicle could be equipped with anything from two to four weapon batteries, based on its battlefield assignment. Each weapon had the option of being operated by individual gunners or linked together to save manpower.

The Freerunner featured a standard open-air cockpit, which allowed for increased visibility for the driver, it also made the driver a prime target and limited the vehicle's use under certain atmospheric conditions. Thus whenever possible, Rebel techs modified the cockpit to be enclosed.

History

RAF profile view

The Kelliak Arms and Armor Company advertised the Freerunner as the ultimate in fast, flexible firepower military ground craft, able to take on advanced scout, supply escort, or even front combat duties. But its development just after the Clone Wars was bad timing, since the Emperor had already decided to stick with walkers and tracked vehicles. In the end, the product had no major contracts from the Imperial Army and the Freerunner became the financial disaster for its manufacturer, which was bankrupted as the result. The remaining stock of Freerunners was available for sale to anyone with credits and proper license. It became popular with planetary defense forces, major cartels, large gangs and eventually the Rebel Alliance. It was an essential part of an Alliance Army Regiment.

The prestigious Raithal Academy utilized simulations of attacking Freerunners to hone their All Terrain Armored Transport pilots. During the Evacuation of Yavin, they served as part of the Rebel ground defense.

Alliance Special Forces produced a variation of the Freerunner as an armored personnel carrier. Known as the SpecForce Freerunner APC, it traded the two laser cannons for twice the cargo capacity and room for two additional passengers. This allowed a SpecForce squad to quickly offload from a landing ship directly into battle while providing protection and fire support.

These vehicles were used by Rebel forces during the Battle of Turak IV.

Freerunners in an Alliance Army Regiment.

In truly hazardous regions Freerunners were sometimes used as VIP transports and corporate ground shuttles.

Appearances

• Star Wars: Rebellion
• Side Trip
• Dark Force Rising (First appearance)

Sources

• Rebel Alliance Sourcebook
• Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back
• Dark Force Rising Sourcebook
• Rebel Alliance Sourcebook, Second Edition
• Star Wars Miniatures Battles Companion
• Star Wars Gamemaster Screen, Revised
• Rules of Engagement: The Rebel SpecForce Handbook
• Classic Adventures: Volume Four - The Best of the Journal
• "Stand at Bhir'khi Pass" — Star Wars Adventure Journal 9 (As KAAC Freerunner)
• "Special Military Unit Intelligence Update" — Star Wars Adventure Journal 15
• Star Wars: Rebellion: Prima's Official Strategy Guide (Picture only)
• Arms & Equipment Guide
• Star Wars: Behind the Magic
• The Force Unleashed Campaign Guide
• The Battle of Turak IV on Hyperspace (article) (content removed from StarWars.com and unavailable)
• The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia