Storm Skimmer Patrol Sled

The Storm Skimmer Patrol Sled was a two-man patrol vehicle originally intended for use by the Imperial scout troopers.

They gained in popularity around the Battle of Yavin, but were eventually replaced by the older 74-Z speeder bike. Still, many were kept in backorder as all-purpose vehicles and would see many years of service, long into the Galactic Civil War.

Armed with only a heavy repeating blaster, the Storm Skimmers were focused towards speed and stealth, like the 74-Zs. However, unlike the speeder bikes, they had more armor and protection against enemy fire, and were intended for rapid deployment against enemy personnel. Later models, post-Endor, would have an extra heavy repeating blaster.

Although most Skimmers served the Empire, some were captured and used by the Alliance to Restore the Republic. However, non-Imperial users were forced to wear pressure-suits to achieve maximum altitudes, while stormtroopers' armor provided a sealed environment for their protection. Maximum altitude for the Skimmers lay between 11 and 15 km from ground level.