'Star Wars' Consumer Drones Are Here, Baby
And they're so popular they broke the manufacturer's website this morning.
You will soon be able to fly the Millennium Falcon — if you live in Europe, that is.
Propel RC has announced of official Star Wars drones made to look like various ships from the famous sci-fi series. In addition to the Falcon, miniature replicas of the X-Wing and TIE Fighter will be available for between $200 and $300 apiece this fall and winter.
The drones will offer speeds of up to 40 mph, easily performed stunts, and the ability to have laser battles with up to 24 devices in mid-air, Wired reports. Finally, Star Wars fans will be able to put themselves in the cockpit.
The internet reacted to news of these products as favorably as you’d expect: Propel RC’s website has been intermittently available, with the company saying that “extremely high volume” has prompted it to make some changes and promising that it will be “back online in just a few parsecs” once it can handle the traffic.
Of course, at least some of that volume resulted from North American shoppers trying to pre-order the devices in hope of receiving them in time for the holiday season. None of the drones will be available in the United States or Canada at launch; instead they will make their interplanetary debut in other corners of the world.
You’ll have to excuse me while I make the obvious joke about these being the droids you are looking for. If that’s the case, you can reserve a drone by filling out this form. If it’s not, well, you’re going to see them flying around anyway, because they’re probably going to be a hit.
