Name: 8T8-Twin Block2 Special Podracer
Craft: Farwan & Glott 8T8-Twin Block2 Special
Type: Pod Racer
Scale: Speeder
Length: 7.16 meters
Skill: Repulsorlift Operation: Pod Racer
Crew: 1 pilot
Passengers: None
Cargo Capacity: 5 kilograms
Cover: 3/4
Altitude Range: Ground – 45 meters
Cost: 16,200 (new), 11,000 (used)
Maneuverability: 2D+1
Move: 273; 785 km/h
Body Strength: 2D
Weapons: None
Background: The FG 8T8-Twin Block2 Special was a podracer design produced by Farwan & Glott prior to the Invasion of Naboo. The 8T8-Tracer’s design was unusual in the fact that the cockpit was joined to the engines forward of their intakes via fixed, fully faired brackets. By contrast, all other podracer designs featured separate gondolas which trailed the pod’s engines and were fastened to them with flexible cords which transmitted commands input by the vehicle’s pilot to the engines, which were in turn bound by energy binders. With the Twin Block2 Special, the need for such devices was eliminated, making the craft bear more of a resemblance to a traditional airspeeder. However, this configuration also put the pilot at greater risk of injury or death from head-on collisions. Because of this threat, the pod put heavy emphasis on turning, acceleration and braking power over speed.
The cockpit was aerodynamic and fully enclosed, including a factory-equipped ejection system rare in factory customs and luxury lines. Despite this, the model is among the slowest podracers on the market due to its weight and overbearing pilot assistance.