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63

X-Wing Pilot Helmet

Location: D’Qar

Date: 34 ABY

For decades, the Rebels looked to the Imperial Navy and then to the pilots of the New Republic to supply skilled fliers to crew their fleets. By recruiting capable cadets from within official facilities, Rebel forces gained the advantages of, in some cases, years of combat training, as well as a deeper understanding of enemy tactics. Trading Imperial fatigues for revolutionary garb was life-changing for these recruits in more ways than one. Compared to the immaculate TIE fighter pilot helmets of the Empire, polished to a shine, a Rebel X-wing or Y-wing pilot’s helmet looked like something pulled from a trash compactor. But looks can be deceiving.

Luke Skywalker dreamed of leaving his home on Tatooine and joining his friends Biggs and Tank as a cadet at the Imperial Academy. Although he had no love for the Empire, like his father Anakin he had a gift for deft piloting and longed for the freedom seemingly offered by the Imperial training.

In the year 0 ABY, Luke joined the Rebel Alliance, and was a key member of the Red Squadron that flew in the Battle of Yavin. Wearing this helmet, he fired the one-in-a-million shot that hit the Death Star at its weakest point and destroyed the Empire’s ultimate superweapon .

Skywalker was still wearing the helmet when he flew his X-wing to Ahch-To in the year 28 ABY, intending to live out his days in exile. He abandoned his craft, allowing it to sink to the bottom of the sea. Recovered by Luke’s Force ghost, the helmet was worn by the Jedi Knight Rey Skywalker during the Resistance’s last stand at the Battle of Exegol. Donning it was her way of paying homage to the freedom fighters of the previous generation who had sacrificed so much to restore a true Republic.

The bulkier construction of older model helmets like Luke Skywalker’s did not necessarily equate to greater protection. Some recruits were honored to wear them. Others either had to wear old gear or go without. Pilots quickly learned not to complain, recognizing that the Rebellion had to make do with patched-together ships and other outdated technology to get by.

At the start of the Galactic Civil War, these 12 helmets were worn by Rebel fighters stationed at the secret base on Yavin 4. They belonged to (top to bottom, left to right): Derek Klivian, Red Squadron; Attico Wred, Green Squadron; Ralo Surrel, Red Squadron; Barion Raner, Blue Squadron; Jon Vander, leader of Gold Squadron; Broan Danurs, Green Squadron; Wion Dillems, Green Squadron; Riss Clyos, Green Squadron; Datchi Creel, Gold Squadron; Torge Gommer, Green Squadron; Torius Chord, Blue Squadron; and Zal Dinnes, Red Squadron.

In her youth, the scavenger Rey recovered the helmet of the fallen Captain Dosmit Ræh of the Tierfon Yellow Aces from the graveyard of the Battle of Jakku. It became a treasured possession. In her converted AT-AT dwelling late at night, Rey would put on the helmet, look up at the stars, and imagine the freedom of flight.

Although the design of an X-wing helmet was standard for most humanoid species, decorations and symbols were unique to each pilot. These included their squadron insignia as well as other personal touches. The center ridge contained reinforced interior padding and plating that cradled the skull. Headsets and microphones were implanted inside each helmet for communication with other pilots, ground crews, and commanders. Some pilots used the blank spaces on the their helmets to mark their victories. Others used them to express their own artistic creativity or affix a memento from their loved ones.

In the first days of the conflict against the First Order, Rebel pilots able to benefit from the initial influx of funds that helped General Leia Organa organize the Resistance managed to acquire newer helmets. Among those early recruits, the pilot Poe Dameron benefitted from a more streamlined one, with a slim silhouette and custom fit. Painted black to reflect his status as the leader of Black Squadron, the sides bore the red insignia of the Resistance, the same starbird once worn by Rebel Alliance fighters in numerous battles.

Other Resistance members, including Nien Nunb, a Sullustan pilot, and the Abednedo Ello Asty were equipped with customized helmets. Gazing upon a row of X-wing pilot helmets, one can imagine the faces that peered out from behind the visors over the years. Their helmets’ scruffy beauty is a testament to the Rebels’ indomitable spirit.

During the age of the Resistance, X-wing pilot Poe Dameron wore this customized helmet.