Swoops

A swoop, also known as a swoop bike, was a type of repulsorlift vehicle similar to a speeder bike; in fact, it was in essence simply an overpowered version and described as "an engine with a seat." Swoops were often used by gangs of criminals, with such organizations bearing the mantle of swoop gang. After the Galactic Empire outlawed podracing, swoop racing became the favored alternative.

Swoops were capable of traveling at over six hundred kilometers per hour. While some had the ability to travel several kilometers above a planet's surface, they generally kept a low altitude. Due to their power and uncontrollability, they had many flaps and control vanes to aid in controlling the vehicle, but due to the unpredictable nature of swoops, few used them.

Prior to and during the Mandalorian Wars and Jedi Civil War, some of the earliest swoop bikes could be found on Taris. Archaeologists theorize that swoop racing originated on Taris, though given the near-total destruction of the planet's surface, this is difficult to prove. Lhosan Industries, which conducted business on Taris during this time, was referred to as "the birthplace of the swoop bike." In any case, Taris was the hub of swoop racing during the time of the Jedi Civil War, and its destruction was a severe blow to the circuit. Nevertheless, swoop bike racing survived on such planets as Tatooine, Manaan, Telos IV, Onderon, and the moon Nar Shaddaa.

During the Clone Wars, the Grand Army of the Republic used the CK-6 swoop in combat during the Battle of Orto Plutonia and for transportation purposes during the Battle of Khorm.

The planet Zonju V was once plagued by swoop mercenaries. In 14 ABY, when Jaden Korr went there to meet up with a spaceport worker, he had to be faster than the local mercenary gangsters to get to a safe outpost and get out alive.

Many racing swoop bikes had their brakes removed to reduce weight thus making the swoop bike faster. They also had deflector shields to protect them against impact. However, due to high speeds, many riders were thrown off and killed upon crashing into an object. Swoops are not to be mistaken with speeder bikes.

Swoops were widely used to travel by land in the area of Bartyn's Landing, in the planet Lamaredd, in the five centuries after its initial settlement. A properous local business was Ackrahbala's Swoops & Speeders, and illegal swoop Cargo Track races were regularly held. The police used swoops to travel through the coastline.