LEGO Star Wars Rebel U‑Wing Fighter Review
LEGO Star Wars Rebel U-Wing Fighter Review
LEGO Star Wars Rebel U-Wing Fighter Review launches into festive hyperspace as one of the most exciting entries on the Top 10 Christmas Toys 2016 list. Designed by LEGO, this iconic set (75155) brings the fast-paced action of Star Wars: Rogue One into brick-built reality. With 659 pieces, five detailed mini-figures, spring-loaded shooters, and adjustable wings, the Rebel U-Wing Fighter lets fans recreate high-stakes battles or invent brand-new missions. It’s the kind of holiday gift that sparks joy on Christmas morning—and keeps delivering long after the tinsel comes down.
Planning ahead? Be sure to check out our expert picks for the best Christmas toys for 2025 and browse where to buy them online to avoid festive FOMO.
What’s in the Box?
- U-Wing Fighter Starship: A robust build measuring over 14 inches long with rotating wings that switch between flight and landing mode, plus four spring-loaded shooters for epic battles.
- ♂️ 5 Mini-Figures: Includes Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor, Bistan, a U-Wing Pilot, and a Rebel Trooper—each armed with weapon accessories like blasters and a rifle.
- ️ Accessories: A crate for the storage bay, a fold-down ladder, and a detailed canopy cockpit that seats a mini-figure.
- Instruction Booklet: A step-by-step guide divided by numbered bags for streamlined building over multiple sessions.
- Festive Packaging: Bright Star Wars artwork on a gift-ready box—ideal for that “wow” factor under the Christmas tree.
Build & Play Functions
The set combines expert-level building fun with interactive play features. Once assembled, the U-Wing boasts wings that can rotate forwards and back—mimicking the real vehicle from Rogue One. The cockpit canopy opens smoothly, while the four spring-loaded shooters add instant battle-readiness.
The rear cargo bay is surprisingly roomy, with a crate that can be removed or swapped. There’s even a fold-down ladder for boarding, adding more realism for imaginative scenarios. As with all LEGO Star Wars sets, it’s fully compatible with other sets, encouraging creative mashups and fleet-building fun.
Most importantly, it’s a battery-free experience. No recharge cables. No fuss. Just uninterrupted Christmas morning building and flying missions straight out of the box.
Backstory and Holiday Impact
Released in tandem with the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story film in 2016, the Rebel U-Wing Fighter filled a key role in the LEGO Star Wars universe. Unlike rehashed versions of X-Wings and TIE Fighters, this starship was brand new—fuelled by cinematic freshness and kid curiosity.
It was LEGO’s response to the darker, more grounded tone of Rogue One. Gritty characters like Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor, along with lesser-known Bistan, gave the set collectability clout. Demand surged, making it one of the year’s top-selling LEGO gifts and a proud addition to the Christmas morning pile across the UK.
The set was retired by 2017, but that only increased its value among fans. It laid the groundwork for more detailed ships and inspired future builds like the Imperial Troop Transport and the larger UCS ships. In short: this was a turning point set, and it still has fans hunting for boxed versions today.
Developmental Benefits for Kids
LEGO Star Wars sets are known for their educational edge, and this one delivers big-time. Here’s how:
- Motor Skills: Sorting and snapping bricks into place strengthens fine motor control and patience.
- STEM Concepts: Wing mechanisms introduce engineering thinking and early mechanical understanding.
- Imaginative Play: Once built, the ship becomes a storytelling engine for original missions or reenactments.
- Emotional Regulation: Following instructions calmly is a great way to practise focus, especially during post-sugar-rush December afternoons.
- Problem Solving: Working through 659 steps builds resilience and sequential reasoning.
- Social Bonding: Great for siblings or parent-child joint builds over mulled wine and mince pies.
Screen-free, skill-building, and full of galactic fun. No wonder it earned a spot on Santa’s Nice List in 2016.
Christmas-Themed Play Ideas
- Rebel Gift Drop: Use the cargo bay as a holiday delivery hatch—Jyn Erso dropping parcels to galactic allies!
- Target Shooting Game: Set up paper Stormtroopers and see who can hit them first using the spring-loaded shooters.
- ⛄ Snowy Hoth Landing: Decorate a playmat with cotton wool and turn it into a frosty battlefield.
- Storytime Missions: Invent new Star Wars holiday missions with characters helping Santa rescue stolen gifts from the Empire.
- Family Fleet Building: Combine with older LEGO Star Wars sets to stage massive Christmas Eve dogfights.
This isn’t just a build-and-done kind of toy—it evolves with the season and your child’s imagination.
What Real Families Are Saying
“My 9-year-old was obsessed with this at Christmas. He built it in one sitting and played for days.”
“A good mix of challenge and fun. It’s sturdy, detailed, and the wings are a brilliant feature.”
“As a parent, I loved how focused he was during the build. He even let me help… once.”
“Only gripe? Some pieces were tricky for my 7-year-old. But we got there together.”
“The mini-figures are fantastic. We’ve added them to our rebel base setup now.”
Parents appreciated the build time, complexity, and imaginative output. While some younger builders needed support, the payoff in pride and play was massive.
About LEGO
LEGO, founded in Denmark in 1932, is the gold standard for construction play. With its licensed Star Wars sets first launching in 1999, LEGO has delivered consistently immersive experiences that bridge generations. The Rebel U-Wing Fighter added something new to the galaxy: a fresh design that felt authentic, yet kid-friendly.
It captured the excitement of new film lore while upholding LEGO’s trademark attention to quality and detail. For fans of film, fantasy, and festive builds—it was a triple win.
Was It Worth the Galactic Buzz?
Absolutely. With a UK RRP between £65 and £75 at launch, the set was excellent value considering the size, part count, and iconic characters. Whether it was the wing rotation, Jyn Erso mini-fig, or just the sheer swooshability of the finished fighter—it ticked every box.
While some adult collectors griped about sticker placements or slight gaps in the fuselage, kids couldn’t care less. They were too busy staging epic battles between mince pies.
Recommended Age Range
The LEGO Rebel U-Wing Fighter is best suited for ages 8 and up. That said:
- Kids 6–7 can enjoy it with help from a grown-up or older sibling.
- Builders aged 8–10 will appreciate the challenge and action features.
- Older collectors will value the film tie-in and mini-figure selection.
Not suitable for kids under 3 due to small parts. That goes for Stormtrooper pets too.
Parental Setup Tips
- ️ Assembly Time: Around 2–3 hours. Break it into two festive sessions or build in one go with hot chocolate in hand.
- Storage: Set is 14″ long and not easy to store built. Consider semi-disassembling the wings for post-Christmas packing.
- Cleaning: Dust gently with a microfibre cloth. Avoid liquid cleaners near stickers.
- Missing Pieces: LEGO’s customer service is legendary—report any gaps and they’ll replace them swiftly.
Where to Buy Now (2025)
As a retired set, the U-Wing Fighter is no longer in stores. Your best bets are second-hand marketplaces like eBay, Vinted, and BrickLink. Expect to pay between £50 and £90 depending on condition and whether the mini-figures are included.
If you’re hunting a boxed version, prepare to pay a premium. Always request clear photos and verify part counts before purchase.
Final Verdict
The LEGO Star Wars Rebel U-Wing Fighter was one of the most ambitious and exciting Christmas toys of 2016. A cinematic tie-in with educational benefits, thrilling play potential, and a shelf-friendly display factor—it had it all. No batteries, no gimmicks, just good old-fashioned LEGO fun with a modern Star Wars twist.
Looking for more top-tier recommendations? Fly over to our pages on the most popular Christmas toys or explore what toys every kid wants in 2025.
Some links on our site are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. 🎄
Available From:
Top 10 Christmas toys sell out very quickly, order now to avoid disappointment.