Imperial V-wing Pilot
sw0303 · Star Wars
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith · Released in 2011, appearing in set 7915. During this era, LEGO Star Wars moved toward more detailed, specialized printing on torsos and more accurate character-specific molds.
Figure ID
sw0303
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
Released in 2011, appearing in set 7915. During this era, LEGO Star Wars moved toward more detailed, specialized printing on torsos and more accurate character-specific molds.
Rarity
Uncommon. This minifigure was exclusive to a single, relatively affordable set (7915 Imperial V-wing Starfighter). While not ultra-rare, its exclusivity to one set from over a decade ago makes it desirable for troop builders.
Head
Missing in image. The official figure originally included a light flesh-colored head with a focused, furrowed-brow expression and a black rebel-style helmet containing specific imperial patterns.
Torso
Black torso with Imperial flight suit printing. Front detail features a life support control panel with gray and blue buttons and a silver belt. Back features basic line detailing. Hands are black. Appearance in image suggests the torso is genuine official plastic.
Legs
Plain black legs with a black hip piece. No printing was present on the legs for this specific version of the Pilot.
Accessories
None shown. Originally came with a black standard-sized pilot helmet (Part 87752) with silver and grey printing, and a standard small black blaster.
Color Scheme
Predominantly black with light bluish gray, silver, and blue accents on the torso printing. This reflects the standard early Imperial/late Republic aesthetic.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso only. The silver and blue ink used for the life support box has good opacity even on the black base. No leg or arm printing.
Variants
This is the only variant of this specific Pilot design (sw0303). It was an evolution of the earlier V-wing pilot (sw0170) and predates the modern TIE pilot designs.
Condition Notes
The figure in the image is in 'Incomplete' condition—missing the head, helmet, and accessories. Torso shows minor signs of play wear. Typical issues for this figure include silver ink rubbing off and cracks in the torso sides/arm sockets.
Estimated Value
Complete: $8.00 - $12.00 USD. Current state (torso and legs only): $2.00 - $4.00 USD. Value is significantly hampered by the absence of the unique printed helmet.
Price (New)
The set it came in (7915) retailed for $24.99 USD in 2011, which included this figure and an Astromech droid (R2-Q2).
Compatible Sets
7915 Imperial V-wing Starfighter (2011).
Character Background
Imperial V-wing pilots transition during the period between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, flying the Alpha-3 Nimbus-class V-wing starfighter which served as an escort craft for the emerging Galactic Empire.
Design Notes
This figure uses the 'Type 2' pilot torso design. The decision to leave the legs plain was standard for budget-tier Star Wars sets in 2011, focusing the detail budget on the torso and helmet printing.
Similar Minifigures
sw0170 V-Wing Pilot, sw0268 TIE Armored Pilot, sw0543 TIE Pilot (Open Helmet), sw0035 TIE Pilot (Classic).
Collectibility
Medium. While not a high-ticket item, it is a necessary component for collectors seeking to complete the 2011 LEGO Star Wars lineup or Starfighter fans. Its value is mostly tied to the helmet piece.
History
First appeared in the 2011 winter wave. This was part of LEGO's effort to update the pilot minifigure roster with more detailed prints and accurate helmet molds to replace the older, more stylized versions.
Interesting Facts
Despite being called an 'Imperial' pilot, the character design heavily borrows from Clone Pilot aesthetics, marking the artistic bridge between the Clone Wars and the Galactic Civil War.
Display Suggestions
Ideally displayed within the cockpit of set 7915 or on a black tile stand alongside other Imperial pilots like TIE and Bomber pilots. Needs a replacement helmet to be display-worthy.
Modification Potential
The torso is an excellent base for custom Imperial officers or specialized flight crew MOCs. It is also compatible with standard LEGO hairpieces for an 'unmasked' look.
Overall Assessment
A solid, middle-era Star Wars minifigure. In its current incomplete state, it is mainly useful for spare parts. To a collector, the value is low without the specific printed helmet that defines this ID.