The sled was powered by an X-7a repulsor engine with four integrated thrust vectors and a secondary XA7 drive unit located underneath the gunner's chair. These, combined with dual steering vanes located beneath the pilot, gave the sled tremendous speed and maneuverability and allowed it to perform elaborate mid air maneuvers in order to avoid enemy fire. These advantages came at a price however, as the sled lacked any armor and could be severely damaged by even a blaster rifle bolt. A frequent tactic then was to fly as close to the ground as possible before coming up abruptly to give the gunner a clean shot.[2]