The Storm Skimmer Patrol Sled served as a patrol vehicle designed to accommodate two individuals. Its initial purpose was for utilization by Imperial scout troopers.
Equipped with a heavy repeating blaster as its sole armament, the Storm Skimmers prioritized velocity and covertness, much like the 74-Z speeder bikes. Nevertheless, in contrast to speeder bikes, they possessed enhanced armor and defense against incoming projectiles, with the intention of swiftly engaging enemy combatants. Subsequent iterations, developed after Endor, incorporated an additional heavy repeating blaster.
The two crew members were seated one behind the other, with the pilot positioned at the rear of the vehicle and the gunner situated at the front.
Their prevalence grew around the time of the Battle of Yavin, but they were ultimately superseded by the older 74-Z speeder bike. Despite this, numerous units were maintained in reserve as adaptable vehicles and continued to be utilized for many years, well into the Galactic Civil War.
While the majority of Skimmers were employed by the Empire, certain units were seized and operated by the Alliance to Restore the Republic. However, operators not affiliated with the Empire were required to don pressure suits to reach peak altitudes, whereas stormtroopers' armor offered a sealed environment for their safety. The Skimmers' maximum operational altitude ranged from 11 to 15 kilometers above the ground.
During Operation Shadow Hand, the Dark Empire deployed Storm Skimmer Patrol Sleds for surveillance on the planet Byss.