<P> Visually, the Millennium Falcon was represented by several models and external and internal sets . For Star Wars, a partial exterior set was constructed and the set dressed as Docking Bay 94 and the Death Star hangar . Besides the functional landing gear, an additional support held up the structure and was disguised as a fuel line . The interior set included the starboard ring corridor, the boarding ramp, cockpit access tunnel, gun turret ladder, secret compartments, and the forward hold . The cockpit was constructed as a separate set that could be rocked when the ship was supposed to shake . Several inconsistencies exist between the internal set and the external set, the cockpit access tunnel angle being the most noticeable . </P> <P> The effects models for Star Wars matched the design of the exterior set . The primary model was 5 feet long and detailed with various kit parts . The ship was represented by a matte painting when Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) sees it for the first time, showing the full upper surface . For the 1997 "Special Edition", a digital model replaces the effects model in several shots, and is used in a new shot of the Falcon lifting off from Docking Bay 94 . </P> <P> For The Empire Strikes Back, a new external set was constructed . In spring 1979, Marcon Fabrications, a heavy engineering firm that served the UK's petrochemical and oil industries, was hired to build a movable full - scale external model capable of "moving as if it were about to take off ." Built in secrecy under the project code name Magic Roundabout, the company leased the 1930s Western Sunderland Flying Boat hangar in Pembroke Dock, West Wales . The model, which took three months to construct, weighed over 25 long tons (25 t), measured 65 feet (20 m) in diameter and 20 feet (6.1 m) high, and used compressed air hover pads for up to 1.5 inches (38 mm) of hover - height movement around the set . It was then disassembled and shipped to Elstree Studios, Hertfordshire, for filming . Today, the Pembroke Dock museum has an exhibit about the project . </P> <P> Along with the full - size mock - up of the Falcon, a new miniature model was created for Star Wars, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back to allow ILM to film more intricate in - flight rolls and pitches that weren't possible with the five - foot model . This model was able to be mounted on a gimbal that allowed ILM to simulate very difficult maneuvers as the ship attempted to outrun Imperial Tie - Fighters during the asteroid field escape scene from the film . The new model, which measured at approximately 32 inches in length, had several surface features that differed from the five - foot model including updated landing gear and different surface "greeblies" (small kit - bashed parts added to simulate random mechanical surface detail). The 32" model was the version of the Millennium Falcon most depicted in toys, model kits, and promotional materials for the Star Wars universe prior to the release of The Force Awakens . The model was reused for Star Wars, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi . </P>

Five characters are shown piloting the millennium falcon during the original trilogy