The next step in the hero quest is a challenge to mortal combat. The heroes experienced an initial rite of passage in the Death Star and accomplished the "princess rescue." Now Leia leads Han and Luke to the Rebel base to plan an attack on the Death Star. Luke joins the fighter pilots of the Rebellion. As he puts on his uniform, he puts aside his youthful identity and assumes a new role--that of a heroic pilot, ready to sacrifice his life for his cause.
In the end good triumphs over evil, and the heroes are recognized for their deeds of valor. This moment is the end of one adventure, but it also represents the start of the next stage--further initiation on the "road of trials."
--from the Smithsonian introduction
"Use the Force, Luke!" This rather standard Rebel pilot's costume is identifiable as Luke's by the distinctive helmet. At close range, certain details of many of these costumes, such as the chest-piece on this outfit, appear clunky and rather thrown-together. Behind Luke is an imitation of that great map-like light design seen in the Rebel control room on Yavin.
The other rebel fighter used on the first Death Star assault, the Y-Wing Fighter is somewhat less glamorous than its X-Wing counterpart. No matter, though--the model is simply exquisite. Its really a tribute to the Lucasfilm archivists that so many of these fragile props and models survived in such wonderful conditon.