The Lego Super Star Destroyer 10221, otherwise known as Darth Vader’s Star Destroyer, or simply The Executor was announced as the latest Lego Ultimate Collector Series model for 2011.

AUG 26 UPDATE: It is now available to ship at Lego.com

Lego Super Star Destroyer 10221

The ship has been rumored for some time and pictures were released early in 2011 but Lego announced it’s release for September 2011 (Actually late August).

At 124.4 centimetres (50 inches) it is the longest Lego model ever and is made up of of 3,152 elements and weighs 3.5kg (8 pounds) – Better make some serious shelf space for this one!

In an interview the set designer pointed out some of the major features of the set including, obviously, the length, the detailing or “greebling” on the center area of the ship (effectively a small city) and the need to design the ship in sections, with slight changes in one area triggering a need for changes in the subsequent sections-I guess that’s why they get paid to do this!

Here is the official Press Release from Lego and the gallery of shots and a video follows:

Lego Super Star Destroyer 10221 (Executor)

Ages 16+ 3,152 pieces, US $399.99, CA $499.99, €399.99, UK £349.99.

Includes four minifigures: Darth Vader, Admiral Piett, Dengar and Bossk

Also includes IG-88 figure

Features over 3,000 pieces

Measures nearly 50 inches (124.5 cm) long and weighs nearly 8 pounds (3.5kg)

Includes display stand and data sheet label

Centre section lifts off to reveal command centre

One of the largest and most powerful vessels in the Star Wars™ universe has been created as a LEGO® Exclusive model. The Super Star Destroyer™ Executor served as command ship at the Battle of Endor and as the personal flagship of Darth Vader.

It is the first time that the classic dagger-shaped design has been produced as an official LEGO model.

“The thing I was trying to accomplish with this model was to get as close as possible to the original, both with angles and the whole profile of the model from the side,” says LEGO senior designer Kurt Kristiansen.

His biggest challenge with this model was the sheer size. It is the longest Star Wars model made in LEGO bricks, measuring 124.4 centimetres (50 inches). It consists of 3,152 elements and weighs 3.5kg (8 pounds).

“When I was first given this challenge, my first thought was ‘this is going to be a tough one’,” he said. He planned the model by dividing it into separate sections before beginning to build at all.

The build also posed a few problems, though: “When you are developing a model, if you change something at one end of, you have to change it all the way down to make it fit. That’s a challenge on something this big.

“I think Star Wars fans will love this model because it is the first time ever that the Super Star Destroyer has been made as an official model. The thing that makes this model authentic with the movies is the shape, but also the detail on the top. It is like a small city with streets and alleys.”

A section of the top of the model can be removed to show a representation of the command bridge where Darth Vader and the other minifigures can be displayed. The model includes four minifigures: Darth Vader, Admiral Piett, Dengar, Bossk and an extra figure, IG-88.

The Super Star Destroyer is on sale from September 1, 2011 via Lego Shop Online or LEGO Brand Retail Stores.

Shop online or find your nearest store here.

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Lego Super Star Destroyer 10221 Designer Video

Lego Super Star Destroyer 10221 Gallery