AceShowbiz -

Ahead of its release, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" crew and cast have revealed a lot of footage and behind-the-scenes pictures featuring the characters, weapons and some space creatures. Recently, Matt Martin of the Lucasfilm Story Group has appeared in The Star Wars Story Show to debut a never-before-seen still offering a first look at a brand new ship called the U-Wing.

Martin points out that the U-Wing, known as the Incom UT-60D, was also featured in the "Rogue One" concept art showcased at a Disney investor meeting and Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2015. But now fans can get a closer look at the Rebel Alliance's new ship in the new still.

Martin explains that the new ship in the Star Wars universe "is a troop transport and gun ship, so it's there to bring in rebel troops through heavy fire zones and get out as quickly as possible. The wings move depending on the situation. It's there to drop off troops and provide air support."

The upcoming film focuses on Jyn (Felicity Jones), a Rebellion soldier and outlaw, who is about to experience her biggest challenge when Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) gives her a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star. With the aid of the Rebels, a master swordsman and non-allied forces, Jyn will be in for something bigger than she thinks.

The upcoming stand-alone "Star Wars" movie also stars Diego Luna, Mads Mikkelsen, Forest Whitaker, Alan Tudyk, Donnie Yen, Ben Mendelsohn, Riz Ahmed and Jonathan Aris. Directed by Gareth Edwards, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" hits U.S. theaters on December 17 this year.