How many pieces are in the Aerial Defense Unit?

Aerial Defense Unit contains 733 pieces.

What age is the Aerial Defense Unit recommended for?

This set is recommended for ages 8-14.

When was the Aerial Defense Unit released?

Aerial Defense Unit was released in 2009.

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🏛 Agents

Set #8971

Aerial Defense Unit

Aerial Defense Unit is a standout set from the LEGO Agents theme.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Ages 8+ · Intermediate build Perfect for teens and adults who enjoy action themes and vehicle builds.
Build: 733 pieces · about 4.5 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price: $79.99 list price · 10.9¢ per piece
Availability: Retired at LEGO

★★★★☆ 4.2 community rating from 63 ratings

Fans appreciate the Aerial Defense Unit for its unique design and playability, but some find the color scheme somewhat repetitive. The minifigure selection is a highlight, though the build experience can be simple for advanced builders.

$79.99

Best Price

$71.99

You Save

10% OFF

📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

Aerial Defense Unit is a standout set from the LEGO Agents theme. Released in 2009, it perfectly embodies the spy-vs-villain aesthetic with its sleek aircraft design and contrasting color schemes between the Agents and the Magma villains.

This set is perfect for LEGO fans looking for a fun build with plenty of playability. With a good piece count and seven minifigures, it offers a satisfying building experience and great value for creating action-packed scenarios.

Skip this if you prefer larger-scale models or more complex building techniques. Consider sets like the LEGO City Police Mobile Command Center for a similar play experience or the LEGO Ninjago series for more intricate builds.

✨ New

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🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

🧩

733

Pieces

⏱

4.5h

Estimated Build Time

📊

Intermediate

Difficulty

👤

8-14

Ages

Build Highlights:

Building the sleek aerial vehicle with its unique wing design.
Incorporating Technic elements for enhanced stability and functionality.
Assembling the detailed minifigures and their accessories.
Creating dynamic display poses with the included stand.

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

↑ Trending up since release

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The Aerial Defense Unit (8971-1) presents a moderate investment opportunity. As a retired set from the popular LEGO Agents theme, it benefits from nostalgia and a dedicated fan base. The inclusion of seven minifigures, including unique variants, adds to its collectibility. However, its piece count is relatively modest, limiting potential appreciation compared to larger, more complex sets. Price trends indicate a steady increase, but potential investors should monitor market fluctuations.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

📖 About This Set

Red alert for Agents Chase, Charge and Swift! Dr. Inferno's hot-headed henchman Magma Commander is unleashing his magma-drones on the City. Your Mission: to destroy his satellite broadcaster and neutralize the drones! To do it, you'll need the newest Agents aerial defense vehicle -- the enormous, gadget-packed twin-propeller Agent Chopper! Includes 7 minifigures: Agents Chase, Charge and Swift, Magma Commander & 3 Magma Drones! Twin-propeller activates by pulling trigger on handle! Zip lines take Agents into action! Open the side doors to play inside Agents' command center with computers and added gadgets! Aerial Defense helicopter measures over 17 inches (43.2cm) long!

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Ultra Agents Mission HQ

Ultra Agents • 756 pcs

Ultra Agents • 589 pcs

$59.99

The Aerial Defense Unit offers a unique blend of action and vehicle building, setting it apart from other sets in the LEGO Agents theme. While the LEGO City series provides similar vehicle-based play experiences, the Agents theme introduces a spy-vs-villain narrative. Collectors may prefer this set for its minifigure selection and distinct design.

7 Minifigures Included

Agent Swift with Armor

Agent Charge with Armor, 3626c Head

5 parts

B+

This set is notable for its seven minifigures, including Agent Chase, Agent Charge with Armor, Agent Swift with Armor, Magma Commander, and three Magma Drones. The armored Agent variants and the Magma Commander are particularly desirable for collectors.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count: 733
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 168 unique parts, 699 pieces
Minifigures: 7

The official piece count includes the 34 parts inside the set's minifigures, which this inventory lists separately. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

Panel 1 x 2 x 3 -...

Part #: 2362a 1× Black

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2412b 16× Dark Bluish Gray

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2412b 1× Orange

Wedge Plate 3 x 6...

Part #: 2419 1× Dark Blue

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2432 7× Dark Bluish Gray

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2432 1× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 2444 8× Yellow

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 2444 1× Black

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 2444 2× Light Bluish Gray

Brick 1 x 1 x 5 w...

Part #: 2453a 2× Reddish Brown

Brick 1 x 2 x 5 w...

Part #: 2454a 2× Black

Brick 2 x 6

Part #: 2456 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 2458 1× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 2476a 6× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 2540 12× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 2540 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2555 1× Red

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2555 2× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 2730 6× Black

Technic Pin with ...

Part #: 2780 24× Black

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 2877 18× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 2921 1× Light Bluish Gray

Lever Small Base ...

Part #: 298c02 2× Red

Lever Small Base ...

Part #: 298c02 1× White

Brick 2 x 2

Part #: 3003 3× Dark Blue

Handlebars

Part #: 30031 1× Light Bluish Gray

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 5× Reddish Brown

Brick 1 x 1

Part #: 3005 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick 1 x 8

Part #: 3008 1× Black

Brick 1 x 6

Part #: 3009 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick 1 x 4

Part #: 3010 6× Dark Bluish Gray

Equipment Binoculars

Part #: 30162 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Plant, Round 1 x ...

Part #: 30176 1× Green

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 4× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 7× Yellow

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 5× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 8× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 3× Trans-Red

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 3× Trans-Green

Equipment Space B...

Part #: 30304 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 4 x 6

Part #: 3032 5× Black

Plate 4 x 6

Part #: 3032 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Propeller 3 Blade...

Part #: 30332 1× Black

Plate 2 x 8

Part #: 3034 8× Black

Plate 2 x 8

Part #: 3034 6× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 6 x 8

Part #: 3036 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 30367b 1× Red

Hinge Brick 2 x 2...

Part #: 30389c 1× Yellow

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3039 1× Dark Blue

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3040b 6× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3040b 12× Dark Brown

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062b 2× Reddish Brown

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 3× Black

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 14× Dark Blue

Tile 1 x 2 with R...

Part #: 3069bpr0101 1× Light Bluish Gray

Tile 1 x 1 with W...

Part #: 3070bpr0007 1× Light Bluish Gray

Tyre 14 x 4 Smoot...

Part #: 3139 2× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 32000 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Reel 3 x 2

Part #: 32012 2× Yellow

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32013 2× Black

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32015 1× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 32018 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Pin Long ...

Part #: 32054 8× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Beam 3 x ...

Part #: 32056 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Axle 2 No...

Part #: 32062 4× Red

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 32064a 14× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Plate Rot...

Part #: 32125 4× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Beam 2 x ...

Part #: 32140 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Gear 20 T...

Part #: 32269 1× Tan

Technic Gear 20 T...

Part #: 32269 2× Black

Technic Gear 12 T...

Part #: 32270 5× Black

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 32523 1× Lime

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 32524 8× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Pin Conne...

Part #: 32529 2× Black

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 3298 1× Red

Brick 1 x 3

Part #: 3622 3× Reddish Brown

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 5× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 9× Black

Technic Pin witho...

Part #: 3673 1× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3700 2× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3700 2× Yellow

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3701 5× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3703 2× Black

Technic Axle 4

Part #: 3705 2× Black

Technic Axle 6

Part #: 3706 2× Black

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3709 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 2× Reddish Brown

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 10× Dark Blue

Technic Gear Rack...

Part #: 3743 2× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3747b 1× Black

Part #: 3795 5× Yellow

Hinge Brick 1 x 4...

Part #: 3830 2× Black

Hinge Brick 1 x 4...

Part #: 3831 2× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3894 1× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3894 2× Red

Hinge Brick 1 x 2...

Part #: 3937 1× Black

Support Round 2 x...

Part #: 3940b 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 3941 1× Trans-Neon Orange

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 3941 1× Black

Antenna 1 x 4 wit...

Part #: 3957a 1× Black

Weapon Gun / Torc...

Part #: 3959 2× Light Bluish Gray

Equipment Radio [...

Part #: 3962b 1× Black

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 4032a 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 40490 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 4070 4× Light Bluish Gray

Seat / Chair 2 x ...

Part #: 4079b 3× Red

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4081b 2× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4085c 4× White

Tile Round 2 x 2 ...

Part #: 4150 2× Light Bluish Gray

Tile 1 x 8 with G...

Part #: 4162 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Tile 1 x 8 with G...

Part #: 4162 15× Dark Blue

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 41677 4× Red

Windscreen 8 x 6 ...

Part #: 41751 2× Dark Blue

Brick Wedged, Cur...

Part #: 41764 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Wedged, Cur...

Part #: 41765 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Wedged, Ang...

Part #: 41767 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Wedged, Ang...

Part #: 41768 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Wedge Plate 4 x 2...

Part #: 41769 1× Black

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 42003 10× Yellow

Brick Curved 6 x 1

Part #: 42022 2× Black

Brick Curved Inve...

Part #: 42023 2× Black

Wheel 11 x 8 with...

Part #: 42610 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Pin 1/2 w...

Part #: 4274 16× Blue

Plate 2 x 16

Part #: 4282 3× Black

Dish 6 x 6 Invert...

Part #: 4285b 1× Black

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 4287b 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Axle Pin ...

Part #: 43093 10× Blue

Equipment Camera ...

Part #: 4360 1× Black

Brick Wedged, Cur...

Part #: 43713 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Wedge Plate 3 x 2...

Part #: 43722 2× Light Bluish Gray

Wedge Plate 3 x 2...

Part #: 43723 2× Light Bluish Gray

Support Round 1 x...

Part #: 43888 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Animal Body Part,...

Part #: 43936 2× Black

Hinge Plate 1 x 4...

Part #: 44568 1× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Sloped 75° ...

Part #: 4460b 12× Dark Brown

Brick Curved 2 x ...

Part #: 44675 5× Dark Blue

Bracket 1 x 2 - 2...

Part #: 44728 4× Dark Blue

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4623 2× Yellow

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4623 1× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4623 1× Light Bluish Gray

Wheel 8 x 6

Part #: 4624 2× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Curved 2 x ...

Part #: 47457 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Rock Panel 2 x 4 x 6

Part #: 47847 2× Reddish Brown

Panel 1 x 2 x 1 [...

Part #: 4865a 1× Red

Wheel Holder 2 x ...

Part #: 4870 1× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 49668 8× Pearl Light Gray

Brick Curved 3 x ...

Part #: 50950 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Dish 10 x 10 Inve...

Part #: 50990a 1× Light Bluish Gray

Tyre 17.5 x 6 wit...

Part #: 51011 2× Black

Arm Mechanical wi...

Part #: 53989 2× Pearl Light Gray

Brick Curved 8 x ...

Part #: 54095 4× Dark Blue

Brick Sloped 30° ...

Part #: 54200 6× Dark Blue

Wedge Plate 6 x 3...

Part #: 54383 2× Dark Blue

Wedge Plate 6 x 3...

Part #: 54384 2× Dark Blue

Wheel 18mm x 14mm...

Part #: 55982 2× Light Bluish Gray

String Cord Thin ...

Part #: 56823c100 2× Black

Technic Axle 5.5 ...

Part #: 59426 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Cone 1 x 1 [Top G...

Part #: 59900 2× Trans-Orange

Cone 1 x 1 [Top G...

Part #: 59900 10× Yellow

Cone 1 x 1 [Top G...

Part #: 59900 1× Orange

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 6019 4× Red

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 60470a 2× White

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 60470a 1× Black

Hinge Plate 1 x 2...

Part #: 60471 1× Red

Equipment Hose No...

Part #: 60849 4× Black

Brick Curved 1 x ...

Part #: 6091 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Hinge Brick 2 x 2...

Part #: 6134 1× Red

Brick Sloped 18° ...

Part #: 61409 6× Yellow

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 2× Trans-Red

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 3× Trans-Yellow

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 8× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 1× Trans-Neon Orange

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 16× Yellow

Brick Curved 4 x ...

Part #: 61678 6× Black

Plate Special 4 x...

Part #: 6179 1× Black

Plate Special 4 x...

Part #: 6180 2× Black

Technic Universal...

Part #: 61903 2× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Special 2 x...

Part #: 6232 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Tail Shuttle

Part #: 6239 1× Black

Windscreen 8 x 6 ...

Part #: 62694 1× Trans-Brown

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 62743 6× Black

Weapon Lightsaber...

Part #: 64567 1× Light Bluish Gray

Equipment Telesco...

Part #: 64644 1× Orange

Equipment Telesco...

Part #: 64644 4× Black

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 6536 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 6536 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Axle 1.5 ...

Part #: 6553 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Pin Long ...

Part #: 6558 4× Blue

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 6583 1× Black

Gearbox 4 x 4 x 1...

Part #: 6585 1× Black

Technic Axle 3 wi...

Part #: 6587 19× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Gear 12 T...

Part #: 6589 2× Tan

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 6632 4× Yellow

Hose, Ribbed 7mm ...

Part #: 78c11 1× Pearl Light Gray

Technic Rubber Be...

Part #: 85544 1× Red

🧱 Sticker Sheet for...

Part #: 86387 1× [No Color/Any Color]

The parts inventory includes a variety of Technic elements, making it a useful source for builders interested in creating functional models. The presence of Dark Blue tiles and Dark Brown slopes adds to the set's aesthetic appeal and provides valuable pieces for MOCs.

🛒 Where to Buy

eBay

✓ In Stock

$71.99 →

Walmart

✓ In Stock

Compare on eBay →

$75.99

Target

✓ In Stock

Compare on eBay →

$79.99

💎 Notable Parts

Black Technic Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and Center Slots (24x) $1.20

Dark Bluish Gray Technic Axle 3 with Stud (19x) $1.90

Dark Blue Tile 1 x 8 with Groove (15x) $2.25

Dark Brown Slope 75° 2 x 1 x 3 with Hollow Stud (12x) $1.80

Est. BrickLink Part Value

$7.15

💡 MOC Potential

🚀 Futuristic spaceship or spacecraft variations

🚗 Military vehicle or ground support unit

🏙 Modular additions to a LEGO City airport

Community Insights

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📖 Building Instructions 2

BI 3006/72+4 - 8971-1/2

Download PDF

BI 3006/72+4 - 8971-2/2

Download PDF

Inventory Statistics

169

Unique Parts

733

Official Piece Count

699

Cataloged Inventory Pieces

Minifigures

Spare Parts

The official piece count includes the 34 parts inside the set's minifigures, which this inventory lists separately. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Inventory Version: 2

Missing a piece? Use the Missing Piece Checker.