The SR-71 Blackbird was the inspiration for the Queen's Ship in Episode I. So what is the possible inspiration for the Republic Gunship in Episode II? Mustang_DVS has a theory. Check this out:

Looking at the Lego Republic Gunship photos, I realized I had seen this shape before. The design is highly evocative of the Soviet-made Mil Mi-24/Mi-35 HIND helicopter gunship. The sloping wings, double-bubble canopies, and twin, high mounted engines are a dead giveaway, at least in Lego form. I admit, I have yet to see better photos of the ILM design, so I may be wrong. For all I know, this was noted long ago, if so, disregard.

Like the Gunship depicted in here the Mi-24 was designed with a cavernous cargo area for troops to ride in. Originally, it was intended as an armored troop transport, but it soon became obvious that the HIND (NATO's reporting name for the Mi-24 series) was highly effective as an attack helicopter. The Mi-24 saw extensive use in Afghanistan and became quite notorious for its deadly arsenal and heavy armor.

I have a few pictures of Mi-35s from this year's Paris airshow, but they're at work (I work in the defense industry). So, instead, below, you'll find a few images, as well as a comparison pic attached.

http://www.rusarm.ru/images/mi35pa.jpg
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/mi-24-20000217-f-8825t-0021.jpg
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/hind/images/2_mi-24_attack_helicopter.jpg
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/hind/images/5_mi-24_attack_helicopter_drawings.jpg

FAS has a great page with more info: http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/mi-24.htm

We reported the similarities to the Russian Hind helicopter in this story last March. Thanks to Mustang_DVS for chiming in!