Imperator-class Star Destroyer

The mighty ISD is one of the most recognizable capital ships in the Imperial Navy. Designed by Lira Wessex of Kuat Drive Yards (who also designed the Executor-class Star Dreadnought or 'Super Star Destroyer') and measuring a mile long (1600 meters), a typical ISD often maintains a crew of more than 37,000.

These imposing wedge-shaped ships bristle with heavy weaponry. Estimates vary, but ISDs are believed to carry between 100 and 250 medium turbolasers; different variants carry either six or eight heavy turbolasers. They carry a similarly large number of ion cannons and light turbolasers, and also mount concussion missile launchers.

Typical fighter compliment is a full wing of TIE fighters (72 TIE fighters) and a mix of TIE bombers and TIE interceptors, along with gunships such as the Skipray Blastboat. Other support ships maintained on a Star Destroyer include a minimum of fifteen Stormtrooper transports, Gamma-class assault shuttles, and simple transport craft such as the Lambda-class shuttle.

When planetary assault is required by the Imperial military, an ISD can be loaded with a potent arsenal for ground battles. With 20 AT-AT walkers, 30 AT-ST scout walkers, and a full division (9,700) of ground troops, planetary invasions can be performed by just a few ISDs and their support ships. If long-term planetary occupation is needed, a standard ISD has a prefabricated garrison base with an additional 10 AT-ATs, 10 AT-STs, and another 800 troops.

A favorite of fleet commanders, the Imperator Mk. II variant - which made its appearance shortly after the Battle of Yavin - sported a more heavily reinforced hull along with heavy turbolaser batteries and cannons more powerful than the earlier Mk. I. With over 25,000 of these imposing warships placed into service, enough ISDs survived that more than a few were still operational at the time of the Yuuzhan Vong invasion.

Record 67 - vehicle/ship class - Last update 28 Mar 2007, 23:05:06

Entry written by: Torvus

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