U-33 orbital loadlifter

The U-33 orbital loadlifter was a transport considered outdated by the time of the Galactic Civil War. A number of Imperial pilots, including Han Solo, gained experience in U-33 loadlifters during their training at the Imperial Academy.

The standard U-33 was a durable transport equipped with a four-stage primary thrust sequence. This model was known to have problems with its reservoir-locking mechanisms, which often stuck in one position and stopped the landing gear from fully extending or retracting.

Han Solo's training officer at the Academy taught his students how to successfully land a U-33 loadlifter during excercises. Alexsandr Badure had rigged one U-33 to all but self-destruct, and during Han's attempt, the loadlifter experienced major problems. Despite this, Han managed to bring the vessel to a perfect landing, though he scared his instructor almost to death in the process. For this amazing feat of piloting skill, Han earned the nickname 'Slick'.