Imperial shuttle (disambiguation)

Theta-class T-2c shuttle The Cygnus Spaceworks Theta-class T-2c shuttle was a tri-winged personnel transport craft, most often used by influential Senators, officers, and courtiers between planets and starships in high security.

Supreme Chancellor Palpatine used a Theta-class shuttle as a personal transport when attending to off-world matters during the Clone Wars.

Details


The shuttle's long wings projected powerful shielding fields, which were used for both defense and added stability in atmosphere. In flight, the lower two wings were extended to either side of the shuttle, but during landing, the wings folded up to bracket the hull and concentrate shield energy on the main body. The Theta-class transport was both fast and agile thanks to its powerful sublight engines. It also had an internal Class 1 hyperdrive.

However, while transporting important dignitaries between worlds, the Theta-class shuttle cannot rely on speed alone. Thus, it was equipped with twin forward-mounted quadlaser cannons and a high-powered tail gun. Both the quad and standard laser cannons could be computer-controlled or manually operated from a combined communications and gunnery station in the reinforced cockpit. Upon landing, the shuttle computer surveyed the area for potential dangers, ready to open fire at enemies in just an instant. The shuttle could accommodate about five crew members, though it could be piloted by a single experienced pilot.

Palpatine's own T-2c was upgraded by Warthan's Wizards, at that time the best starship technicians in the Galaxy. The Wizards added a hyperwave reflector for trans-galactic communication to rival the quality of secret Jedi homing devices. Palpatine's shuttle also featured sensor masks to hide whatever secrets the shuttle's interior holds on conventional scanners. During flight, Palpatine's shuttle was often escorted by elite V-wing starfighters that were upgraded with internal hyperdrives and improved shields.

History


Not long after his declaration of the Galactic Empire, the now-Emperor Palpatine used his shuttle on a top secret mission to Mustafar. Piloted by Captain Kagi, the T-2c shuttle reached Mustafar in time for Palpatine to rescue his dying apprentice, Darth Vader, formerly Anakin Skywalker. During the return trip to Coruscant, the Emperor made use of the shuttle's onboard medical facilities to treat Darth Vader's wounds prior to a more extensive reconstruction at a medical facility. The shuttle also acted as a mobile command base, with various torture devices and Sith potions for interrogations.

Though the Theta-class shuttle served the Empire and Palpatine well, it was later replaced by the more advanced Lambda-class shuttle. Even so, Theta-class shuttles were still used by the Empire as support vessels, alongside other older models like the Kappa-class shuttle.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
 * Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader
 * Star Wars: Battlefront II
 * Evasive Action: Prey