Lambda-class T-4a shuttle/Legends



The Lambda-class shuttle was a standard light utility craft in common use throughout the Imperial military. It was manufactured by Cygnus Spaceworks. It is a descedant of earlier Old Republic trihedral shuttles, with the difference that the lower wings are retracted when landed.

It was reasonably well-armed, with two wing-mounted dual laser gun turrets and a pair of chin-mounted, fixed-forward twin laser guns, suggesting that its main role was special operations forces insertion and extraction. Its similarity to an already-existing type of civilian light utility craft reinforced this impression. However, because of poor acceleration and maneuverability it was incapable of adequately defending itself from enemy starfighter forces.

The Lambda-class shuttle was being phased into service during the time surrounding the Battle of Hoth, replacing an earlier craft seen in that more frequently earlier, and production ceased after the Empire fell.

Emperor Palpatine´s Lambda-class shuttle
The Emperor's personal shuttle looked similar to the stock Lambda shuttle, but it was rumored to be equipped with a cloaking device for added protection, as well as more advanced communications equipment.

Rebel use
The Lambda-class shuttle Tydirium was captured by the Rebel Alliance and used to insert a strike team on the forest moon of Endor. In addition to this, the Alliance maintained a fleet of Lambda shuttles as support ships, with the Alliance logo painted with the on the central wing.

Behind the scenes
Shuttles were erroneously and mistakenly referred to as 'Tyderian class' in some sources, a misunderstanding originating from the Shuttle Tyderium.