Bulk cruiser/Legends

Aging capital ships that combined attributes of both warships and cargo haulers, the Bulk Cruisers saw service in both Imperial and Alliance navies. Produced right after the Clone Wars, these ships were among some of the most common designs seen in space, although most were modified, due to their stock design being prone to breakdowns, slow speed and expensive refueling. The term is used to describe a number of ships that fit the general characteristics.

Often, modifications to the ships to make them more battleworthy was seen as useless by the Alliance commanders. Instead, most were converted into carrier cruisers, with extensive docking bays and repair facilities. The crews were told to stay out of any serious engagements and rely upon their fighter squadrons as their primary weapons. Bulk cruisers that were converted into carriers were capable of carrying 3 squadrons of fighters. Other ships were kept as escorts for Alliance convoys.

The Empire and various corporations kept bulk cruisers as patrol vessels, guarding systems where important corporate assets were to be found. In addition, these ships were used to track down Rebel ships and combat pirate-attacks on convoys.

Several different models existed, like the Neutron Star-class and Battle Horn-class, but the overall design was relatively the same, with an armament of 30 quad laser-cannons (10 forward and 10 to the left and the right), and two forward tractor beam projectors.

Behind the scenes
Han Solo mentioned outrunning Bulk Cruisers in A New Hope. The Expanded Universe took that remark and built an RPG profile on these ships.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, mentioned in dialogue.