Carrack-class light cruiser/Legends

The Carrack-class light cruiser was an important addition to the Imperial Starfleet in the early days of the Galactic Empire. Although 350 metres long, the small combat cruisers were heavily armed and had a top speed that matched X-wing starfighters.

The standard weapon configuration comprised of ten heavy turbolasers, twenty ion cannons, and five tractor beam projectors. An alternate anti-starfighter version existed that featured an extra 20 laser cannons in place of the ion cannons.

The size of the vessel meant that there was no room available for an internal hangar bay, so an exterior rack was added for up to five TIE fighters for use as recon or courier duties. Due to this lack of support craft the Carrack-class was unsuitable for front-line action and was forced to rely on other ships or bases for support.

In addition, the cruisers were one of very few Imperial starships to feature safety devices to safegaurd the lives of the ship's crew. A compartment system inside the hull provided extra protection against the dangers of hull breaches, and it was common to find survivors on board the wreckage of these vessels.

The primary role of the class was originally as a support vessel, or patrols within pacified Imperial sectors. As they became outdated some Imperial dignitaries began using them as private transports.

After the Empire's defeat at the Battle of Endor, circumstances dictated that the ships be moved to the front line, where they were easily destroyed by larger and more powerful New Republic cruisers.

Dominant
The Carrack cruiser Dominant was an important part of the defensive actions at Bakura at the time when the Ssi-ruuk attempted to invade the planet. Allied with the Rebel Alliance and under the command of Captain Pter Thanas the ship helped drive back the reptilian attackers, then turned on the Alliance cruiser-carrier Flurry and destroyed it.

Eventually, however, Thanas surrendered the vessel and defected to the Alliance. He continued to command the ship into it's role as flagship of the newly created Bakuran Alliance system defence force.