Hardcell-class interstellar transport

"Aim right above the fuel cells!"

―Anakin Skywalker during the Battle of Geonosis^[src]

The Hardcell-class interstellar transport, also known simply as the Hardcell transport, Techno Union transport, or Techno Union starship, was a model of transport manufactured by the Techno Union and utilized by the Confederacy of Independent Systems during the Battle of Geonosis, the opening battle of the Clone Wars.

CharacteristicsEdit

The Hardcell-class interstellar transport, also known as the Techno Union transport,^[1] the Hardcell transport,^[4] or the Techno Union starship,^[2] was a 220 meter long starship that was equipped with a class 1 hyperdrive, could travel at speeds of 800 kilometers per hour, and was equipped with two laser cannon batteries. It had six retro rocket boosters and a titanium hull.^[1]

The fuel cells were located on the mid-section of the vessel above the rockets, and were a weak point for the ship. Due to its lack of repulsorlifts, it had limited maneuverability in planetary atmosphere. They could transport IG-227 Hailfire-class droid tanks. Due to its conventional method of propulsion and limited armament, the Hardcell-class was ineffective against the Galactic Republic.^[1]

RoleEdit

During the Battle of Geonosis, Hardcell-class interstellar transports were first used as military vehicles to transport IG-227 Hailfire-class droid tanks.^[1]

HistoryEdit

Hardcell-class interstellar transports were commonly seen before the start of the Clone Wars. At the Battle of Geonosis, 286 Hardcell-class interstellar transports as part of the Confederacy of Independent Systems^[5] deployed IG-227 droid tanks against the Grand Army of the Republic,^[1] although 117 were ultimately destroyed.^[5] The Hardcell saw continued use during the clone wars but remand mostly out of combat roles do to there lack of much armament.