Imperial loader shuttle
Production information
Manufacturer	Sienar Fleet Systems Cygnus Spaceworks
Model	Imperial loader shuttle[1]
Class	Transport[1]
Technical specifications
Length	38 meters[source?]
Complement	Varies, based on cargo configuration
Crew	Pilot (1) Gunner (~2)[source?]
Passengers	Varies, based on cargo configuration
Cargo capacity	All Terrain Scout Transports[1] Alternatively: All Terrain Personal Transports[1] Stormtroopers[1] 74-Z speeder bikes
Usage
Role(s)	Landing craft Transport[1]
Era(s)	Rebellion era[2]
Affiliation	Galactic Empire

[Source]

Imperial loader shuttles were modified Sentinel-class landing craft used by the Galactic Empire.

CharacteristicsEdit

Thee Imperial loaders were modified with special containers carrying AT-STs and other small vehicles like AT-PTs, which were dropped onto the battlefield.^[1] The shuttle could either land the containers directly on the ground or drop them from above the ground.

Upon approaching their target area, the shuttles would fold their wings up, release their claws to drop the container, fold their claws back up underneath them while getting their wings back into flight mode, and fly out of the combat area^[2] and back into space as quickly as possible.

The assault ramp was on the side, and the landing ramp was under the cockpit. Maneuvering jets were located throughout the craft.^[1]

Alternatively to carrying AT-STs, Imperial loader shuttles could also carry stormtroopers,^[1] scout troopers, and speeder bikes.

They were armed with at least eight forward retractable laser cannons, a concussion missile launcher, a retractable ion cannon on the neck, and two repeating blasters next to the cockpit.^[1]

HistoryEdit

Loader shuttles were used in many battles, including the Third Battle of Yavin 4^[3] and the Battle of Hoth.^[2] As the Imperial loader shuttles were unable to effectively defend themselves against Rebel fighters, they were commonly escorted into battle by a pair of TIE/LN starfighters each.

Behind the scenesEdit

Loader shuttles appear in the Star Wars: Rogue Squadron video game series. Loader shuttles are included in an alternate history scenario of the Evacuation of Yavin, where the player flies as Darth Vader and destroys Rebel transports at Yavin base.

AppearancesEdit

• Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader (First appearance)
• Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike

SourcesEdit

• Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide
• Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike: The Official Nintendo Player's Guide

Notes and referencesEdit