Gamma Class Assault Shuttle
Model: Gamma Class Assault ShuttleManufacturer: Telgorn Corporation
Designation: Heavy Assault Shuttle
Length: 29 meters
Crew: 5
Troops: 40 (Zero-G Assault Stormtroopers)
Cargo Capacity: 5 metric tons
Consumables: 1 week
Hyperdrive Multiplier: x2
Hyperdrive Backup: x18
Speed: 67 MGLT
Hull: 85 RU
Shields: 180 SBD
Weapons: 4 Laser Cannon Turrets, 1 Concussion Missile Launcher and 1 Tractor Beam Projector.
Not technically a capital ship, Imperial assault shuttles regularly engage capital ships in combat or are used to ferry Zero-G stormtroopers aboard an engaged vessel. These heavily-armored vehicles come complete with tractor beam generators, full sensor suites, power harpoon guns, a concussion missile launcher, and automatic laser cannons.
Assault shuttles are divided into tree sections. The first section contains the command crew cockpit. Here the five-man crew can monitor the actions of the spacetroopers as well as handle the operation of the shuttle and all its systems. The second section of the craft is the main body. In this section, 40 spacetrooper armor shells are stored until the troopers plug into them. The armor is constantly being recharged and powered up while in its place in the shuttle. This compartment is lined with fold-away launch doors that swing open to disgorge the spacetroopers. The rear portion of the craft houses the engines and power generators.
In a standard operation, an assault shuttle will hold a given target in a tractor beam or with magnetic harpoons. Sometimes it will also cripple the target with a few well-placed laser cannon shots. Then it will open up and let its spacetrooper platoon loose.
Assault shuttles are among the most-heavily shielded vessels in the Imperial fleet. Most combat starship funnel approximately 25 % of their total power through the shield generators. An assault shuttle uses up to 62 % power on shields. This allows the shuttle to withstand even the most concentrated barrage of fire for at least a short time.
These craft are both atmospheric and space capable. Most Imperator Class Star Destroyers carry a Gamma Class Assault Shuttle, along with the necessary spacetrooper platoon. Other ships are supplied with these units as needed and available.