Carrack-class Light Cruiser
 Carrack-class Light Cruiser | |
| Production Information | |
|---|---|
| Class |
Cruiser |
| Model | |
| Manufacturer |
Damorian Manufacturing Corporation |
| Technical Specifications | |
| Length |
350 meters |
| Width |
72 meters |
| Height/Depth |
75 meters |
| MGLT |
80 MGLT |
| Hyperdrive Rating |
|
| Armament |
|
| Complement |
TIE starfighters (5) |
| Crew |
1,092 |
| Minimum Crew |
2 |
| Passengers |
142 troops |
| Cargo Capacity |
3,500 metric tons |
| Usage | |
| Roles |
|
| Number in Fleet |
62 |
Characteristics[edit]
Two weapon configurations were known for this class: one with ten heavy turbolasers, twenty laser cannons designed to defend against starfighters and missiles, and five tractor beam projectors, and an alternative version which replaced the flak lasers with ion cannons. In either version, the Carrack was very heavily armed for its size, a feature which it coupled with impressive speed and maneuverability.
In addition, the survivability of the design was enhanced by safety devices built into the hull to strengthen the spaceframe and provided extra protection for the crew. Reinforced bulkheads and a compartmentalized design made Carracks tough for their size, and these were combined with independent life-support systems in different sections of the hull to lessen the dangers of hull breaches. Even when Carracks were reduced to difting hulks, it was by no means uncommon for salvage teams to find survivors unharmed inside the wreckage.
However, the small size of the ship, especially when combined with the additional reinforcement and safety equipment, meant that there was no room available for an internal hangar bay. Instead, an exterior rack was added for up to five TIE series starfighters for use on reconnaissance or courier duties.
The ship's controls were also simple and automated enough so that two people could operate the vessel, although in normal circumstances, they carried a crew of 1,092 and a small Army contingent of 142 soldiers.
History[edit]
The Carrack-class was made as a cheap replacement for expensive capital ships and were not designed to operate as ships of the line, despite being capable of trading fire with larger adversaries.
During the Clone Wars, they served as fast-attack escorts for larger ships like Dreadnaught-class heavy cruisers. A group of Carracks, along with other Republic vessels, helped bring down the Confederate flagship Invisible Hand at the Battle of Coruscant.
Over time, the increasing size and firepower of Star Destroyers made them more vulnerable in the heat of combat, but their speed and firepower continued to make them useful. In the years after the Battle of Endor, Imperial commanders like Thrawn and Josef Grunger deployed them in skirmish lines ahead of their primary screening forces of Strike-class cruisers at battles like Tralus and Sluis Van.
Source[edit]
- Credit to Wookieepedia for the above information
