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ShipsImperial Landing Craft
A Sentinel-class landing shuttle designed to transport up to fifty-four armed Imperial stormtroopers, along with a number of repeating blasters, speeder bikes, and other combat supplies. Although its primary function is the deployment of troops, the Imperial landing craft is also meant to serve as a combat vehicle and is armed with eight retractable laser cannons, two concussion-missile launchers, an ion cannon, and rotating repeating blasters. Its hull is covered in thick armor plating and many models are equipped with four deflector shield generators. Derived from the Lambda-class Imperial shuttle and introduced shortly before the Battle of Yavin, the Sentinel-class landing craft became one of the main troop transports used by the Empire. Although it is covered in heavy armor plating and carries several devastating weapons, the craft is still fast and maneuverable. The Imperial forces rely on these shuttles to deliver six stormtrooper squads directly into combat situations. Sentinel shuttles are also responsible for providing vehicles and other supplies to garrisons, and craft converted for this duty can carry thirty-six speeder bikes or twelve assault vehicles. In combat, the Sentinel-class transports rely on three gunners and a precise targeting system to clear landing areas. After deploying troops or cargo into the thick of a battle, most shuttles remain in the area to provide cover fire for Imperials engaged in combat. Along with their impressive weaponry, all Imperial landing craft are equipped with a single speeder bike reserved for reconnaissance duty. The bike always has a slaved communications terminal that transmits at a randomly determined frequency to prevent interception by enemy forces. In addition, the shuttles communication array allows for contact with all Imperial vessels and units, both in space and on the ground. After the fall of the Empire, manufacture of the Sentinel-class shuttle continued. Although mostly sold to Imperial interests or private owners, many of the vehicles found their way into the New Republics fleet. Two years after the Battle of Endor, the Sentinel-class shuttles were in heavy use throughout the galaxy.
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