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  • Imperial Star Destroyer

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    Imperial Star Destroyer

    The wedge-shaped Imperial Star Destroyer is a capital ship bristling with weapons emplacements. Turbolasers and tractor beam projectors dot its surface. Its belly hangar bay can launch TIE fighters, boarding craft, land assault units, hyperspace probes, or be used to hold captured craft. In the days of the Empire, its bustling bridge would be staffed by the finest crewers in the Imperial starfleet. Its presence in a system mark matters of extreme Imperial import. Though, as is typical of the Empire, not even the Star Destroyer was enough to sate the Imperial hunger for displays of power. Larger vessels, such as the Super Star Destroyer, dwarf even these giants.

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Appearances
  • Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV)
  • Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V)
  • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
  • Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (Episode VI)
  • Andor A Star Wars Story
  • Star Wars Rebels
Affiliations
  • Galactic Empire
Dimensions
  • Length: 1600.0m

History

Venator-class Star Destroyers during The Clone Wars

The Imperial Star Destroyer evolved from the smaller Venator-class Star Destroyer, a mainstay of the Republic Navy during the Clone Wars. Known colloquially as Republic attack cruisers or Jedi cruisers, Venators proved exceptionally versatile warships. They were effective in ship-to-ship combat but also served ably as starfighter carriers and troop transports. The later Imperial-class built upon the strengths of these Republic predecessors.

An Imperial Star Destroyer hovering above Lothal

After the dissolution of the Republic, the Emperor ordered a massive military buildup, crushing dissent and bringing systems that had been beyond the reach of Republic law under Imperial rule. For planet after planet across the galaxy, Imperial Star Destroyers became symbols of this new order. Citizens weary of chaos and war cheered the sight of these giant dagger-shaped warships, while pirates and slavers quailed at the thought of confronting them. But a few citizens wondered if the imposition of Imperial law was worth the freedoms lost.

An Imperial Star Destroyer approaching the Death Star

Imperial Star Destroyers became the backbone of the powerful Imperial starfleet. Star Destroyers hunted down Rebel task forces, blockaded disorderly worlds and served as bases for ground assaults. And in secret, the Empire was adding even deadlier assets to its already formidable arsenal. The Death Star’s firepower dwarfed that of Star Destroyers, threatening to eliminate all resistance to the Emperor’s rule.

An Imperial Star Destroyer pursuing the Millennium Falcon

Alliance strategists developed starfighters designed to punch through an Imperial Star Destroyer’s defenses, and the biggest rebel capital ships had the firepower and defensive capabilities to slug it out with one. But the Imperial starfleet dwarfed the combined task forces of the Alliance. Rebel tacticians knew the best strategy when confronted by a Star Destroyer was to flee.

Video

    • Pursued by the Empire 1:06

      Pursued by the Empire

    • It's Not My Fault 1:25

      It's Not My Fault

    • We're In Trouble 1:08

      We're In Trouble

Gallery

© 2015 Disney

Imperial Star Destroyer History Gallery

  • 3 Images
    • Vader traveled aboard a Star Destroyer when he inspected the second Death Star, under constructio...
    • The Alliance had fallen into the Emperor’s trap: The Death Star’s superlaser was fully operationa...
    • Admiral Ackbar knew the rebels had no alternative, and agreed to Calrissian’s plan. But as rebel ...
  • Vader traveled aboard a Star Destroyer when he inspected the second Death Star, under construction above the remote forest moon of Endor. When the Emperor lured the Alliance into an all-out attack on the new battle station, the Executor and a task force of Imperial Star Destroyers was in position to prevent the rebel warships from escaping.

  • The Alliance had fallen into the Emperor’s trap: The Death Star’s superlaser was fully operational. Lando Calrissian knew the rebels had to buy time for Han Solo’s commandos to bring down the battle station’s protective shields on Endor. He proposed a desperate new attack plan – send the rebel capital ships to engage the Star Destroyers at point-blank range.

  • Admiral Ackbar knew the rebels had no alternative, and agreed to Calrissian’s plan. But as rebel cruisers and Imperial Star Destroyers traded destructive broadsides, the Mon Calamari leader found himself appalled by the loss of life on both sides.

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Imperial Star Destroyer History Gallery

Quotes

  • Quote - Imperial Star Destroyer - “Star Destroyers! Two of them – comin’ right at us!”

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    “Star Destroyers! Two of them – comin’ right at us!” THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK

    “Star Destroyers! Two of them – comin’ right at us!”

  • Quote - Imperial Star Destroyer - "Imperials have locked down the ports and put Destroyers in orbit."

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    "Imperials have locked down the ports and put Destroyers in orbit." STAR WARS REBELS

    "Imperials have locked down the ports and put Destroyers in orbit."

  • Quote - Imperial Star Destroyer - “Two fighters against a Star Destroyer?”

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    “Two fighters against a Star Destroyer?” THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK

    “Two fighters against a Star Destroyer?”

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Related

  • Galactic Empire

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    Galactic Empire

    The Galactic Empire ruled for years through fear, intimidation, and tyranny. With a mighty military force including stormtroopers, spy technology like probe droids, and the planet-destroying Death Star, Emperor Palpatine’s regime seemed unstoppable and permanent. But some dared to strike back…

  • Republic Attack Cruiser

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    Republic Attack Cruiser

    The Republic attack cruiser was not primarily a cargo transport, troop carrier or other replenishment or supply vessel; it was developed and honed for ship-to-ship combat. Its huge armored shape had an aggressive, dagger-like profile, studded with heavy weapons emplacements capable of punching through powerful shields and sturdy armor. The front half of the ship's spine contained a massive flight deck capable of scrambling the latest in Republic starfighters. The huge hangar doors opened to allow ships to land or takeoff from the deck; the vessel also had a smaller docking bay entrance on its lower side.

  • Millennium Falcon

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    Millennium Falcon

    An extensively modified Corellian light freighter, the Millennium Falcon is a legend in smuggler circles and is coveted by many for being the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. Despite her humble origins and shabby exterior, the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs has played a role in some of the greatest victories of the Rebel Alliance and the New Republic. The Falcon looks like a worn-out junker, but beneath her hull she’s full of surprises. A succession of owners, including Lando Calrissian and Han Solo, have made special modifications that boosted the freighter’s speed, shielding and firepower to impressive – and downright illegal – levels. The price of such tinkering? The Falcon can be unpredictable, with her hyperdrive particularly balky. Despite her flaws, she’s beloved by her owners – Han Solo and Chewbacca spent years searching the galaxy for the ship they once called home, rejoicing when they finally reclaimed her.

  • Darth Vader

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    Darth Vader

    Once the heroic Jedi Knight named Anakin Skywalker, Darth Vader was seduced by the dark side of the Force. Forever scarred by his defeat on Mustafar, Vader was transformed into a cybernetically-enhanced Sith Lord. At the dawn of the Empire, Vader led the Empire’s eradication of the Jedi Order and the search for survivors. He remained in service of the Emperor -- the evil Darth Sidious -- for decades, enforcing his Master’s will and seeking to crush the Rebel Alliance and other detractors. But there was still good in him…

  • TIE fighter

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    TIE Fighter

    The TIE fighter was the unforgettable symbol of the Imperial fleet. Carried aboard Star Destroyers and battle stations, TIE fighters were single-pilot vehicles designed for fast-paced dogfights with Rebel X-wings and other starfighters. The iconic TIE fighter led to other models in the TIE family including the dagger-shaped TIE Interceptor and the explosive-laden TIE bomber. The terrifying roar of a TIE's engines would strike fear into the hearts of all enemies of the Empire.

  • Emperor Palpatine

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    Emperor Palpatine (Darth Sidious)

    The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural, and Sheev Palpatine is the most infamous follower of its doctrines. Scheming, powerful, and evil to the core, Darth Sidious restored the Sith and destroyed the Jedi Order. Living a double life, he was also Palpatine, a Naboo Senator and phantom menace. He manipulated the political system of the Galactic Republic until he was named Supreme Chancellor -- and eventually Emperor – and ruled the galaxy through fear and tyranny. The galaxy rejoiced when he died at the Battle of Endor, but Sidious had cheated death and patiently plotted a return to power.

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