 Craft: Sienar Fleet Systems / Cygnus Spaceworks Lambda-class T-4a shuttle
Type: Armed government transport shuttle
Scale: Starfighter
Length: 20 meters
Cost: 240,000 credits
Skill: Space Transports Piloting: Lambda
Crew: 6 {Pilot (1), Co-pilot (1), Navigator (1), Gunner (1), Communications officer (1), Engineer (1)}; Skeleton: 1/+10
Crew Skill: Space Transports 5D, Starship Gunnery 5D, Starship Shields 4D, Astrogation 4D
Passengers: 20+ passengers; Alternate configuration: 8 passengers in staterooms
Cargo Capacity: 80 metric tons (without passengers)
Consumables: 2 months
Cost: Not for sale to civilians
Hyperdrive Multiplier: x1
Hyperdrive Backup: x10
Nav Computer: Yes
Maneuverability: 1D
Space: 5
Atmosphere: 295; 850 kmh
Hull: 4D
Shields: 1D+2
Sensors:
Passive: 20/0D
Scan: 40/1D
Search: 80/2D
Focus: 4/2D+2
Weapons:
Steerable forward twin Taim & Bak KX5 laser cannons (2)
Fire Arc: Front
Skill: Starship Gunnery
Fire Control: 2D
Space Range: 1-3/12/25
Atmosphere Range: 100-300/1.2/2.5 km
Damage: 5D
Taim & Bak GA-60s twin laser cannons (2)
Fire Arc: Front
Skill: Starship Gunnery
Fire Control: 1D+2
Space Range: 1-3/12/25
Atmosphere Range: 100-300/1.2/2.5 km
Damage: 4D+2
Description: The Lambda-class T-4a shuttle, also known as the Imperial Shuttle, was a standard light utility craft in common with the Imperial military as a transport for troops and high-ranking individuals.
Sienar Fleet Systems Lambda-class shuttle was based on a tri-wing design with a central stationary wing flanked by a pair of folding wings. When in flight position, the wing configuration resembled an inverted Y. When landing, the lower wings folded upwards. This design feature was implemented as a means to protect the ship's occupants as it touches down.
The Lambda was designed as both a cargo and troop transport and could carry 80 metric tons or more than 20 soldiers. It had a crew of six: a pilot, co-pilot, navigator, communications officer, gunner, and engineer. A shuttle could be piloted by a skeleton crew consisting of a single officer during emergencies. It was also equipped with a Class 1 hyperdrive since its mission profile involved traveling across the galaxy.
The cockpit was at the front of the craft, and the boarding ramp was behind and under it. Its main drive units were capable of reaching speeds of 850 kilometers per hour inside atmospheres, or 50 MGLT. Cooling intakes were on the fuselage, and formation lights were at the end of the wings.
The Lambda was reasonably well armed, with three double blaster cannons (one rear-mounted) and two double laser cannons. The military version built by Cygnus Spaceworks was armed with ten laser cannons. It was also protected by a powerful deflector shield, which was powered by a pair of generators. A Lambda was covered by a heavily reinforced hull capable of deflecting laser fire. The shuttle class was so well armed that it was able to travel across the galaxy without an escort, thus making it suitable for covert operations.
Additionally, the shuttle was equipped with a state-of-the-art communications grid.
In an emergency the cockpit could be jettisoned from the main body and travel a short distance at sublight speed. The lifeboat did not have enough space for all passengers when the shuttle had its full complement and therefore priority was given to the most senior officers on board.
The Lambda-class T-4a shuttle was designed by former Cygnus Spaceworks employees who were lured away by Sienar Fleet Systems, which promised them high salaries, a portion of future profits, and even personal star yachts. Although these shuttles were primarily manufactured by Sienar, Cygnus was subcontracted to build a more heavily armed military version. The T-4a was the immediate successor of the Theta-class T-2c shuttle, and was first introduced in 19 BBY at some point after the Imperial subjugation of Kashyyyk.
The Lambda-class shuttle was used along with the TIE/sh VIP shuttle to transport officers between ships in a fleet. Lower ranking officers usually used the TIE shuttle, while the larger Lambda-class shuttles were reserved for flag officers. The Lambda was also favored by Imperial personnel because it was heavily armed and shielded. Thus, the vehicle class found itself used by key Imperial officials including Darth Vader and even Emperor Palpatine himself. Vader and the Emperor in particular utilized shuttles during instances that required them to make a personal appearance as a means of motivating the troops. These high-ranking officials often converted the cargo space into personal quarters and equipped them with secure HoloNet transceivers directly connected to Imperial Center. Emperor Palpatine's shuttle was equipped with extra shielding, for obvious reasons. It was also rumored that it was equipped with a cloaking device for added protection.
Although it's primary purpose was military-based as well as government-based in terms of use, it is sometimes used for civilian tours, a notable example being the Startour 7.
The Lambda-class shuttle Tydirium was captured by the Alliance to Restore the Republic and used to insert a strike team on the forest moon of Endor. In addition to this, the Alliance maintained a fleet of Lambda-class shuttles as support ships, with the Alliance Starbird painted on the central wing.
During the Galactic Civil War, the Rebels used a fleet of captured Lambda-class shuttles as support ships. The Alliance logo was painted on their central wing, to help tell them apart from the Imperial ships.
The Alliance shuttles were occasionally used as landing craft or scoutships.
With the fall of the Empire, Cygnus also manufactured a variant of the shuttle similar to the original version, largely to compete with Sienar. The Lambda also found itself used by various sectorial and planetary security forces including the New Republic and the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances. Jacen Solo and Ben Skywalker used an armed Lambda-class variant during their mission to Adumar in 40 ABY.
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