Star Galleons in a convoy
The Star Galleon-class frigate was another Imperial success for Kuat. Even if an attacker withstood a Star Galleon-class ship's concussion-missile launcher and ten turbolasers, or broke through its shields, it was difficult to steal its cargo. The interior contained sophisticated anti-intruder defenses, and was defended by a complement of up to three hundred troopers.
As a last resort, the cargo hold could be detached and sent into hyperspace as a separate vessel, similar to an escape pod. A built-in homing device allowed Imperial agents to track the cargo hold as it automatically jumped at random through hyperspace.
A doomed Star galleon ejects its cargo pod
Despite the promise of safety and security in the Galactic Empire, Imperial freighters were being attacked or stolen at an alarming rate. In response to the loss of numerous cargo shipments from pirate and Rebel attacks, the Empire developed a capital ship combining sophisticated weaponry and shields with a 100,000-ton cargo capacity. Essentially, the Star Galleon-class was a transport that could act as its own escort.
Despite being an Imperial design, several Star Galleons saw usage with independent civilian shipping companies. One stolen vessel, named Robber Baron, served as the flagship of the fearsome Poss'Nomin star pirate Reginald Barkbone, who infamously flew his ship through the Fire Rings of Fornax to evade pursuit by the Loronar navy.