C-ROC Gozanti-class light cruiser

The C-ROC Gozanti-class light cruiser, also known as the C-ROC carrier ship, represents a specific light cruiser variant. It incorporates the Configuration-Restored Operational Capacity upgrade, a bespoke shipyard modification applied to the standard civilian Gozanti-class cruiser. Corellian Engineering Corporation undertook its manufacture, conceiving it as a mid-life enhancement program. This initiative aimed to revitalize the Gozanti-class and improve its profitability.

The C-ROC's design incorporated increased bulk compared to the original Gozanti-class. Numerous aesthetic and mechanical alterations distinguished it from the standard cruiser. The C-ROC's hull exhibited a gentler, more rounded form, contrasting with the sharp, angular lines of the standard cruiser. The forward two-thirds of the C-ROC's hull featured a sloping, bell-shaped cross-section, narrower on the dorsal side but flaring outward below the midship line. While not as expansive as a dedicated cruiser, its confined corridors and compartments facilitated intense close-quarters engagements, and it possessed consumable stores sufficient for two months.

The redesigned hull offered enhanced protection, with the slope effectively deflecting incoming fire compared to the original Gozanti-class. The traditional cranked delta wings were replaced by outrigger cargo trays, designed to accommodate modular cargo containers akin to those used by the GR-75 medium transport. These outriggers, combined with a complete interior redesign, granted the C-ROC exceptional hauling capacity, albeit at the expense of combat effectiveness and fleet support capabilities. The outrigger racks, along with the extended prow and bridge module, softened the original cruiser's sharp edges.

Despite generally surpassing the original Gozanti-class cruiser in most performance areas, the C-ROC lacked military-grade sensors and ordnance launchers, although it did feature a medium-range sensor. Whereas the original cruiser was intentionally slowed down to satisfy Galactic Republic inspectors concerned about potential use for piracy, the C-ROC incorporated three additional sublight engine turbines, restoring its top speed to match other starships in its class. The original two Girodyne Ter58 ion engines were superseded by five newer and faster Novaldex JV-80 ion drives. Two were positioned on each of the port and starboard sides, with the fifth mounted on the dorsal spar. A single pilot could operate the C-ROC, but a typical crew complement consisted of twelve individuals. The crew typically included one pilot and one co-pilot, one engineer, one communications and sensor operator, two loadmasters, and six gunners.

While the C-ROC retained the original design's armor and deflector shields, its weapons array was significantly reduced to two retractable quad laser cannon turrets—one ventral and one dorsal—providing adequate defense against smaller vessels like patrol boats and starfighters. Furthermore, each of the C-ROC's broad sides was equipped with two retractable twin heavy laser cannons to deter pirates. Despite lacking the original design's firepower, the C-ROC could defend itself against most anticipated threats. Many owners routinely relied on the C-ROC's speed to evade danger rather than engaging with its weapons. The C-ROC could be modified to carry four M3-A Scyk interceptors within its ventral hull.

The C-ROC Cruiser often served as the largest vessel accessible to numerous criminal enterprises, cartels, and syndicates operating in the Outer Rim, and was capable of accommodating substantial weapon emplacements that allowed it to maintain an advantage over law enforcement. The perilous Corsair Refit equipped the C-ROC with supplemental fixed and turreted weapon mounts, along with ordnance tubes and an overhauled power system. This enabled the vessel to be outfitted with additional heavy laser cannons and quad laser cannon turrets, or with heavier armaments such as turbolasers batteries and ion cannon batteries. Moreover, the C-ROC could be configured with adaptive shielding, sensor bafflers, optimized power cores, and minelayers. Versatile and formidable, the Corsair Refit transformed the C-ROC into a force to be reckoned with, whether transporting contraband or raiding hyperlanes in search of vulnerable targets.

The C-ROC Gozanti-class light cruiser was primarily intended as an armed cargo transport rather than a dedicated military vessel. Nevertheless, its enhanced speed made it suitable for pirates and mercenary groups. Coupled with considerable customization options, robust armor, and the ability to land on rough terrain, the ship was considered highly versatile. The C-ROC could be further militarized through the popular Corsair Refit, while its spacious cargo bays could be adapted to accommodate hundreds of mercenaries, making it a favored choice among criminals and marauders. With its heavy armor, substantial crew complement, and passenger accommodations, the C-ROC also frequently functioned as a mobile base.

Evolving from the standard Gozanti-class cruiser, which had already seen service by the time of the Invasion of Naboo in 32 BBY, the C-ROC Gozanti-class light cruiser entered service during the Clone Wars, (22 BBY—19 BBY). It was utilized by privateers serving the Confederacy of Independent Systems in their conflict against the Galactic Republic. One such vessel, adorned with blue Confederacy livery, operated near the planet of Zygerria. Besides the C-ROC Gozanti-class, the Confederacy also employed another modified Gozanti-class cruiser.

Following the Clone Wars, with the establishment of the Galactic Empire, Corellian Engineering Corporation initially proposed the enhanced C-ROC Gozanti-class light cruiser to the Imperial Navy as an armed long-range transport. They cited the advantages of shared spare parts and crew training with the Gozanti-class Assault Carrier. Despite the lobbying efforts of CEC, the leadership of the Imperial Navy rejected the proposal, deeming it unsuitable for the Imperial Navy's Order of Battle and incompatible with the Galactic Empire's new logistics doctrine, which favored large, escorted transport ships like the Eta-class supply barge. Consequently, CEC shifted its focus to civilian customers, targeting high-risk transportation companies.

The C-ROC gained popularity in the Outer Rim Territories, where its capabilities proved highly appealing to pirates and smugglers. This resulted in C-ROC Gozanti-class light cruisers engaging Imperial Gozanti-class cruisers during the Imperial Era as criminal organizations challenged Imperial patrols. While the C-ROC was not considered an overwhelming success, its steady sales allowed CEC to continue producing updates and replacements for its various systems. With increasing lawlessness in the Outer Rim, many C-ROC cruisers were pressed into service by rebel cells as makeshift capital ships. Although not designed for frontline warships duties, C-ROCs operated by skilled crews could effectively contend with older vessels used by the Imperial Navy to maintain order on the fringes of society.

In 13 BBY, one such vessel delivered supplies to the Corellian shipyards on Corellia. By 4 BBY, the C-ROC Gozanti-class cruiser Broken Horn was operated by Cikatro Vizago, the head of the Broken Horn Syndicate. Similarly, Azmorigan, a crime lord and associate of Vizago, utilized a C-ROC Gozanti-class freighter named Merchant One.

On one occasion, a C-ROC cruiser was attacked by TIE fighters from the Galactic Empire and jettisoned its cargo using quick-release cargo locks. In another instance, a C-ROC light cruiser was situated near the Ring of Kafrene when a YT-1300 light freighter was pursued by Imperial TIE fighters through asteroids. At one point, the InterGalactic Banking Clan employed a C-ROC Gozanti-class to transport a vault of valuable art between planets, under heavy escort. Furthermore, the C-ROC Gozanti-class light cruiser Kimoliga's Maw served as a pirate vessel, modified in a manner similar to the Imperial Gozanti-class cruiser, carrying four M3-A Scyk interceptors. It was considered a menace to civilian shipping within its operational sector.

The C-ROC Gozanti-class light cruiser initially appeared in the Star Wars Rebels episode titled Star Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellion.