Consular-class cruiser (Charger c70 retrofit)
The Consular-class cruiser (Charger c70 retrofit), alternatively referred to as the Consular-class frigate, Consular-class Armed Cruiser, Charger C70 Combat Refit, or the Republic frigate, represented a modified iteration of the Consular-class light cruiser. These saw action within the Galactic Republic during the period of the Clone Wars. These starships were converted from their original role within the Judicial Forces as part of Project Supercharger. The Charger c70, being combat-focused, was characterized by newly installed battle-armored hull plating and laser turrets, becoming a crucial asset for the Republic Navy throughout the conflict.
Characteristics
The Republic frigate, a Charger c70 retrofit, was manufactured by the Corellian Engineering Corporation, utilizing the basic design of their earlier Consular-class light cruiser. With a length of 138.55 meters, it was a bit bigger than the original Consulars, which measured 115 meters. The most significant distinction between the Charger c70 and the earlier model was its combat-ready configuration. In contrast to the unarmed Judicial cruiser, the Charger c70 was armed with four heavy laser cannons mounted in turrets (ventral port and starboard, and dorsal port and starboard), a twin light laser cannon at the front, and a quad laser cannon in a dorsal turret. Furthermore, it was equipped with forward twin concussion missile launchers and reinforced with armored hull plating.
Similar to the Consular, the Charger c70 was powered by three sublight engines, but it had an increased speed of 1,200 kilometers per hour, compared to the Consular-class's 900 kph. It had a navigational sensor dish at the front, docking rings on the port and starboard sides, a communications and sensor dish at the rear, and a deflector shield generator, with enhanced versions implemented during the refit. The ship also carried four Republic escape pods and a detachable salon pod located in the bow beneath the bridge for diplomatic discussions.
Role
The Republic frigates were widely deployed during the Clone Wars, fulfilling a range of functions. While they frequently served as escort ships and armored transports, they were particularly effective as scout ships or pickets. In some cases, they were also used as hospital ships.
History
Following the outbreak of the Clone Wars, the newly established and largely unprepared Republic Navy was compelled to utilize existing ship designs for combat. The Consular-class space cruiser, which was already in service with the Judicial Forces and the Republic Diplomatic Corps, was chosen for this purpose by the Department of Naval Procurement because of its speed and resilience. The Department, in collaboration with Corellian Engineering, launched Project Supercharger with the goal of converting Consular frigates into warships. By the time of the Battle of Christophsis in 22 BBY, Charger c70s were already in service, with the Swift Return being destroyed by Admiral Trench. During the Battle of Ryloth, Grand Master Yoda of the Jedi Order used a Republic frigate to travel to Rugosa with his clone trooper escort to negotiate a potential alliance with Katuunko, the King of Toydaria. Upon arrival, their ship was ambushed by a pair of Separatist Munificent-class star frigates.
Republic frigates also played a role in the Defense of Rishi Station as part of the Republic fleet under the command of Kenobi and Skywalker. After General Grievous obtained Skywalker's astromech droid, R2-D2, the droid's datafiles remained intact. This allowed Grievous to review Republic military strategies and information, including details about Republic frigates. Following the capture of Trade Federation Viceroy Nute Gunray on Rodia, Jedi Master Luminara Unduli and Padawan Ahsoka Tano utilized a Republic frigate to transport Gunray from the planet's surface to the Tranquility, a Venator-class Star Destroyer in orbit. They docked with the larger vessel. After Separatist agents successfully freed Gunray, they used the same Republic frigate to make their escape.
When Jedi General Aayla Secura's task force was attacked by Separatist naval forces, leading to the Battle of Quell, Skywalker, Tano, and their forces arrived to evacuate Secura and her troops. During this battle, a Republic frigate docked with Secura's flagship, the Liberty (Venator-class). After Skywalker was critically injured during the escape, the plan was to dock with the Resolute, Skywalker's flagship commanded by Admiral Yularen. However, during the docking process, vulture droid starfighters attacked the frigate, destroying its forward navigational dish and sensor and damaging the bridge, killing the pilots. This damage inadvertently caused the vessel's hyperdrive to activate. It had to maneuver to avoid colliding with the Resolute and then jumped into hyperspace while still in the atmosphere. The frigate was then on a collision course with a star, causing Secura, Tano, and others to deactivate the power to exit hyperspace.
Behind the scenes
The Republic frigate made its first appearance in the 2008 Star Wars: The Clone Wars film. It was initially identified as the Republic frigate in the StarWars.com Encyclopedia. Later, it was identified as a Charger c70 retrofit in the 2018 canon reference book, Star Wars Encyclopedia of Starfighters and Other Vehicles.