The Consular-class light cruiser, alternatively known as the Consular-class space cruiser, but most often called the Republic Cruiser, served as a starship for the Galactic Republic in the time leading up to the Invasion of Naboo and throughout the Clone Wars.
The Consular-class, constructed by the Corellian Engineering Corporation in their orbital shipyards, was a space cruiser using three powerful Dyne 577 radial atomizer engines for propulsion. These engines were located at the rear of the one-hundred-fifteen-meter long craft. A Longe Voltrans tri-arc CD-3.2 hyperdrive was also included, and deflector shields offered protection, generated by radar dishes located forward of the three engines. Typically, the Consular-class was not armed, except for its shields. A docking ring could be found on the side, and the bridge was positioned at the front, above a diplomatic salon pod.
The distinct red color of the Republic vessel conveyed a specific message. Its scarlet hue communicated diplomatic status and acted as a warning against potential attacks. For generations, the color red had signified diplomatic relations and neutrality on Galactic Republic starships. The unique all-red paint scheme indicated a direct connection to Coruscant, the powerful main world. During Sheev Palpatine's chancellorship of Naboo, the color red gained even greater significance, as he favored its use on all Republic ships.
To facilitate communication with diverse cultures encountered during voyages, the Republican Corvette was equipped with numerous dishes and antennas. Two communications officers were specifically tasked with managing the communication computers, translating languages, and deciphering unusual transmissions from alien worlds.
The Radiant VII represented a modified version of the consular-class ship. While civilian models served basic transportation needs, the red Republic variants were tailored to meet the specific requirements of Galactic government service. Their reputation as exceptionally safe vessels often played a crucial role in securing diplomatic conferences and crisis meetings. For safety concerns, the crew size was minimized, with auxiliary droids handling many ship functions.
Republican cruisers, such as this corvette, often provided neutral territory for conferences involving officials and leaders from opposing factions. To accommodate the physiological differences of various alien species, hangars on Coruscant maintained suitable parlor pods for equipping the ship. In emergencies, the entire salon pod could be replaced, featuring its own sensors and an independent life support system for the delegation onboard. However, the crew was unable to escape when the Radiant VII came under attack.
The Consular-class cruiser became a familiar sight throughout the galaxy in the final decades of the Galactic Republic, thanks to its distinctive form and color. The striking red color scheme declared the ship's diplomatic immunity; red identified a starship as neutral within the Republic. It also signaled that the ship was on a mission for the Galactic Senate, the Supreme Chancellor, or the Jedi Order.
Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum dispatched the Consular-class cruiser Radiant VII, carrying Jedi ambassadors Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, to negotiate the Blockade of Naboo by the Trade Federation. As the Radiant VII docked within the Saak'ak's landing bay, a concealed turbolaser turret, acting on Darth Sidious' orders, fired upon it. The ship's crew were caught off guard, and the ship was destroyed.
Following a summons from Obi-Wan Kenobi, who claimed the planet's atmosphere had a high concentration of tibanna gas, a fleet of Republic cruisers arrived on Carnelion IV at the conclusion of the Open-Closed war. The cruisers secured the planet and searched for the gas, and their presence alone was sufficient to halt the conflict between the Open and the Closed.
As the Clone Wars began, many Consular-class cruisers were transformed into combat-ready frigates as part of Project Supercharger. These Republic frigates received new armored hulls and laser turrets.