The Consular-class light cruiser, also known as the Consular-class space cruiser, and frequently called the Republic Cruiser, was a type of starship employed by the Galactic Republic in the time leading up to the Invasion of Naboo and throughout the duration of the Clone Wars.
The Consular-class, constructed in the orbital shipyards belonging to the Corellian Engineering Corporation, was a space cruiser that utilized three powerful Dyne 577 radial atomizer engines located at the rear of the one hundred fifteen-meter long craft for propulsion. It also featured a Longe Voltrans tri-arc CD-3.2 hyperdrive, and was defended by strong deflector shields produced by a group of radar dishes positioned in front of its three engines. Typically, the Consular-class lacked offensive weaponry, except for its shields. A docking ring could be found on the side of the ship, and the bridge was situated at the front, above a diplomatic salon pod.
The striking red color of the Republican vessel conveyed a specific message. The scarlet hue denoted its diplomatic status and acted as a caution against potential assaults. For many generations, red had been the established color representing diplomatic missions and neutrality on Galactic Republic starships. The distinctive all-red paint scheme signified that it originated directly from the powerful capital world of Coruscant. During Sheev Palpatine's chancellorship of Naboo, the color red gained even greater prominence, as he favored its use on all Republic ships.
To facilitate communication with any culture 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 unconventional transmissions from alien worlds.
The Radiant VII represented a modified version of the consular-class ship. Civilian versions were utilized for basic transport purposes, but the red Republic variants were outfitted to meet the specific requirements of Galactic government service. During missions, their reputation as exceptionally secure vessels often proved crucial for diplomatic conferences and crisis negotiations. For enhanced security, the crew size was minimized, with many ship functions automated by auxiliary droids.
Republican cruisers, like this corvette, frequently functioned as neutral territory for meetings involving officials and leaders from opposing factions. To accommodate the physiological differences of various alien species, Coruscant's hangars maintained adaptable parlor pods that could be installed on the ship. In emergency situations, the entire salon pod could be replaced. It incorporated its own sensors and a separate life support system for the delegation on board. However, when the Radiant VII came under attack, the crew was unable to evacuate.
The Consular-class cruiser became widely recognized throughout the galaxy in the final decades of the Galactic Republic, thanks to its unique form and coloration. Sporting a striking red color scheme, the cruiser's hue indicated the ship's diplomatic immunity, as red identified a starship as neutral within the Republic. It also signaled that the vessel was undertaking a mission on behalf of 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. While docked within the landing bay of the Saak'ak, the Radiant VII was targeted by a hidden turbolaser turret on the orders given by Darth Sidious. Caught off guard, the ship's crew suffered heavy losses and the vessel was destroyed.
A fleet of Republic cruisers made its way to Carnelion IV at the end of the Open-Closed war, following a request from Obi-Wan Kenobi who claimed that the planet's atmosphere had a high concentration of tibanna gas. The cruisers arrived to secure the planet and search for signs of the gas, and their very presence was enough to bring the battle between the Open and the Closed to an immediate end.
As the Clone Wars began, a large number of Consular-class cruisers were modified into frigates adapted for combat use as part of Project Supercharger. These Republic frigates were outfitted with new armored hulls and laser turrets.