The ILH-KK Citadel-class civilian cruiser, frequently called the Citadel-class cruiser or simply Citadel cruiser, represented a heavily fortified and weaponized transport manufactured by Koensayr in the twilight years of the Galactic Republic.
The Citadel's design emerged from growing anxieties among affluent individuals regarding the safety of interstellar travel. It garnered considerable popularity among diplomatic delegations, prosperous merchants and entrepreneurs, and mid-ranking military personnel seeking a resilient and well-defended vessel, but who lacked the financial resources for a full-fledged capital ship.
The introduction of Citadels occurred during the final period of the Galactic Republic, with their zenith in popularity coinciding with the Clone Wars. Their prominence then diminished throughout the Galactic Civil War. By the Rebellion, the Citadel was no longer a common sight as a luxury vessel. Instead, many were repurposed into smaller warships by groups such as the Rebels, the Corporate Sector Authority, pirates, and various independent privateers.
The Citadel was a compact and relatively swift ship characterized by a wide, flattened hull. This hull featured two extended vertical stabilizers on the port and starboard sides, along with a shorter stabilizer located centrally, which housed the ship's transponder and communications array. The front section of the hull contained the bridge and living spaces for the crew, with passenger cabins and accommodations situated behind.
Due to Koensayr's emphasis on defensive capabilities, the Citadel was a robust and resilient vessel. It boasted significant armor plating and incorporated substantial military-grade shielding. Consequently, the Citadel swiftly established a reputation for withstanding substantial damage before succumbing to destruction. It was not uncommon for Citadels to be reconstructed, even after sustaining near-total annihilation in combat. Beyond their defensive attributes, Citadels were remarkably well-equipped with standard heavy weaponry, a potent KM-440.a1 reactor, and external docking clamps positioned ventrally amidships, capable of accommodating a pair of starfighters with ease.
The Citadel's inherent resilience often resulted in the vessel undergoing multiple ownership changes and serving various purposes throughout its operational lifespan. A Citadel might frequently exhibit a combination of military hardware, concealed smuggling compartments, council rooms and meeting facilities, and even faded murals adorning its bulkheads.
A particularly noteworthy Citadel-class cruiser was The Long Scale, which belonged to the Trandoshan mercenary Ssorku.
A subject of considerable discussion revolves around the precise mechanism by which the Citadel lands on solid ground, given its three prominent stabilizers. Currently, all available depictions of the Citadel illustrate it docking at hovering platforms or via docking armatures, potentially suggesting that ground landings are not feasible. This characteristic would align with certain vessels restricted to mooring towers. Alternatively, the stabilizers might possess the capacity to rotate and fold upwards, akin to craft such as the V-19 Torrent starfighter.