The Imperial Gozanti-class cruiser, also known as the Imperial Gozanti-class TIE carrier and commonly called the Imperial freighter, represented a specialized version of the standard Gozanti-class cruiser. It was utilized by the Galactic Empire and, in later times, by those who supported the First Order.
The Imperial Gozanti-class cruiser was a starship measuring 64 meters in length, functioning as a light cruiser. This vessel was a specific modification of the civilian Gozanti-class cruiser, which was employed by numerous groups.
It was armed with a dual laser turret mounted dorsally and a powerful laser cannon located ventrally. Additionally, the Gozanti featured a loading lift on its underside near the front and docking points on its sides close to the cockpit area. These ships possessed a hyperdrive and were powered by three engines. They were designed to fit within the primary hangar of a Separatist supply ship.
The Imperial variant had the capacity to transport either four TIE/ln space superiority starfighters, or exchange one for a TIE/sa bomber, along with two All Terrain Defense Pods attached to underside-mounted docking clamps that connected to internal corridors. The Imperial versions were broader than the standard models, featuring new side extensions that stretched over the engines, and the dorsal radar dish was repositioned to the center. The large, ventral, double-dish radar was removed in favor of docking struts for its fighter complement.
Certain Imperial Gozanti-class cruisers, such as the Vector, displayed red markings. The Gozanti-class Assault Carrier represented a carrier variation of the standard Imperial Gozanti.
One year following the establishment of the Empire, an Imperial Gozanti-class cruiser under the command of Captain Pearce was responsible for transporting Howzer and two of his soldiers from Balmorra to Tantiss Base located on Wayland. However, the Clone Underground intercepted the vessel, overcoming its crew of twelve TK stormtroopers and one Imperial royal guard to liberate the prisoners. During interrogation, Pearce used an Electro capsule to commit suicide. Subsequently, a Venator-class Star Destroyer dispatched several V-wing starfighters with the intention of eliminating any remaining traces of the incident, although the group managed to escape. Years later, these freighters were modified to serve as TIE carriers through the addition of four heavy docking clamps mounted ventrally. These clamps also functioned as boarding chutes, connecting the transport to any vehicle being carried. Count Denetrius Vidian, an Imperial efficiency expert, played a crucial role in accelerating the development program. Several Gozanti-class cruisers were stationed at Count Vidian's Calcoraan Depot and were assigned to protect a Baradium-357 convoy at Gorse.
During the Imperial era, these cruisers, known as Imperial freighters, were more prevalent in the Outer Rim despite their Imperial affiliation. After graduating from the Royal Imperial Academy, Lieutenant Thrawn and Ensign Eli Vanto were assigned to the Blood Crow, an Imperial Gozanti-class cruiser commanded by Rik Virgilio. In 5 BBY, a rebel group known as the Spectres carried out a raid on Transport 651 with the goal of rescuing a group of Wookiee slaves, only to discover it was a trap orchestrated by ISB Agent Kallus. The rebels detonated explosives, resulting in the destruction of the freighter within the Lawbringer's hangar. Shortly after, Kallus and a squad of stormtroopers utilized a freighter to attack the same rebel cell after they had stolen a shipment of T-7 ion disruptor rifles. The ship deployed two AT-DPs, which were subsequently destroyed by the rebels.
Weeks later, a convoy consisting of three cruisers was tasked with transporting a large kyber crystal. The Lothal rebel cell managed to capture an Imperial decoder and discovered the convoy's location. The starship Ghost arrived, launching its shuttle, piloted by former Jedi Kanan Jarrus, to divert the convoy's TIE fighter escorts. The lead freighter attempted to escape into hyperspace, but was destroyed by the Ghost. The kyber crystal amplified the explosion, leading to the destruction of the remaining Imperial ships.
In 4 BBY, the same rebel cell on Lothal stole Transport Ship 63378. This cruiser was used in the action at Mustafar, a rescue mission by the Spectres to save Kanan, who had been captured by Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin and was being interrogated aboard his Star Destroyer, the Sovereign, in orbit above Mustafar. In the same year, several Gozanti freighters participated in the Imperial blockade of Ibaar, deploying starfighters against Phoenix Cell ships attempting to breach the blockade.
In 3 BBY, a cruiser was used to deploy two AT-AT walkers to the Imperial depot on Lothal. In 2 BBY, two Gozanti cruisers were used to deploy pairs of AT-AT and AT-DP walkers against a Separatist holdout on Agamar. Imperial forces also lost two cruisers during a skirmish with the Iron Squadron and Phoenix Group above Mykapo. A Gozanti cruiser later accompanied an Imperial light cruiser during a failed attempt to capture the rogue Senator Mon Mothma.
In 0 BBY, at least two Gozanti cruisers were part of a detachment from the Seventh Fleet blockading Lothal.
During the Galactic Civil War, smugglers also made use of these cruisers. After the Battle of Yavin, Imperial officers Ciena Ree and Berisse Sai received orders to use a Gozanti to retrieve Lord Vader. Upon arriving at Yavin, they assessed the destruction of the Death Star, after which Vader's starfighter docked with their ship. Vader directed the two officers to the cargo bay and personally piloted the ship back to the Imperial fleet.
While transporting Grakkus Jahibakti Tingi to Akiva aboard the Millennium Falcon, the smugglers Han Solo and Chewbacca encountered TIE fighters. Pondering the origin of these Imperial starfighters, Solo surmised that a Gozanti-class cruiser must be in close proximity.
Captain Kosh of the Empire amassed a collection of cruisers that had been falsely reported as destroyed, intending to use them in his black-market activities. However, the Rebel Alliance discovered these vessels on Tatooine and destroyed them with the help of Saponza's partner.
One of these freighters appeared during Twilight Company's raid on an Imperial heavy freighter, posing a threat to the Thunderstrike. These freighters were also present alongside Death Squadron during the Battle of Hoth, where they were used to deploy walkers during the engagement.
Imperial Gozanti-class cruisers continued to be used throughout the Cold War and into the First Order-Resistance War. The First Order made use of sympathizers who operated these older Imperial-era ships for patrol and surveillance missions.
The young-readers book Star Wars Rebels: Head to Head, authored by Pablo Hidalgo and showcasing various matchups from the series, featured an Imperial Gozanti cruiser pitted against an Auzituck anti-slaver gunship. In this scenario, the gunship inflicted damage upon the cruiser before successfully escaping.