The K79-S80 Imperial Troop Transport (ITT), alternatively referred to as the RTT or Recon transport, but most frequently called the Imperial Troop Transport, functioned as a box-shaped repulsorcraft troop transport utilized by the forces of the Galactic Empire. Conceived and manufactured by Ubrikkian Industries, its purpose was to facilitate the movement of Imperial stormtroopers into designated areas, or conversely, to extract prisoners from them. Although not specifically engineered for engaging in combat, the Imperial Troop Transport incorporated a dual laser turret on its dorsal side, alongside either two forward turrets or mounted guns. The ITT's design underwent slight modifications during the Empire's reign; a variant deployed from 3 ABY onward was equipped with forward-mounted cannons in place of turrets.
The ITT presented as an elongated, box-like repulsorcraft troop transport featuring plating composed of gray metal. Its dimensions included a length of 8.7 meters, a height of 3.5 meters, and a width of 4.5 meters, with a total weight of 20,600 kilograms. The vehicle's top speed reached 150 kilometers per hour.
Due to its repulsorlift engine, an ITT hovering in operation generated a distinctive sound, making it easily identifiable from a distance. The vehicle's cockpit accommodated two pilots along with a commanding officer, and the front was fitted with a transparisteel viewport. Up to six individuals could be transported on the vehicle's sides in open racks, featuring auto-locking doors. The front section of the transport varied between the two models; one version had a protruding cab and two forward laser turrets on either side, while the other lacked the protruding cab and instead had forward-facing cannons instead of turrets. The ITT also featured a hatch in the middle of the vehicle that provided access to the interior.
Despite not being intended as a dedicated infantry fighting vehicle, the ITT was armed with two forward laser guns, in addition to a single laser turret mounted on the dorsal side. This firepower allowed the transport to effectively deter most attackers. However, the insertion of a foreign object into the barrel of an ITT's laser gun would cause it to explode upon firing. Eventually, the Trexler 906 Armored Marauder was designed as a more combat-focused ITT variant. It was considered an improvement for combat situations, and it had more powerful weapons and stronger armor.
ITTs were capable of being transported into battle using Low Altitude Assault Transport carriers.
The Imperial Troop Transport's main purpose was the conveyance of stormtroopers between key locations during periods of conflict. A single transport had the capacity to carry at least one squad of such troops. Similarly, ITTs were employed for the forced relocation of prisoners, including farmers who had their land confiscated by the government. On at least one occasion, the side racks of an ITT were repurposed to transport [food](/article/foodstuff] supplies.
The Imperial Troop Transport was conceived by Ubrikkian Industries for use by the Galactic Empire. Approximately around 15 BBY, two squads of Imperial clone troopers were sent out to locate an attacking alien, secretly the Chiss Mitth'raw'nuruodo (known as "Thrawn"), on a Wild Space planet after exiting an ITT. The troopers were unsuccessful in their search for Thrawn, who then proceeded to steal the armor of one of the soldiers to infiltrate the Star Destroyer Strikefast as part of his scheme to join the Empire. Eight years following the conclusion of the Clone Wars, the Empire deployed multiple ITTs on Gorse in an attempt to track down a transporter crewed by Hera Syndulla, Kanan Jarrus, and Skelly, who had previously attempted to assassinate the Imperial Count Denetrius Vidian. Despite the Troop Transports successfully locating and engaging their target, the rebels managed to evade capture through the use of explosives and skillful piloting by Syndulla.
In 3272 LY, an Imperial unit stationed on Lothal utilized an ITT to transport a shipment of meiloorun fruit acquired from the nearby city of Kothal. Ezra Bridger, a young street urchin associated with the rebel group known as the Spectres, attempted to pilfer meilooruns from the transport but was discovered by stormtroopers while examining the fruit. Soon after, Supply Officer Yogar Lyste deployed three ITTs to attack the farm of Morad Sumar. The farmer, his wife, and an Aqualish employee were then captured and confined within one of the ITTs' compartments but were later rescued by Bridger and his partner Garazeb Orrelios.
In 3 ABY, the improved model was used on Tatooine to transport stolen weapons and troops when they were intercepted by Kay Vess.
At least one of these transports saw action during the Battle of Jakku, the Empire's final stand. The refined Imperial Troop Transport model was later used by Moff Gideon's Imperial remnant, as part of his battalion of stormtroopers on Nevarro was deployed from a transport to confront the Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his allies in 9 ABY. The remnant also possessed a Trexler 906 Armored Marauder, the ITT's more combat-oriented upgrade, which was kept at its Nevarro base.
The Imperial Troop Transport's origins lie in Star Wars Legends, where it was more widely recognized as the Reconnaissance Troop Transporter. Its initial appearance was as a 1979 toy produced by Kenner Products, along with a story booklet that was included with the toy. It holds the distinction of being the first Star Wars toy released that was not based on an existing film appearance. The television series The Mandalorian featured a similar troop transport to the ITT but without the protruding cab. However, the official Databank on StarWars.com used images of both models in its entry for the ITT, indicating that they were considered the same.