The Star Galleon-class frigate functioned as both an armed transport freighter and a protective frigate within the organizational structure of the Imperial Navy. These vessels were produced by the renowned Kuat Drive Yards.
The Star Galleon-class frigate represented yet another triumph for Kuat within the Imperial military. Even if an enemy managed to survive the barrage from the ship's concussion-missile launcher, its ten turbolasers, or penetrate its defensive shields, successfully seizing the cargo proved to be a formidable challenge. The interior was equipped with advanced anti-intruder systems and defended by a contingent of up to 300 soldiers.
In a final act of defense, the cargo compartment had the capability to detach and enter hyperspace independently, functioning as a separate spacecraft, much like an escape pod. An integrated tracking beacon enabled Imperial operatives to monitor the cargo's location as it made automated, random jumps through hyperspace.
Despite the promise of safety and order under the rule of the Galactic Empire, Imperial cargo ships were being targeted and stolen at an alarming frequency. To counteract the increasing losses of cargo shipments resulting from attacks by pirate groups and Rebel forces, the Empire engineered a capital ship that combined powerful weaponry and shields with a substantial cargo capacity of 100,000 tons. Essentially, the Star Galleon-class functioned as a transport vessel capable of providing its own protection.
Despite its origin as an Imperial design, several Star Galleons found their way into the hands of independent civilian shipping enterprises. One such stolen vessel, known as the Robber Baron, became the flagship of the notorious star pirate Poss'Nomin's commander, Reginald Barkbone, who famously navigated his ship through the hazardous Fire Rings of Fornax to outmaneuver pursuit by the Loronar navy.