The YT-1300 light freighter, alternatively known as the YT-1300 Corellian freighter, represented a certain model of light freighter. It was produced by the Corellian Engineering Corporation and was utilized across the galaxy during the concluding days of the Galactic Republic as well as the reign of the Galactic Empire. By 0 BBY, this model was perceived as antiquated. The Millennium Falcon, a smuggling ship that joined the Rebel Alliance fleet, was a YT-1300f model that had undergone significant alterations.
The YT-1300, originating from Corellia, was a freighter and transport model constructed by the Corellian Engineering Corporation. Some of these vessels functioned as intermodal tugs within orbital freight yards, due to the cockpit being situated on the side and the mandibles facing forward, which enabled the pushing of containers. However, the design's modularity allowed resourceful captains to customize their ships. Standard YT-1300s were equipped with potent Girodyne SRB42 sublight engines along with an Avatar-10 hyperdrive, deriving power from a Quadex power core. A SuperFlow IV computer managed the ship's essential operations, while a Rubicon navicomputer took care of navigation duties and calculated routes for hyperspace jumps.
YT-1300 freighters incorporated a central passage tube extending from the ventral to the dorsal hull, featuring a transparisteel window at each end, designated as an observation deck, although weapon turrets could also be installed there. They gained recognition for their resilience and adaptable design, permitting numerous configurations that went beyond the standard layouts provided by the Corellian Engineering Corporation.
The YT-1300p was specifically designed as a passenger transport. Its cargo capacity was limited, featuring three passenger compartment modules. Each module included three bunks, a compact refresher, and storage for personal belongings. Two bunks could be converted into bunk beds, while the third was restricted to a single bed due to the hull's curvature, allowing for a maximum of five passengers per compartment. A small cargo hold was located at the front of the ship, accessible through a freight loading room situated between the mandibles, enabling the YT-1300p to transport up to 25 metric tons. It was equipped with two Class-6 escape pods in the port and starboard passenger tubes. Due to the inclusion of escape pods, boarding was facilitated by a retractable ladder within the passenger tube. These tubes also incorporated a hatch, enabling their use as airlocks. The ship featured three retractable landing legs.
The YT-1300f was configured for cargo transport, offering minimal living space. It featured a reinforced framework to accommodate heavier loads, with passenger compartment modules replaced by modules dedicated to freight. There was a main hold and a smaller fore cargo hold. Two aft cargo holds were positioned on either side of the engineering bay. The tractor beams and freight-loading arms were more powerful compared to the YT-1300p. The freight elevator in the engineering bay had stronger hydraulics than the one installed on the YT-1300p. Given its specialization in cargo hauling, it included only two bunks in the main hold, along with a small refresher. It featured five retractable landing legs to support the increased weight of the ship and its cargo.
The YT-1300 could be equipped with a fully armored hull for operation in dangerous environments. All viewports were covered, and heavy-duty sensor arrays were employed for navigation. The armor's increased weight reduced the cargo capacity compared to a standard YT-1300.
External cargo pods were available for mounting on the hull's dorsal side. These pods could almost double the YT-1300's cargo capacity. However, caution was necessary to ensure the additional weight did not cause issues with the ship or require the relocation of sensor or weapon emplacements to the ventral hull.
Pontoons could be fitted to the freighter for landings on water. Both inflatable and rigid designs were available. Rigid pontoons were typically used for ships regularly servicing water worlds, while inflatable pontoons could be filled either with pressurized gas from dedicated tanks or by redirecting atmospheric gases into the pontoons using the landing jets.