The Zeta-class Heavy Cargo Shuttle, alternatively referred to as the Zeta-class cargo shuttle, represented a specific model of cargo shuttle. The Galactic Empire employed it during their conflict with the Alliance to Restore the Republic. They played a vital role in the transportation of kyber crystals throughout the construction phase of the Death Star.
The Zeta-class Heavy Cargo Shuttle was designed with two distinct levels. The upper level contained the controls for piloting the vessel. Furthermore, it had a ventral cargo deck that could be detached and released at a designated location. This shuttle also featured a quartet of wings. These wings would retract inward upon landing and extend outward during flight, a design choice that mirrors the Lambda-class T-4a shuttle.
Its external design bore similarities to the Eta-class supply barge. The ventral cargo pod incorporated standardized umbilicals and docking sleeves, which were used for securing the pod to docking clamps. Power for these pods was supplied by the Zeta's reactor plant, which also provided energy for specialized cargo requirements, such as refrigeration or maintaining life support systems.
Regarding offensive capabilities, these shuttles were equipped with a pair of wing-mounted KV22 heavy laser cannons and a trio of hull-mounted Taim & Bak KX7 laser cannons. Highly skilled pilots could execute cargo drops and pickups without the need for a complete landing.
During an attack by the Partisans on a Galactic Empire refinery situated on Kashyyyk, Cal Kestis, a Padawan Jedi who had commandeered an AT-AT during the conflict, aided Saw Gerrera and his allies in their advance. Kestis used the walker to destroy a Zeta-class Heavy Cargo Shuttle. The AT-AT was subsequently destroyed alongside the shuttle when it was struck by the crashing vessel.
Prior to the commencement of the Jedha insurgency, Baze Malbus and Chirrut Îmwe, members of the Guardians of the Whills, conducted a raid on an Imperial supply convoy. This convoy had been delivered to LZ-Cresh by a cargo shuttle.
As the insurgency unfolded, hundreds of these shuttles were deployed during the Imperial occupation of Jedha to facilitate the transport of kyber crystals. These crystals were intended to power the superlaser of the Death Star.
At the time of the Mission to Eadu in 0 BBY, at least five of these shuttles were stationed at the Eadu Flight Station. One such shuttle, designated SW-0608, was later stolen by Rogue One.
Furthermore, a number of these shuttles were present during the Battle of Scarif, an operation where the Rebel Alliance successfully acquired the plans for the Death Star.
A minimum of five of these shuttles were also stationed at the Fondor Shipyards during the attack launched by the Rebel Alliance.
Numerous Zeta-class shuttles were located at the Remitik system munitions depot. During a skirmish with New Republic forces, Titan Squadron stole two shuttles carrying the explosive compound baradium.
The Imperial civilian government also utilized Zeta-class shuttles.