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Lambda-class T-4a shuttle

<Lambda-class T-4a shuttle

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Lambda-class T-4a shuttle

Production information

Manufacturer

Sienar Fleet Systems(designer and primary builder)^[1]
Cygnus Spaceworks(subcontractor)^[2]
Silviut Corporation(subcontractor)^[3]

Model

Lambda-class^[4] T-4a^[5] shuttle

Type

Armed government transportshuttle^[5]

Cost

Likely valued at 240,000credits^[6]

Technical specifications

Length

20meters^[7]^[8]

Maximum acceleration

1,400 G^[9]

Megalight per hour

50MGLT^[8]

Maximum atmospheric speed

850km/h^[8]

Engine unit(s)

SFS-204 sublight ion engines (2)^[1] orZ-Rk5 ion engines (2)^[10]

Hyperdrive rating

Class 1.0^[8]
Class 10(backup)^[11]

Hyperdrive system

SFS S/ig-37 hyperdrive^[1]

Shielding

Multipleshield generators^[12](rated 100SBD)^[13]

Hull

Reinforceddurasteel/carbon fiberhull^[2](rated 66RU)^[13]

Navigation system

Navigation computer equipped^[14]

Armament

Standard configuration:

2 x Steerable forward twinTaim & Bak KX5 laser cannons^[15]

2 xTaim & Bak GA-60s twin laser cannons^[1]

1 x Aft retractableArMek R-T0 twin blaster cannon^[1]

Alternate military configuration:Taim & Bak KX5 laser cannons (8 or 4 x 2 forward, 2 or 1 x 2 aft)^[2]

Escape craft

Detachablecockpit serves asescape pod^[1]

Crew

Pilot (1)^[16]
Co-pilot (1)^[16]
Navigator (1)^[16]
Gunner (1)^[16]
Communications officer (1)^[16]
Engineer (1)^[16]

Minimum crew

1^[11]

Passengers

20+ passengers(standard)^[1]
8 passengers in staterooms(alternate configuration)^[6]

Cargo capacity

80metric tons(without passengers)^[8]

Cargo handling systems

Personneltractor beam(equipped when used as a rescue craft)^[17]

Consumables

2months^[14]

Communication systems

HoloNet transceiver(in some Imperial VIP models)^[12]

Usage

Role(s)

Personnel shuttle^[18]
Trooptransport^[18]
Scoutcraft^[19]
Escape vessel

Year introduced

19 BBY

Affiliation

"Let's see what this piece of junk can do."

―Han Solo, referring to the shuttleTydirium prior to the Battle of Endor^[24]

TheLambda-class T-4a shuttle, also known as theImperial Shuttle, was a standard light utility craft in common with theImperial military as atransport for troops and high-ranking individuals.

Characteristics[]

"No, I don't think the Empire had Wookiees in mind when they designed her, Chewie."

―Rebel Han Solo to Rebel Wookiee Chewbacca^[24]

Lambda-class shuttle deckplan. — *Lambda*-class shuttle deckplan.

Sienar Fleet Systems'Lambda-classshuttle was based on a tri-wing design with a central stationary wing flanked by a pair of folding wings.^[18] When in flight position, the wing configuration resembled an inverted Y. When landing, the lower wings folded upwards. This design feature was implemented as a means to protect the ship's occupants as it touches down.

TheLambda was designed as both a cargo andtroop transport and could carry 80metric tons or more than 20 soldiers. It had a crew of six: apilot, co-pilot,navigator,communications officer,gunner, andengineer.^[25] A shuttle could be piloted by a skeleton crew consisting of a singleofficer during emergencies. It was also equipped with a Class 1hyperdrive since its mission profile involved traveling acrossthe galaxy.

Thecockpit was at the front of thecraft, and the boarding ramp was behind and under it. Its main drive units were capable of reaching speeds of 850kilometers perhour insideatmospheres, or 50MGLT.^[18] Cooling intakes were on the fuselage, and formation lights were at the end of the wings.^[26]

Rear view of a Lambda-class shuttle. — Rear view of aLambda-class shuttle.

TheLambda was reasonably well armed, with three doubleblaster cannons (one rear-mounted) and two doublelaser cannons.^[18] The military version built byCygnus Spaceworks was armed with ten laser cannons. It was also protected by a powerfuldeflector shield, which was powered by a pair ofgenerators. ALambda was covered by a heavily reinforced hull capable of deflectinglaser fire. The shuttle class was so well armed that it was able to travel across thegalaxy without an escort, thus making it suitable for covert operations.

Additionally, the shuttle was equipped with a state-of-the-art communications grid.^[18]

In an emergency the cockpit could be jettisoned from the main body and travel a short distance atsublight speed. The lifeboat did not have enough space for all passengers when the shuttle had its full complement and therefore priority was given to the mostsenior officers on board.^[1]

History[]

"It can't accelerate worth a wheep and it turns slower than a comet, but if you get in its sights, itcan blow you to itty-bitty pieces. It would be embarrassing to have to inform your family you got shot apart by a shuttle, so stay alert."

―Villian Dance^[9]

Lambda-class shuttle schematics. — *Lambda*-class shuttle schematics.

TheLambda-class T-4a shuttle was designed by formerCygnus Spaceworks employees who were lured away by SienarFleet Systems,^[27] which promised them highsalaries, a portion of future profits, and even personal staryachts. Although these shuttles were primarily manufactured by Sienar, Cygnus was subcontracted to build a more heavily armed military version. The T-4a was the immediate successor of theTheta-class T-2c shuttle, and was first introduced in19 BBY at some point after theImperial subjugation ofKashyyyk.

A Lambda-class shuttle cross-section. — ALambda-class shuttle cross-section.

TheLambda-class shuttle was used along with theTIE/sh VIP shuttle to transport officers of theGalactic Empire betweenships in a fleet. Lowerranking officers usually used theTIE shuttle, while the largerLambda-class shuttles were reserved forflag officers. TheLambda was also favored by Imperial personnel because it was heavily armed andshielded. Thus, the vehicle class found itself used by key Imperial officials includingDarth Vader and evenEmperor Palpatine himself. Vader and the Emperor in particular utilized shuttles during instances that required them to make a personal appearance as a means of motivating the troops.^[28] These high-ranking officials often converted the cargo space into personal quarters and equipped them with secureHoloNet transceivers directly connected toImperial Center.Emperor Palpatine's shuttle was equipped with extra shielding, for obvious reasons. It was also rumored that it was equipped with acloaking device for added protection.

Although it's primary purpose was military-based as well as government-based in terms of use, it is sometimes used for civilian tours, a notable example being theStartour 7.^[21]

The commandeered Tydirium within the Endor system.

During theGalactic Civil War, the Rebels used a fleet of capturedLambda-class shuttles as support ships, often designated withlanding orscouting duties.^[19]. The Alliance logo was painted on their central wing, to help tell them apart from the Imperial ships.^[29] One shuttle,Tydirium, was captured by the Rebels and used toinsert a strike team on the forest moon ofEndor.^[24]

With the fall of the Empire, Cygnus also manufactured a variant of the shuttle similar to the original version, largely to compete with Sienar. TheLambda also found itself used by varioussectorial andplanetary security forces including theNew Republic and theGalactic Federation of Free Alliances.Jacen Solo andBen Skywalker used an armedLambda-class variant during theirmission to Adumar in40 ABY.Nearly a hundred years later, aLambda-class shuttle serving therevived Galactic Empire was seen on Coruscant when a captivePrincess Marasiah Fel was handed over toDarth Havok of theOne Sith.

Behind the scenes[]

"The Lambda-class shuttle was designed to swiftly transport Imperial personnel and cargo between starships and various installations across the galaxy. Sienar Fleet Systems built the shuttles to carry up to twenty passengers in relative safety protected by standard reinforced hull plating and multiple shield generators. The Lambda-class is also armed with several laser cannons and equipped with a hyperdrive for travel between fleets and systems. The starship was designed for a four-person crew, with two additional positions for communications and power regulation."

―Imperial shuttle description^[30]

Lambda shuttles were erroneously referred to as "Tyderian class" in some sources, a misunderstanding originating from the shuttleTydirium. The name Lambda comes from the Greek letter (uppercaseΛ, lowercaseλ) whose lowercase form resembles the general arrangement of the shuttle's wings. The designation of this shuttle type asLambda-class dates back to thenovelization ofStar Wars: Episode VIReturn of the Jedi (1983), and was used by contributors toWest End Games'Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game.

TheLambda-class shuttle began the trend in other works of naming shuttles after Greek letters, despite the latter shuttles not necessarily resembling the letter they were named after. This continued toRevenge of the Sith, which included theTheta-class T-2c shuttle. Many older and newerLegends works introduced theBeta,Gamma,Delta,Epsilon,Zeta,Eta,Kappa,Mu,Nu,Rho, andSigma-class shuttles.

Crew members in the troop carrier portion of the shuttle set

The rear section of the shuttle was designed as a troop carrier. During the production ofReturn of the Jedi, the troop carrier portion of the set was built behind the cockpit. It was ultimately not seen in the film, though more characters than the main cast were seen boarding the shuttle onHome One. The troop carrier sections have been included in any designs seen in later sources, and some reference photos from the production show film crew members in the seats on that portion of set.^[31]

In video games[]

A derivative design known as theDelta-class JV-7 escort shuttle was seen in theX-Wing computer game series. The craft library of the gameX-Wing Alliance describes it as a "militarized version of theLambda-class shuttle built under subcontract to Sienar." In the titles that feature theDelta-class, theLambda-class was toned down. It lacks the potently deadly rear turret, has less armor and shields, and is slower than theDelta.Lambda-class shuttles are frequently found in the hands of pirates and smugglers, rather than exclusively used by Imperials. Missions often use them as starfighters (instead of their role of transporting personnel) and they fare poorly due to their large size and lack of maneuverability.

InStar Wars: Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader andStar Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike (the latter via a co-op port of the former), aLambda-class T-4a shuttle, specifically theTydirium, was playable during the late stages of the mission "Imperial Academy Heist." InRogue Leader, the player can unlock it for use in the "Triumph of the Empire" and "Revenge on Yavin" missions by receiving a Gold Medals for those missions. However, it cannot be selected for missions for the co-op mode ofRebel Strike. but the player can get details on the shuttle by selecting it in arcade mode.

In popular culture[]

A Lambda-class shuttle lifts off in the background behind Serenity. — ALambda-class shuttle lifts off in the background behindSerenity.

ALambda-class T-4a shuttle is in thepilot episode of theFirefly television series created byJoss Whedon. It can be seen lifting off from theEvesdown Docks in the background behindSerenity.

Inconsistencies[]

InReturn of the Jedi (and in a re-used scene inserted into the special edition ofThe Empire Strikes Back), there are inconsistencies between the ILM model and the mock-up used on the set.^[32] The main difference between the two is the cockpit of the shuttle. While the bottom of the cockpit lines up with the bottom of the shuttle's body in the ILM model, the mock-up of the shuttle has a cockpit that dips much further down. The other notable difference is that the landing gear of the shuttle in the mockup are much taller, allowing people to easily walk underneath, while with the ILM model, there wouldn't be enough room for a person to fit under the Lambda. This has affected otherStar Wars media as well, most likely due to using different reference pictures when creating illustrations.

In 1995, the model kit company AMT/Ertl released a model kit of the Imperial Shuttle. This model resembles the set piece rather than the ILM filming miniature. The German model company Revell released a second kit of this ship, which appears to have been based on the AMT/Ertl kit and has the same proportionality.

One notable inconsistency in several official sources is the layout of the cockpit.Star Wars: Complete Cross-Sections shows six seats in the center of the cockpit and additional seats on each side, two of which accommodate port and starboard gunners. An early drawing fromLucasfilm also showed this layout, and was used by the artist drawing the shuttle. However, the deckplan for the shuttle shown above only contains six seats in the cockpit. The movie cockpit also appears to only hold six crew members. The Lego model's cockpit only holds four.

The Sienar/Cygnus connection has occasionally been a source of confusion, but theStarWars.com Databank indicates that the Lambda's predecessor was built by Cygnus and the designers of that shuttle were lured away by Sienar, who then built the original Lambda shuttles. Cygnus then built the Lambda under license from Sienar. Sienar and Cygnus also cooperated on theSentinel-class landing craft, a derivative design.