Venator-class Star Destroyer

Venator-class Star Destroyer

TheVenator-class Star Destroyer, also known as theVenator-class cruiser, was a class of more than 1,000meter-longattack cruiser of theStar Destroyer design family that was operated by thenavy of theGalactic Republic. Designed byLira Wessex to feature a double-wedge design and perform a wide range of missions, the Venator was the first class of Star Destroyer to be manufactured byKuat Drive Yards. Alternatively known as theRepublic cruiser,Republic attack cruiser, orRepublic Star Destroyer, it was a versatilecapital ship capable of serving as both acombatant inship-to-shipnaval warfare and astarfightercarrier, while also being employed as atroop transport, cargo ship, and supply and replenishment vessel. As a warship, Venators were protected by powerfuldeflector shields and boasted a range of weaponry. For its carrier role, a large flight deck, along withhangars to accommodate a complement of starfighters,gunships,shuttles, armored vehicles and other craft, was contained in the forward section, while three more docking bays were located around the ship. At least two variants existed, theVenator I-class and theVenator II-class.

As the backbone of the Galactic Republic'snavies during theClone Wars, the Venator was commonly employed by theJedi Generals of theGrand Army of the Republic as theirflagships, thus earning the moniker ofJedi cruiser. Deployed acrossthe galaxy against theConfederacy of Independent Systems, Venators saw action in many major engagements, such as theBattle of Christophsis, theMalevolence Campaign, theBattle of Ryloth, and theSecond Battle of Geonosis. In the climacticBattle of Coruscant in the waning days of the war, over 1,000 Venators defended thegalacticcapitalCoruscant against a massive Separatistfleet. Eventually, these starships emerged on the victors' side as icons of the conflict.

When the Republic ended withDarth Sidious'spurge of theJedi Order and hisestablishment of its successor, theGalactic Empire, theVenator-class Star Destroyers were absorbed into the nascentImperial Navy. During the earlyImperial Era, Venators were utilized to consolidate Imperial authority, and later they fought againstSeparatist holdouts and fledglingrebel cells. They were also assigned to the privatefleets ofMoffs, and to flight schools. Others were scrapped onplanets likeBracca, where they were dismantled and salvaged by theScrapper Guild. Although Venators were still active at the time of theGalactic Civil War, they had mostly been replaced by theImperial-class Star Destroyer, a larger warship modeled on its Republic predecessor.

Characteristics[]

General characteristics[]

TheVenator-classStar Destroyer,^[4] orVenator-classcruiser,^[17] also called theJedi cruiser,^[18] Republic cruiser,^[19] Republicattack cruiser,^[20] or Republic Star Destroyer,^[9] was a type of cruiser-classed^[19] Star Destroyer.^[9] Beyond their status as cruisers,^[6] specifically attack cruisers,^[20] Venators were classified asbattleships^[5] anddestroyers.^[8] Designed byLira Wessex,^[1] it cost 59,000,000credits^[21] and was manufactured byKuat Drive Yards for the naval operations of the Galactic Republic in theClone Wars.^[3] By theImperial Era,Corellian Shipyards were also involved in^[2] Venator^[15] construction.^[2]

Spanning between 1,137^{[5][22][23][24]} and 1,155.0meters in length,^[7] 548 meters in wingspan, and 268 meters in height, the Venator was defended by powerfuldeflector shields and hullarmor plating,^[24] while possessing an assortment of armaments.^[15] It was also equipped with a long-rangesensor suite, as well as anavigation computer and corresponding systems.^[21][6]Venator-class vessels generally carried a crew of 7,400 personnel, includingofficers,pilots and enlisted crew, but could also hold some 2,000troops in addition. 7,000metric tons of cargo could be transported aboard the Venator, as well as sufficient consumables to last twostandard years.^[21] In addition,Venator-class vessels were equipped with safe rooms to be used by non-combat personnel/visitors in the event of an onboard emergency, so they would be safely out of the way and not impede crewmembers responding to said emergency.^[6]

Hangar space[]

During the early period of the Clone Wars, theVenator-class Star Destroyer featured a wide array ofhangar space. The forward section of the Star Destroyer featured a passage measuring 0.5 kilometers^[3] down the middle, with bays forstarships on either side. It was mainly accessed by large doors on top of the ship.^[26] At the fore of this passage, at the bow the ship, was a collection ofhyperspace transport rings.^[27] Towards the aft of the passage, doors in the floor could open, leading to a space whereRepublic frigates could dock.^[28]

If no cruiser was docked, however, the space could be used by personnel to jump out of the Star Destroyer directly onto the battlefield,^[29] or to deploywalkers without the need fordropships.^[27] Overseeing the passage was a raised command station positioned at the aft.^[14] Even further aft, theVenator-class had two independent docking bays on their port and starboard sides, again protected byblast doors. However, in later models, refits were made to incorporate more firepower at the expense of the main hangar.^[26]

Towards the end of the war, a different type of Venator was used. These featured a set of smaller doors on the dorsal side of the ship, and lacked access from the ventral side altogether, with the blast doors that previously led to the main hangar space replaced with additional lighting, a crane and sometimes additional weaponry, such as a built-inbeam weapon. Additionally, the side doors no longer led to independent hangars, but another passage that linked the two sides of the ship. The central hangar row then joined the smaller passage in the middle, replacing where the command station used to be. At the front of the main passage was a small openingstarfighters could launch from without having to go through any of the main doors.^[16]

Bridges[]

Venator-class Star Destroyers featured twobridges, with the starboard bridge serving as the primary command center of the ship and the port bridge being dedicated to starfighter operations. These bridges were raised from the main body of the destroyer and provided a wide, panoramic view of the battle. However, the bridges' exposed nature made them vulnerable to attack.^[31][32] The bridges featured large windows at the front, with two sunken pits behind, with a raised command walkway in between. This design would become a staple in Imperial vessels, giving emphasis to the command hierarchy. Further behind, aholotable sat between two sets of blast doors which could be used for communication, ship analysis and troop movements.^[26][15]

The dual bridge design allowed one portion of the crew to focus on starfighters while the other could control the helm when both bridges were operational. Furthermore, Venator's implementation of dual bridges provided the warship with a degree of contingency^[30] should one bridge be destroyed.^[31] However, the physical separation did end up disrupting efficiency and hampered speedy communication between members of the divided bridge crews.^[30]

Weapons[]

As a capable warship, theVenator-class Star Destroyer boasted a myriad of weapons. On the dorsal side, eight double-barreledDBY-827 heavy turbolaser turrets, four on either side of the bridge area, were a key source of firepower.^[24] These heavy turbolasers had different modes of firing: one was to fire alternating between the two barrels, at variable but relatively rapid rates, while another was to fire both barrels simultaneously, but at a generally lower but still variable rate.^[34][15] The DBY-827's precise, long-range tracking was suited for hitting targets at a distance, while it could rotate in three seconds in the close-fighting, fast-tracking mode to engage targets nearby. DBY-827 turrets had seven different blast intensities so that the damage inflicted could be modulated under various circumstances, and the Venator could feed almost its entire reactor output to its heavy guns when needed.^[24] During theBattle of Bothawui, one Venator had at least four DBY-827's on the ventral side of the vessel.^[35]

Another form of firepower came in theAV-7 Anti-vehicle Artillery Cannon, albeit mounted to the vessel without legs,^[15] which could be operated by a single soldier and was also used as an artillery piece for Republic ground forces.^[26] The Venator's artillery decks featured long rows of many such cannons that aimed approximately perpendicular to the length of the ship in order to fire at vessels across from it, usually at close range. The AV-7 cannons and their ammunition were susceptible to exploding if struck by enemy fire when Venators brawled with opposing ships.^[15]

The Venator was also equipped with at least fifty-two^[21][36] point-defense laser cannons for anti-starfighter purposes.^[6][34] At least one kind was a swiveling double-barrelled turret operated by a single gunner, which had a field of fire—left and right, and up and down—in which the turret could swing to attack a unit. For target practice, mechanical skeet packed with explosives could be launched from these gun emplacements, which a gunner would try to hit.^[6]

Near the front of the ship, theVenator-class had two sets of medium dualturbolasers located along the hull trench, one on each side. At the aft, light laser cannons were used to defend against enemy starfighters.^[24] Four heavyproton torpedo launchers and six heavytractor beam projectors could additionally be found as part of the combat apparatus,^[21] as well as beam weapons attached to the ventral docking bay on certain Venators which were powerful enough to destroy aMunificent-class star frigate with a concentrated shot.^[15] Such a blast could either come from an installed laser cannon^[16] orSelf-Propelled Heavy Artillery Turbolaser.^[37] Numerous other gun emplacements dotted the hull trenches of the Venator.^[27][14]

Engines[]

TheVenator-class featured eight or tenion thrust engines of three distinct sizes, with half on either side of the ship at the aft, arranged symmetrically.^[15] Eachengine consisted of multiple chambers and rings, and the interiors were covered in a blast primer coating.^[38] The reaction that propelled the main engines consisted of a pulse combining to spark off the reactor core rods. If three engines on the starboard side and three on the port side failed, auxiliary power would activate.^[6]

Additionally, the engines could be individually controlled from the command bridge. If an individual without protective gear was too close to the ion engines when they were online, they could suffer serious burns that would require immediate medical attention.^[38] However, these injuries could be recovered from if the victim's exposure to the ion thrust was minimal.^[39]

Landing capabilities[]

A Venator usually required specialized landing strips to perform atmospheric landings, such as those at acruiser staging area onCoruscant,^[15] while the similarAcclamator-class assault ships could perform surface landings with their legs.^[40] However, surface landings on natural terrain could occur, as exemplified during theBattle of Kashyyyk, when a Venator was able to touch down at thecity ofKachirho and deploy Republic ground forces to reinforce theWookiees.^[15] The Venator also possessed retro rockets which could be used in atmosphere to correct uncontrollable entry.^[25]

Complement[]

Boasting an impressive starfighter complement, the Venator could carry various types of craft, including combinations ofAlpha-3 Nimbus-class V-wing starfighters,Eta-2 Actis-class light interceptors,Aggressive ReConnaissance-170 starfighters,^[36] as well as^[42]V-19 Torrent starfighters,BTL-B Y-wing starfighter/bombers,^[31] andClone Z-95 Headhunters, with some loadouts able to accommodate up to ninety-two starfighters of varying types.^[5] It could also hold up to fortyLow Altitude Assault Transport/infantrys, a variety ofshuttles,^[36] andlanding craft.^[21] Venators could deploy some twenty-fourAll Terrain Tactical Enforcer walkers,^[5] other ground vehicles and modular components needed for a planetarygarrison.^[23]

Reactor and hyperdrive systems[]

The main reactor of theVenator-class Star Destroyer was a large, dome-shaped chamber located along the center line of the ship, under the bridge tower. It could annihilate up to 40,000 tons of fuel per second at maximum power. Various reactant pumps and ducts, as well as cylindrical annihilation reactant silos, were located to the fore of the main reactor. At least one subsidiary reactor, also dome-shaped but significantly smaller, was found in the left aft "wing" of the vessel. This reactor was surrounded by a collection of power cells.^[24]

At least one compartment pertaining to the reactor operations of the Venator contained three vertical shafts and walkways suspended over the chasm. Some walkways approached from three directions between the three shafts to meet at a control station in the middle. Clusters of cylindrical structures were located both below and above this station, as well as extensive tubing throughout the room. Damage to the different systems present in the chamber could sometimes leave the vessel crippled.^[44][6]

EachVenator-class ship was equipped with a class 1.0 main hyperdrive,^[36] as well as a class 15 backup hyperdrive.^[21] At least one hyperdrive generator was located at the back of the rearmost "fin" that separated the ion drive thrusters. In front of it was the main inertial compressor, with the stern power feeds slightly further to the fore.^[24]

Similar to one of the reactor operations compartments found aboard Venators, the hyperdrive room was another cavernous chamber, with walkways on at least three levels intersecting above a deep chasm. Situated equidistant from a group of consoles, four tall columns spanned the height of the room, which could be damaged or even knocked completely loose by severe force.^[25]

Role[]

As theflagship of theRepublic starfleet, theVenator-class was primarily honed for ship-to-ship combat. The large amount of dedicated space for carrying the starfighter complement also supported its duty as a combat ship. However, the Venator had other roles of being a cargo transport, troop carrier, and replenishment or supply vessel.^[46][7] In theImperial Military, theVenator-class Star Destroyer was still notable as a capital ship that could enforce control over a situation.^[47]

History[]

Clone Wars[]

Early battles[]

In22 BBY,^[13] with the outbreak of the Clone Wars at theFirst Battle of Geonosis,^[48] the Venator was introduced tothe galaxy^[13] as a vessel in theRepublic Navy.^[26] A few weeks into the war, a Venator arose to the skies of the planetCoruscant and was seen by the newly-promotedJedi KnightAnakin Skywalker in theChancellor's office, where he toldSupreme ChancellorSheev Palpatine about hisslaughter of theTusken Raiders who kidnapped his motherShmi.^[48] Jedi GeneralObi-Wan Kenobi,SenatorPadmé Amidala, and clone troopers of the7th Sky Corps were deployed from aVenator-class Star Destroyer to the planetKrystar torescue Republic prisoners from Separatist captivity.^[49]

Early into the conflict,^[26] the Separatistsinvaded Christophsis to gain access to theCorellian Run and the resources on the planet surface.^[50] Afleet of three Venators, including the flagshipResolute, and threePelta-class frigates led byJedi KnightAnakin Skywalker andAdmiralWullf Yularen were sent to engage the thirty-shipblockade under AdmiralTrench, but was driven to retreat behind themoonLeesis. The Republic force was bolstered by the arrival of Kenobi's VenatorNegotiator, carrying the prototypeIPV-2C Stealth Corvette, which Skywalker used to destroy Trench'sInvincible and penetrate theblockade.^[43] While Skywalker delivered supplies to SenatorBail Organa on the surface, the rest of the Republic fleet attacked the blockade.^[51]

During the ground war, theJedi Council dispatched Yularen aboard a Venator to again penetrate the blockade and landPadawanAhsoka Tano on the surface. On the ship's return journey away from the planet, it engaged threeMunificent-class star frigates and was able to withdraw. In the next attack, Yularen, accompanied byJedi MasterYoda, commanded theResolute to lead two other Venators and fourAcclamator-class assault ships to breach the Separatist blockade. The Republic forced the Separatist armada into retreat, allowing the Acclamators to reach the surface, deploy clone troops and secure a victory. Following the end of theChristophsis campaign, the501st Legion under Skywalker and TanorescuedRotta,Jabba Desilijic Tiure's son, from theB'omarr Order Monastery onTeth. To reinforce the ground forces, Yularen arrived on aVenator, which deployed Kenobi and clone pilots aboard fighters before duelling a Separatist Munificent. Avulture droid's suicide attack damaged the ship's port rear hangar, killing several clone pilots and crew, but themission to save Rotta culminated in a Republic success.^[26]

Later in the sameyear,^[52] the Confederacyinvaded theOuter Rim world ofRyloth, engaging at afleet of least twoVenator-class Star Destroyers under Republic AdmiralDao which were protecting Jedi GeneralIma-Gun Di and theOuter Rim garrison. His fleet's necessary resources began to diminish, and, according to MasterMace Windu, it was eventually destroyed. Relief supplies were illictly delivered to Ryloth'spro-Republic resistance via neutralToydaria.^[53] Master Yoda then travelled to the moonRugosa to negotiate plans for a Republic base on Toydaria withKingKatuunko, but wasambushed by theDark AcolyteAsajj Ventress onCountDooku's orders. After Ventress's droidbattalion was defeated and Katuunko's support won, Yoda'sConsular-class cruiser returned with two Jedi cruisers. The Grand Master journeyed back to Coruscant aboard one of the Venators.^[54]

Malevolence Campaign[]

22 BBY^[55] also saw SeparatistSupreme CommanderGrievous's multi–monthcampaign to assault the Republic starfleet with theMalevolence,^[56] aSubjugator-class heavy cruiser equipped with twomega-ion cannons that could easily disable the systems of any ship.^[19] At theBattle of the Phu system,^[57] Jedi MasterAres Nune's^[58]task force of three Venators was destroyed by theMalevolence.^[57] Grievous then proceeded to theAbregado system, to which MasterPlo Koon was dispatched to intercept the Subjugator. Nevertheless, theMalevolencedisabled thefleet of three Jedi cruisers, including the flagshipTriumphant, with its portion cannon and destroyed them all. While other Venators remained idle, MasterMace Windu announced a redeployment of allbattle groups to convoy escort; theNegotiator was positioned in a defensive formation along with another Venator and Acclamators near a blue body in theBith system,^[19] contributing to the protection of the vital Republic convoys.^[59] Skywalker and Tano embarked on an unsanctioned but successful mission to rescue Koon and discover the nature of Grievous's weapon.^[19]

At theBattle of the Ryndellia system, theMalevolence destroyed a medical convoy of one Venator and three Peltas, leading the Republic to predict that Grievous would next attack theKaliida Shoals Medical Center. TheGalactic Senate planned to sendShadow Squadron, whose Y-wings were being housed aboard theResolute, to strike the enemy ship. TheNegotiator and several other Venators were accompanying theResolute, and Kenobi decided to take theNegotiator,Resolute, and a third Venator on a longer route to thespace station; Skywalker would lead hissquadron through a shortcut in theKaliida Nebula to intercept the Subjugator. After the Y-wings had incapacitated both ion cannons and saved the station, Kenobi's three Venators exited hyperspace and began a chase of the retreating Separatist vessel.^[60] Although the Venators' firepower could not destroy theMalevolence, the massive ship was obliterated due to an erroneous hyperspace jump into theDead Moon of Antar, facilitated by a Jedi boarding action that sabotaged its navicomputer, thus ending the pursuit.^[33]

Further Separatist plots[]

Sometime after theMalevolence Campaign, Republic starfighters under Skywalkereliminated a Separatist fighter unit in theCorvair sector. In the aftermath, Yularen and Skywalker planned aboard theResolute to neutralize adroid foundry on the moonKudo III. Although the admiral wanted to strike the factory from afar, Skywalker elected tosurvey the location himself and discovered enslaved laborers there. Upon freeing the workers and returning to theResolute, Skywalker averted unnecessary bloodshed.^[62] Afterwards, a Republic fleet of at least threeConsular-class frigates and sixVenator-class Star Destroyers patrolled a quadrant of space in order to protectKamino from enemy attack, particularly from the armada of General Grievous.Rishi Station, a Republic outpost on theRishi Moon, wasattacked by Separatistcommando droids, who hard-wired an all-clear signal to hide the approach of Grievous's fleet. The visitingclone trooper officers and the surviving clones at the base eventually retook and destroyed the station, disabling the all-clear signal. Alerted, Skywalker and Kenobi moved their fleet to theRishi system to face Grievous. Engaged by sixVenator-class Star Destroyers, Grievous believed that he was outgunned and ordered his force to retreat.^[61]

Grievous initiatedanother offensive,defeating aRepublic battle group atFalleen before proceeding toBothawui. At thesubsequent battle, theResolute and two other Venators under Skywalker and Yularen lured Grievous's sixMunificent-class vessels through theFervse'dra asteroid belt, where the Separatist fleet was completely destroyed by hidden AT-TEs and the Venators' gunfire; Grievous fled in hisfighter.^[35] The campaign resulted in a Republic victory when Skywalker, Tano, and clone troops managed toinfiltrate and destroy the SeparatistSkytop Stationlistening post.^[63]

Trouble with Nute Gunray and Dooku[]

When SenatorPadmé Amidala traveled toRodia for diplomatic talks with SenatorOnaconda Farr, she was detained by Separatist droid forces by order ofViceroyNute Gunray. Amidala'sprotocol droidC-3PO evaded capture and contacted a Republic clone trooper; the cruiserTranquility was dispatched with the41st Elite Corps, who captured Gunray after his battle droids had been defeated by the senatorial representativeJar Jar Binks.^[64] In21 BBY,^[65] the Viceroy was taken aboard aConsular-class frigate, accompanied by Jedi MasterLuminara Unduli and Ahsoka Tano. He was transferred from the frigate to a prison cell on theTranquility, guarded by CaptainFaro Argyus, who was secretly a Separatist agent.^[44]

TheTranquility was later attacked byDroch-class boarding ships, penetrating the Jedi cruiser's hull and deploying droids andDark AcolyteAsajj Ventress onto the vessel. Ventress sabotaged the engine room, causing various malfunctions. She fought the two Jedi while Argyus escaped with Gunray.^[44] In one of the Republic's attempts to catch Count Dooku, General Skywalker was sent aboardCount Dooku's frigate under the pretense of surrender. General Kenobi later boarded the frigate and the two Jedi confronted Dooku. At the same time, theResolute attacked the Munificent. Following an unsuccessful pursuit through theVanqor system and onVanqor, the Jedi Generals were picked up by Tano and the clones, having been dispatched on aNu-class shuttle.^[66]

Outer Rim battles[]

AboveQuell,Aayla Secura's task force of three Venators participated in abattle against at least five Munificents. With the situation desperate, theResolute under Yularen and Skywalker was deployed to rescueSecura from her flagshipLiberty. Ultimately, all three Venators under Secura were destroyed,^[28] and the Confederacy was victorious.^[67] During the battle, the Consular carrying Secura and her rescuers made an erroneous hyperspace jump to theMaridun system.^[28] OnMaridun, the Jedidefended aLurmen village from Separatist forces under weapons designerLok Durd. Soon thereafter, the planet was secured by three of Yularen's Venators.^[68]

The Republic launched an offensive to retake Ryloth, sending a fleet of threeVenator-class Star Destroyers—theResolute,Defender, andRedeemer—under Skywalker, Yularen and Tano, to break CaptainMar Tuuk's planetary blockade. While Skywalker and Yularen commanded the fleet from theResolute, Tano ledBlue Squadron. The Republic fleet was surprised by Separatist reinforcements consisting of four Munificents, prompting a withdrawal. Amid Tano's insubordination, a vulture droid rammed theResolute's bridge, injuring the admiral. Although theResolute andDefender were able to escape, theRedeemer was torn apart in space.^[31]

After theResolute and theDefender fled the system, Skywalker was contacted by Masters Windu and Kenobi, and was ordered to continue his attack unless the Republic's planned invasion was to be postponed. TheDefender was badly damaged and in flames, and Skywalker created a strategy in which he alone would fly the Jedi cruiser into Tuuk's Lucrehulk. Tano, with theResolute, planned to use aMarg Sabl tactic to then attack the Munificents. The plan was a success; theDefender rammed the Lucrehulk, and the Y-wings from theResolute disabled all six Munificents, allowing theRepublic invasion fleet to land on Ryloth.^[31] The Republic's ground forces eventually retook the planet.^[69]

Felucia and Devaron[]

At theFirst Battle of Felucia,Plo Koon's naval force of three Venators penetrated a Separatistblockade over theplanet, destroying one Munificent and damaging another. Koon's fighters and gunships were then able to reach the surface and evacuate the stranded Republic troops. Later,bounty hunterCad Baneinfiltrated theJedi Temple and stole aholocron.^[70] Bane wanted to open the device, so he led a Separatistattack on Jedi MasterBolla Ropal onDevaron. TheResolute was deployed to theDevaron system to oppose Bane, destroying four Munificents and disabling the hyperdrive ofBane's frigate. Skywalker, Tano and the clones boarded the ship but failed to save Ropal, who was fatally electrocuted. In the ensuing skirmish, the Munificent was destroyed, and the Republic forces, along with Bane—disguised as a clone—returned to theResolute.^[27]

Once aboard the Republic Venator, Bane stole a parked V-19 Torrent and Syliure-31 ring, escaping into hyperspace. Using the holocron's information, he kidnapped aForce-sensitivechild onGlee Anselm andanother onRodia for Darth Sidious' experiments. OnNaboo, he wasapprehended by the Jedi and transferred to a prison cell on theResolute. After his interrogation, the prisoner accompanied Windu and Kenobi toBlack Stall Station where the Jedirecovered the holocron but Bane escaped. Having analyzed Bane'sRogue-class starfighter aboard theResolute, Skywalker and Tanorescued the kidnapped children fromMustafar.^[71]

Carida incident[]

Later in the Clone Wars, the Galactic Republic had held astrategy conference in theCarida system, aboard theValor orbiting the planetCarida. However, unknown to the Republic, the Confederacy of Independent Systems was planning tobombValor and end the conference. As part of their plan,^[14] the Separatist forces managed to hijack one of the Republic'sVenator-class Star Destroyers, theRenown, which had been held in orbit above the Outer Rim world ofAbafar, a planet rich in an extremely valuable and highly volatile starship fuel known asrhydonium, which the Separatists were mining from amining facility established on the surface by the Confederacy, with the intent of loading the Venator with thousands of canisters of rhydonium to transform the vessel into an unassuming bomb.^[72]

Following theirescape from Abafar, the Republic'sD-Squad, a covert unit of Republic astromech droids andoneDUM-series pit droid, led byZilkinColonelMeebur Gascon,^[73] managed to board the Venator, assuming that the Republic had sent theRenown to rescue them. However, once they arrived on the Jedi cruiser's command bridge, they discovered that Separatist forces had hijacked the vessel, and, after narrowly escaping the pursuing battle droids, Colonel Gascon and the droids found a detonator painted in the respective colors of the Separatist Alliance in the center of the hangar bay control room, coming to the realization that the ship was truly a massive, unassuming bomb, opening the doors inside the hangar, revealing thousands of rhydonium canisters stacked together in each hangar, and upon sight of the canisters, Colonel Gascon remarked that the amount of rhydonium aboard the vessel could possibly destroy the entire Republic Navy.^[14]

While aboard theRenown in hyperspace, D-Squad came across a small group of Republic droids that served aboard the Venator before the Separatists took control, one of which was theLEP-series service droidBNI-393, who informed the squad that the ship had been hijacked by the Separatists, and that its destination was a space station located within the Carida system, bringing the Zilkin to realize that the Separatists intended to use it to take out the Republic space stationValor, the location of the Republic's strategy conference, forcing the team to take matters into their own hands and thwart the Separatists' plans by triggering the ship's explosion sooner than intended. However, the team soon ran into a series of complications asthesuper tactical droid in charge of the operation sent a swarm ofbuzz droids after the squad to dispatch them, but were eventually defeated at the cost of one of the team's members,M5-BZ, who sacrificed himself in order to defeat the buzz droids by opening the airlock, pulling the buzz droids into hyperspace. After BZ's sacrifice, theRenown exited hyperspace in the Carida system, and the engines were put to maximum power.^[14]

Before the super tactical droid could initiate the countdown sequence, he crossed paths with the astromech droid R2-D2, who managed to keep the Separatist droid out of reach of the detonator, granting him a small amount of time to trigger the detonation before it reached the station, resulting in a simultaneous explosion of the rhydonium canisters, destroying the Republic Venator and creating a large blast that engulfed the station and all vessels flanking it, sending large pieces of debris hurtling through space, obliterating a singleArquitens-class light cruiser, and damaging the station.^[14]

Battle of Coruscant[]

Caught by surprise[]

Nearing the end of the Clone Wars and, subsequently, the Galactic Republic, the Confederacy of Independent Systems—under the orders ofDarth Sidious, the true leader of the Confederacy—launched a massive and startlingassault on the planet Coruscant in theCore Worlds, the capital of the Republic, in an attempt to captureSupreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine, who secretly orchestrated the battle and arranged for himself to be kidnapped by theKaleeshcyborg Grievous as part of his plan to bring Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker closer to the dark side of the Force.^[15]

Prior to the assault, the Republic and Separatist Alliance became enmeshed in the climax of theOuter Rim Sieges campaign, which was primarily fought on various worlds of the Outer Rim Territories, far from the Core Worlds and, consequently, Coruscant.^[15] As a result of the Sieges, most of the Republic's fleets, experienced officers and Jedi Generals were preoccupied on the various fronts of the campaign, leaving Coruscant sparsely protected by the Republic's remaining officers and the ill-preparedCoruscant Home Defense Fleet, which had seen little to no action in the duration of the Clone Wars, giving the Separatists an opportunity to launch an unexpected and seemingly effortless attack on the Republic's capital.^[74]

Despite the high belief that the Separatists would never attempt such an attack, the Confederacy unexpectedly attacked Coruscant with a fleet of over 1,000 starships led by Grievous' flagship, the modified^[50]Providence-class DreadnoughtInvisible Hand,^[75] catching the Home Defense Fleet off guard and quickly overwhelming them, with the Chancellor, after a lengthy chase through theFederal District, taken captive by Grievous back to theInvisible Hand.^[76] Despite the initial surprise^[50] and overwhelming nature of the Separatist attack,^[76] the Republic was able to, in time, mount a defense.^[15] The Venator proved its worth throughout the battle as an effective weapons platform, performing its role with flexibility and stability.^[30]

Reinforcements and victory[]

Learning of the Separatist attack, the Republic's Open Circle Fleet and Jedi Generals Kenobi and Skywalker were recalled to Coruscant to rescue the Chancellor from Grievous. The Coruscant Home Defense Fleet, despite being outnumbered, attempted to prevent theInvisible Hand from escaping with the Chancellor onboard.^[50] Before the Separatists could make their escape from the besieged capital, the Open Circle Armada and the two Jedi arrived in time, bolstering the number ofVenator-class Star Destroyers, including the Star DestroyerRo-ti-Mundi, to engage the large number ofMunificent-class star frigates,Recusant-class light destroyers andLucrehulk-class Battleships, which were escorting theInvisible Hand in order for it to flee, and allowed Generals Kenobi and Skywalker to enter the heart of the chaos of turbolaser fire and starships with their personal Eta-2Actis-class light interceptors.^[15]

Struggling to reach the flagship due to the interference of hundreds of vulture droids, droid tri-fighters, and a brief evasion ofdiscord missiles, two of which managed to deploy buzz droids onto Obi-Wan's starfighter, but were nonetheless destroyed. Returning to their flight path to the command ship, the Jedi quickly discovered that the hangar bay still had its deflector shields raised, forcing Anakin to open fire on a vulnerable point of the hangar to deactivate its shields, granting them mere seconds to enter the hangar before the blast shields were completely shut.^[15]

While aboard theInvisible Hand, the Jedi released the Chancellor from captivity and managed to kill the Sith Lord Count Dooku, the Confederate Head of State, and following their triumph over Dooku, the dreadnought briefly came into confrontation with theVenator-class Star DestroyerGuarlara and the two starships exchanged turbolaser fire as they engaged one another, withGuarlara inflicting extensive damage upon theInvisible Hand, causing it to momentarily plummet towards the planet below before the crew regained control.^[15] Despite rescuing the Chancellor and destroying a third of the CIS Navy, Grievous nonetheless managed to escape his flagship aboard an escape pod, which was retrieved by theLucrehulk-class Battleship^[74]Profusion. Only days later,^[50] however, Kenobi killed Grievous and, shortly after that, Skywalker turned to thedark side of the Force. Heslaughtered theSeparatist Council onMustafar and ordered the Trade Federation to deactivate all remaining Separatist droids immediately, officially ending the Clone Wars.^[15]

Siege of Mandalore and Order 66[]

TheVenator-class Star DestroyerTribunal^[78] of the Open Circle Fleet was commanded by Ahsoka Tano and her specialdivision of the 501st Legion. The Jedi cruiser ferried Tano, Commander Rex and the division back to Coruscant following the successful capture of former Sith LordMaul on Mandalore, with Maul a restrained and guarded prisoner in the detention level. En route to Coruscant, however,Order 66 was implemented and the clonesturned on Tano, also attempting to kill Maul on Darth Sidious' orders only for him to be freed by Tano as a distraction. This allowed her to ambush Rex and have hiscontrol chip removed, freeing him from the brainwashing. The ensuing skirmish aboard the Republic Venator resulted in it crashing onto a desolatemoon after Maul destroyed the hyperdrive, with the loss of all hands aboard save for Maul, Tano and Rex. The wreckage of the Venator would remain on the moon well into theImperial Era, becoming buried in snow, until it was discovered by the Empire and investigated personally by Darth Vader, Skywalker's Sith identity, who retrieved his former apprentice'slightsaber from the crash site before departing.^[79][25]

AnotherVenator, commanded by Jedi MasterChiata, engaged inbattle with a Separatist dreadnought in the final hours of the Clone Wars. Though it managed to destroy the opposing warship, the Jedi cruiser was itself critically damaged and ended up crashing on the isolated world ofZeffo. Chiata, her PadawanMarseph, her unit'sClone Commander and a majority of theclone unit survived the crash, but theimplementation of Order 66 saw the deaths of all involved, with Chiata being buried in the cruiser's wreckage by her Padawan before he succumbed to his own wounds and the clones being buried by the native villagers, who set up a shrine to them near the crash site. Thewreckage of this Venator would also endure into the time of the Empire, becoming inhabited by various native fauna.^[80]

TheAlbedo Brave was aVenator-class Star Destroyer commanded by Jedi MasterJaro Tapal and his13th "Iron" Battalion. TheAlbedo Brave was stationed in orbit aboveBracca, having successfully secured the planet after a lengthycampaign, and was due to move on toMygeeto when Order 66 was issued, forcing Master Tapal and his PadawanCal Kestis tofight for their lives against their formerly loyal comrades. Though the two Jedi managed to kill many of the clones in their path, including the battalion'scommander, and reach the escape pod bay, they were outnumbered and Tapal was fatally wounded just as they boarded an escape pod. TheAlbedo Brave was subsequently destroyed due to Tapal sabotaging its reactors to mask their escape, taking all the surviving clones aboard with it.^[80]

Imperial service[]

A new era[]

In the aftermath of theformation of theGalactic Empire,Venator-class Star Destroyers were still in service as a capital ship of theImperial Navy. Imperial Venators were repainted to remove the red markings of the Republic, becoming whitish-grey in color^[15] like their successor warships.^[81] In the Imperial Starfleet, the Venator stood out for its ability to dominate, andImperial officers of the new government were given leadership over these Star Destroyers.^[47] Nonetheless, the Empire was eager to adopt a more foreboding capital ship and factor in the lessons learned from the Clone Wars with the Venator. In particular, the Venator had become tied to the image of the Jedi Order during the war as the "Jedi cruiser," something the Empire wanted its new ship to move away from instantly.^[30]

AVenator-class Star Destroyer^[15] newly constructed by Santhe Shipyards^[2] was the transport of newly-christenedGalactic Emperor Sheev Palpatine shortly after the transformation of the Republic into the Empire^[15] for an inspection visit^[82] to the under-constructionDS-1 Death Star Mobile Battle Station^[15] in orbit of Geonosis. Joining the Emperor aboard the destroyer was Wilhuff Tarkin, who was granted the title ofMoff under the new regime,^[2] and Anakin Skywalker, who had adopted the new identity of theDark Lord of the SithDarth Vader upon his fall to thedark side of the Force at the end of the war.^[15] Due to the high-ranking personnel aboard, the Venator was free to jump from the Core Worlds to Geonosis without needing to first check in withSentinel Base.^[2] Joined in space by at least two other Venators,^[15] the vessel was assigned to protect the Death Star.^[83]

Darth Vader's flagship[]

OneVenator-class Star Destroyer operated under the command of Vader and carried his personalmeditation chamber aboard. While preparing to meditate in his chamber, Vader was interrupted by AdmiralMummert, who told him that he could not deploy Imperial starships to theHortolo system by the set deadline. The Sith Lord, irritated by the admiral's ineptitude, choked him to death by way of the Force. Next, Vader was stopped by anImperial general, who reported Imperial troop deployments to theWinnikk system. Because Vader had ordered 50,000 troops to be dispatched, and only 10,000 were, the dissatisfied Sith Lord choked the general to death with the Force as well. A third Imperial officer disturbed Darth Vader, announcing that his personal TIE fighter could not be repaired, despite the efforts of the crew. Once again tired of the excuses, Lord Vader used the Force to choke him to death too. Before beginning his meditation, Vader became irritated at theMSE-6-series repair droid in the room, which had observed the whole episode, because it bumped into his leg, and destroyed it.^[84] By14 BBY,^[85] this Venator had been replaced by theImperial-class Star DestroyerPerilous as Darth Vader's flagship.^[86]

Skirmish on Bracca[]

In the weeks following the rise of the Galactic Empire, aVenator-class Star Destroyer from the very first production line was among numerous other older models awaiting to be scrapped on Bracca. It was visited by Captain Rex and Clone Force 99 in order to use its onboard medical facilities, similar to those on the Tribunal, to remove the latter's control chips. After a brief skirmish whereWrecker's control chip was activated and caused him to attack his comrades, the chips were successfully removed and Rex departed from Bracca whilst the Bad Batch remained behind to salvage munitions from the Venator's weapons bay. However, they were spotted by members of the local Scrapper Guild and their presence reported to the Empire, which dispatched their former comrade Crosshair and a complement of Imperial troops to eliminate them.^[38]

Despite the rather deteriorated condition of the wreck, many of the Venator's systems remained operational including engines and weapons and the Bad Batch made use of both to escape the Imperial troops. As they were attempting to escape through the Venator's main starboard engine, Crosshair ordered the engine turned on in order to kill them but the Bad Batch managed to escape this by detonating salvaged explosives within the engine tube, causing it to break off whilst the ion drive was still active. Crosshair was exposed to the full power of the ion drive and sustained severe burns to his face before it was switched off, necessitating immediate medical attention.^[38]

Razing Tipoca City[]

ThreeVenator-class Star Destroyers of the Imperial Navy were stationed aboveTipoca City during theoperation to withdraw the Empire's clones from Kamino in the early months of the regime. Goods and personnel were flown out from the city on various transport craft to the Imperial Venators, withVice AdmiralEdmon Rampart andCommanderCrosshair supervising the process.^[81] Later, as the evacuation was nearing completion, the Venators had moved further away from the city. Crosshair brought his former squadmate, the renegadeclone commandoHunter, who had been captured on arescue mission onDaro, to Tipoca City, intending to draw the rest ofClone Force 99 into atrap. However, after the Bad Batch had arrived, Crosshair killed hissquad to appeal to his brothers to join him.ES-02, realizing this betrayal, left the city aboard the last outgoing ship, returning to the Venators.^[87]

On the bridge of one of the Venators, Vice Admiral Rampart informedGovernor Wilhuff Tarkin that all personnel and technology were safe in Imperial control. Tarkin then commanded him to destroy Tipoca City. The Imperial Venators proceeded forwards through the stormy clouds before pausing once the ships were in the correct position. Upon Rampart giving the order to clone navigation officers to open fire, the three warships unleashed a steady barrage from their starboard and port dual medium turbolaser cannons. Setting the city alight with fiery explosions, the turbolaser fire ripped through the domed buildings, toppled over platforms, and felled the underwater stilts, plunging the burning facilities into the depths of the ocean.^[87]

The aerial bombardment persisted, with theTipoca City Military Complex knocked into the water when the Bad Batch, Crosshair andAZI-3 were still inside. After the guns had fallen silent, aclone stormtrooper reported to Rampart that all Kaminoan facilities had collapsed into the sea. Satisfied with the outcome, the Vice Admiral withdrew his ships to rendezvous with the fleet, leaving the remains of the city to sink beneath the waves. In this way, the Empire destroyed Tipoca City, although the Bad Batch and their companions ultimately managed to escape their underwater predicament.^[88]

Stationed across the galaxy[]

Severalmonths after the destruction of the Kaminoan cities and cloning facilities, a Venator was deployed to the planet ofDesix after the planet had beenconquered for the Empire by aunit of clone stormtroopers led by Clone Marshall CommanderCody. The Venator deployed moreImperial forces to occupy the planet and also received goods that had been looted from the planet's farmers.

In18 BBY, over a year after the formation of the Empire, multipleVenator-class Star Destroyers were stationed on Coruscant, with several remaining in orbit aboveImperial City. Among the ships was Vice Admiral Rampart's personal Venator,VZ-114, which was docked atCoruscant's Imperial Shipyard for maintenance and repairs. As his Venator was worked on, Rampart attended theImperial Senate to oversee the passing of theImperial Defense Recruitment Bill, which would see the formalization of theImperial Military's transition from a clone army to a recruitment-based force. In order to expose Rampart's treachery to the Senate, SenatorRiyo Chuchi worked with the rogue clones of Clone Force 99. As Chuchi stalled the passing of the bill in theSenate Building, the rogue clones snuck aboard Rampart's Venator in order to obtain its command log, which held the records of Kamino's destruction. After battling through the ship's clone stormtrooper crew and extracting the command log, the clone mercenaries fired the Imperial Venator's engines and escaped on an escape pod as VZ-114 slid off of itsdocking clamps and collapsed to the bottom of the shipyard. Ultimately, the command log was delivered to the Senate Building, where recorded footage of Rampart's fleet destroying Kamino was shown to the entirety of the Senate. Rampart was subsequently arrested, but the Imperial Defense Recruitment Bill was still passed on the behest of Emperor Palpatine.^[89]

Cloned Zillo Beast incident[]

Later that same year, a juvenileZillo Beast cloned by the ImperialAdvanced Science Division escaped from captivity, and caused thevessel it was aboard to crash on the planetSilla. As a result, two Imperial Venators were dispatched to the planet to recapture the beast, who had grown substantially after feeding upon electricity. After dropping out of hyperspace, one of the Venators deployed numerousAlpha-3Nimbus-class V-wing starfighters andLAAT/I gunships, which descended upon the planet's surface and engaged the Zillo Beast clone, who was eventually recaptured.^[90]

Skirmishes with rogue clones[]

In 18 BBY^[91] a Venator came to the aid of aGozanti-class cruiser under the command ofCaptainPearce, which was under attack by rogue clones.^[92] Soon after, several Imperial Venators were deployed to the planet ofOrd Mantell as Imperial forces conducted a raid inOrd Mantell City to capture the rogue clone "Omega", while also subsequently occupying the planet.^[93] Many months later, a Venator attackedPabu island on the planet ofPabu, where Omega was hiding after escaping Imperial custody. The Venator deployed numerousLAAT/is to the island's surface, where stormtroopers and clone commandos rooted out Omega after abrief raid. Soon after, two Imperial Venators accompaniedWilhuff Tarkin's personalImperial I-class Star Destroyer to the planet ofWayland to secureTantiss Base after a clone prisoner uprising and Zillo Beast containment breach had nearly destroyed the facility. After it was deemed that the base was unsalvageable, any remaining equipment and research was flown out of the base and into the Imperial Star Destroyer and the two Venators to be taken off-world.

Construction of the Death Star[]

While theDS-1 Death Star Mobile Battle Station was being built in the orbit of Geonosis, at least three Venators were posted near the gargantuanbattle station. On board oneVenator-class Star Destroyer, both Darth Sidious, theGalactic Emperor, and Darth Vader watched the construction of thesuperweapon, accompanied by Tarkin. The bridge crew of this Venator was no longer comprised of clone naval officers, but non-clone human personnel, such asBarrow Oicunn, who had previously served in the Republic Navy but was now devoted to the Empire.^[15][94]

Campaign at Salient[]

During thecampaign at Salient in theSalient system in18 BBY,Moff Wilhuff Tarkin commanded multipleVenator-class Star Destroyers reassigned fromTelos. Supporting Tarkin'sImperial I-class Star DestroyerExecutrix, the Venators launched ARC-170 starfighters as part of the operation againstCaptainSaw Gerrera. At this time, both the Venator and the ARC-170 were considered older-generation models by Tarkin, which were starting to be phased out.^[2]

The capture of Thrawn[]

In15 BBY, the crew of a Venator dubbed theStrikefast encountered anUnidentified planet while pursuing smugglers inWild Space. Following ImperialUA Protocols, teams of clone stormtroopers andImperial Navy Troopers were deployed on the planet's surface in an effort to identify anyintelligentalien life. Nearby, an exiledofficer of theChiss Ascendancy,Mitth'raw'nuruodo, took notice of the Imperial presence and continually harassed the troopers as they conducted their search. Eventually, Thrawn managed to steal thearmor off of a clone stormtrooper that he had killed, and snuck aboard theStrikefast, though he was quickly discovered. Impressed with the Chiss' immense knowledge in strategy and tactics,CaptainVoss Parck brought Thrawn back to Coruscant for a personal audience with the Emperor.^[95]

Further Imperial service[]

Sometime between9 BBY and2 BBY,^[96] at least fourVenator-class Star Destroyers served as escorts to anImperial I-class Star Destroyer above Coruscant whereMorgan Elsbeth was presenting her designs of theTIE/d "Defender" Multi-Role Starfighter to the Empire.^[97] An Imperial Venator was present above an Imperialshipyard onCassaro, where it provided security for the installation as Imperial Star Destroyers were constructed within.^[98]

Pacification of Namzor[]

Around2 BBY, aVenator-class Star Destroyer under the command of ImperialMoffAhr arrived above the planet ofNamzor in order to crush aninsurgent uprising and secure the rebels'Coaxium supplies. Numerous V-wing starfighters were deployed from the Imperial Venator and proceeded to strafe the insurgents positions, inflicting heavy casualties. Noticing a deposit of Coaxium near the insurgent lines, Ahr recalled the starfighters back to his Venator so that the supplies could be secured. Darth Vader however, who had been participating in the attack, ignored Ahr's orders and continued strafing the rebel positions until both the insurgents and the Coaxium deposit were destroyed.^[99]

Open War[]

At least oneVenator-class Star Destroyer would go on tofight on the frontlines of the Galactic Civil War together with half a dozenImperial-class Star Destroyers.^[100]

Legacy[]

Scrap yards across the galaxy[]

As early as19 BBY,^[101] many olderVenator-class Star Destroyers from the first production line and other Republic Era starships were beginning to be scrapped on planets like Bracca, which was the site of a major campaign during the war. The breakdown of many of these older Venators lasted into 14 BBY.^[80] The salvaged parts were meticulously picked through by large numbers of workers and the salvageable material was used to support the construction of newer Imperial machinery and ships.^[102]

Wreckage and use[]

The design of theVenator-class Star Destroyer ultimately evolved into the similarly wedge-shapedVictory-class Star Destroyer andImperial-class Star Destroyer, the signaturebattleship of the Galactic Empire.^[102][103] However, it was still in production by5 BBY^[23] and at least oneVenator-class was stationed at theAnthan Prime Orbital Dockyard severalmonths after theBattle of Yavin.^[104] During theBattle at Padmé's tomb around3 ABY,^[105] the formerNaboo Royal Handmaidens ofPadmé Amidala understood they would be unable to best the Sith Lord Darth Vader, butEirtaé used the opportunity to strike, and therefore tap into,Vader's armor with her electrifiedspear. Given an incomplete mess of code, Eirtaé traveled to the wreck of a Venator that had seen use in the Republic Era and tapped into its systems, cross referencing Vader's data with its technology to find forty-seven percent of Vader's command codes.^[106]

A nearly-entirely intactVenator was left abandoned onLevel 201 of Coruscant, with theMillennium Falcon racing past the forsaken Star Destroyer during theaerial assault on Coruscant.^[107] During the construction of thesecond Death Star,Venator-class Star Destroyers still remained in active service to the Empire, where several were used to protect theSanctuary Pipeline leading to theEndor system and the Death Star II.^[1] Following the Death Star II'sdestruction in4 ABY,^[108] theNew Republic'sVanguard Squadron came across thewreckage of aVenator-class, while escorting threeGR-75 medium transports, before coming into contact with theImperial II-class Star DestroyerOverseer. This was part of a New Republicambush in theZavian Abyss, where they revealed their prototypeStarhawk.^[109]

Over fifty years after the Clone Wars,^[110] the wreckage ofVenator-class Star Destroyers still existed throughout the galaxy.^[111] The wreckage of a Venator was located on the junk world of theNecropolis by the time of theNew Republic Era.^[112] In34 ABY,^[113] theForce-sensitivescavengerRey visited the Necropolis in order to repair theMillennium Falcon. She was granted permission to salvage spare parts byAra-Nea, aproprietor of the Necropolis, who charged the scavenger five hundred credits. Surveying the junk field from the dorsal side of a Venator, Rey considered it a "feast" as opposed to a typicalday of scavenging for her^[112] on the planetJakku, where she had lived before entering the struggle between theResistance andFirst Order.^[113] Around that same time,^[110] decommissioned Venators still littered the world of Bracca and were flown past by aT-70 X-wing starfighter^[111] flown by aResistance operative who journeyed to Bracca as part of a team in search of starships for theResistance navy.^[110]

Behind the scenes[]

Development[]

TheVenator-class Star Destroyer first appeared in the filmStar Wars: Episode IIIRevenge of the Sith.^[15] In Latin, the wordvēnātor means "hunter."^[114] The opening hangar doors across the middle of the Venator were seen inRevenge of the Sith concept art byRyan Church^[115] but would not be seen in action until^[116] theStar Wars: Clone Wars micro-series^[117] and theStar Wars: The Clone Wars series.^[116] The dual bridges of the Venator helped suggest the craft was more of a warship: in Church's mind, the Venator was given an extra bridge after losses sustained to previous craft.^[118] Church saw the Venator as a ship designed during the Clone Wars, rather than before it, and hoped the design made it clear to audiences that it was not the same vessel as theAcclamator-class seen inStar Wars: Episode IIAttack of the Clones.^[119] Church's design for the Venator featured a long "tail" at its back, subtly giving off the look of a sword.^[120]

Church started designing the Venator before the script forRevenge of the Sith was finished.^[121] Church cited aircraft carriers^[122] and the F-16XL fighter jet as inspirations for the Venator.^[123][124] As the story ofRevenge of the Sith developed, Church drew a piece of concept art depicting a Venator crashing into the surface of the planetMustafar.^[125] The long tail of the Venator seen in concept art was removed at the request ofGeorge Lucas, who noted many recent ships had a similar design at their back.^[126] The sizzle reel of concept art forAndor depicted a Venator being dismantled in the scrapyards^[127] of theplanetFerrix.^[128]

Contradictions[]

The roleplaying sourcebookRise of the Separatists claims that the Venator was introduced about twenty years before the outbreak of the Clone Wars, placing its introduction to circa42 BBY.^[129] However, the article ""Peace" à la Tarkin – The Imperial Fleet on a mission of terror" states that the Venator was developed during the Clone Wars itself.^[130] Indeed, the reference bookStar Wars Encyclopedia of Starfighters and Other Vehicles states that the Venator was introduced during the war after the conflict spurred on "a demand for larger and more powerful battleships,"^[5] which was later repeated in its2025 update.^[131] The2015 reference bookUltimate Star Wars,^[3] its2019updated edition,^[132] and its2024 updateStar Wars Encyclopedia: The Comprehensive Guide to the Star Wars Galaxy all state the Venator was first deployed during the Clone Wars.^[133]Star Wars: Complete Vehicles^[134] andStar Wars Complete Vehicles, New Edition also both say that the Venator was "new" at the time of the Clone Wars.^[24]

The reference bookStar Wars: Timelines would later provide a timeline on Star Destroyer development, in which it is stated that Kuat Drive Yards received a secret order for "Star Destroyers" and other warships in31 BBY. It does not outright say if the Venator was a result of this order,^[113]Project Icefang.^[135] With the Venator's earliest known appearance coming in^[48] the 22 BBY-set^[113] novelBrotherhood,^[48] this article assumes the Venator was introduced in 22 BBY if it was first deployed in the Clone Wars,^[13] as written by theUltimate Star Wars books.^{[3][132][133]} AsBrotherhood is only set a few weeks into the Clone Wars,^[48] it is unclear if the Venator was developed in that time, as suggested by "Peace" à la Tarkin^[130] andEncyclopedia of Starfighters and Other Vehicles,^[5] or if it was developed beforehand and only saw its first action once the conflict began, as suggested byTimelines.^[113] From a behind the scenes perspective, concept artist Ryan Church intended for the Venator to be a vessel developed during the war^[119] after "hard won lessons" about the Acclamator's weaknesses, with those losses in his mind stemming from the fact that the Acclamator had not been developed in wartime.^[118]

Appearances[]

Explore all of Wookieepedia'simages for this article subject. Star Wars: Galactic Defense Star Wars Journeys: Beginnings Star Wars Battlefront II Brotherhood(andaudiobook) Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars – Battle Tales 3(In flashback(s)) Age of Republic - Anakin Skywalker 1 Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Cat and Mouse" Star Wars: The Clone Wars film Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Clone Cadets"(In flashback(s)) Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi — "Practice Makes Perfect" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Supply Lines" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Ambush" "Sharing the Same Face" —The Clone Wars: Stories of Light and Dark(andaudiobook) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "RisingMalevolence"(First identified as Republic cruiser) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Shadow ofMalevolence" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "DestroyMalevolence" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Rookies" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Downfall of a Droid" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Duel of the Droids"(Mentioned only) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Bombad Jedi" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Cloak of Darkness" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Lair of Grievous"(In flashback(s)) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Dooku Captured" "Dooku Captured" —The Clone Wars: Stories of Light and Dark(andaudiobook)(Mentioned only) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Jedi Crash" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Defenders of Peace" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Trespass"(In flashback(s)) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Blue Shadow Virus"(In flashback(s)) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Storm Over Ryloth" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Innocents of Ryloth" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Liberty on Ryloth"(In flashback(s)) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Holocron Heist" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Cargo of Doom" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Children of the Force" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Zillo Beast"(In flashback(s)) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Zillo Beast Strikes Back" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Landing at Point Rain" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Brain Invaders" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Grievous Intrigue" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Deserter"(In flashback(s)) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Voyage of Temptation" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Duchess of Mandalore"(In flashback(s)) Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel(andaudiobook) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Death Trap" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "R2 Come Home" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Lethal Trackdown"(Appears as wreckage in flashback(s)) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Assassin" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "ARC Troopers" Hyperspace Stories 10 Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Evil Plans" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Heroes on Both Sides"(In flashback(s)) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Senate Murders"(In flashback(s)) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Nightsisters" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Overlords" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Ghosts of Mortis" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Citadel"(In flashback(s)) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Citadel Rescue" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Padawan Lost"(In flashback(s)) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Water War" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Gungan Attack" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Nomad Droids" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Darkness on Umbara"(In flashback(s)) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Kidnapped" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Escape from Kadavo" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "A Friend in Need"(In flashback(s)) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Gathering"(In flashback(s)) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Bound for Rescue" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "A Necessary Bond" "Almost a Jedi" —The Clone Wars: Stories of Light and Dark(andaudiobook) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Secret Weapons"(In flashback(s)) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Missing in Action" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Point of No Return" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Sabotage" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Jedi Who Knew Too Much" Kanan 8 Kanan 11 Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Unknown" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Crisis at the Heart" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Voices" Dark Disciple(andaudiobook) Darth Maul — Son of Dathomir 3 Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Deal No Deal" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Bad Batch"(In flashback(s)) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "A Distant Echo"(Appears on poster) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Unfinished Business" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Old Friends Not Forgotten" Star Wars: Episode IIIRevenge of the Sith(First appearance) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Shattered" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Victory and Death" Star Wars: The Bad Batch — "Battle Scars"(Wreckage only) Star Wars: The Bad Batch — "Reunion"(Wreckage only) The Bad Batch: Hunted! Star Wars: The Bad Batch — "War-Mantle" Star Wars: The Bad Batch — "Return to Kamino" Star Wars: The Bad Batch — "Kamino Lost" Star Wars: The Bad Batch — "The Solitary Clone" Star Wars: The Bad Batch — "The Clone Conspiracy" Star Wars: The Bad Batch — "Truth and Consequences" Star Wars: The Bad Batch — "Tipping Point" Star Wars: The Bad Batch — "The Summit" Star Wars: The Bad Batch — "Plan 99" Star Wars: The Bad Batch — "Identity Crisis" Star Wars: The Bad Batch — "Point of No Return" Star Wars: The Bad Batch — "Juggernaut" Star Wars: The Bad Batch — "Into the Breach" Star Wars: The Bad Batch — "The Cavalry Has Arrived" Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld — "Friends" "No Good Deed..." —Darth Vader (2017) 1 Thrawn(andaudiobook) Thrawn 1 Lords of the Sith(andaudiobook)(Indirect mention only) Tarkin(andaudiobook)(First identified asVenator-class destroyer) Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order(Wreckage only) Star Wars: Tales of the Empire — "The Path of Anger" Star Wars Rebels — "The Forgotten Droid"(Indirect mention only) Age of Rebellion - Darth Vader 1 Star Wars Rebels: Steps Into Shadow(Model only) Thrawn: Alliances(andaudiobook)(Mentioned only) Obi-Wan 3(In flashback(s)) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story(Appears as a toy) Darth Vader (2015) 9 Yoda 8(In flashback(s)) Bounty Hunters 4(Wreckage only) Bounty Hunters 5(Wreckage only) Star Wars (2020) 36(Wreckage only) Star Wars: Squadrons(Wreckage only) Age of Resistance - Rey 1(Wreckage only) Galaxy's Edge 2(Appears as a toy) Galaxy's Edge 3(In flashback(s)) Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes

Non-canon appearances[]

• "Rescue Sabine!" —LEGO Star Wars 14
• Fortnite Battle Royale
• LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
• "Kamino Crisis" —LEGO Star Wars 101
• "The Way of the Lightsaber" —LEGO Star Wars 120
• LEGO STAR WARS: Celebrate the Season — "Ahsoka's Amazing Adventures"

Sources[]

Notes and references[]