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The Trade Federation battleship, also known as the Lucrehulk-class battleship or LH-3210 cargo freighter, was a massive warship utilized by the Trade Federation during the waning years of the Galactic Republic. These daunting vessels were initially designed for commercial purposes as cargo freighters but were later repurposed as battleships with extensive modifications. Featuring powerful weaponry and robust defenses, these battleships became a symbol of the Trade Federation's military strength and were prominently featured during the Invasion of Naboo and The Clone Wars.
Lucrehulk-class battleships measured approximately 3,170 meters in diameter, making them among the largest starships in the Star Wars universe. They featured a distinctive circular design, with the majority of their cargo housed in the outer ring. The central spherical core contained the reactor, communications, and additional storage systems, while the command center was located at the front of the ship in a separate, raised module.
The battleship's defensive systems were impressive, boasting heavy shielding and multiple layers of armor. Additionally, these vessels were equipped with an advanced droid control system that allowed them to manage and coordinate vast armies of battle droids from within the safety of the ship itself, making them effective command and control centers during large-scale engagements.
In their converted form, Lucrehulk-class battleships were armed with numerous weapons systems to ensure their deadly capabilities in battle. These included 42 quad turbolaser turrets, capable of delivering devastating volleys of fire against enemy ships, and 164 point-defense laser cannons to deter smaller attackers such as starfighters. The battleships were also equipped with twelve tractor beam projectors, allowing them to ensnare and control other vessels.
Another advantage of the Lucrehulk-class battleship was its ability to carry substantial fighter complements. At maximum capacity, these vessels could store and deploy up to 1,500 droid starfighters, known as Vulture Droids. This enabled them to project their power across vast distances and effectively engage both capital ships and fighter squadrons alike.
Trade Federation battleships played prominent roles in several major conflicts leading up to the Clone Wars. During the Battle of Naboo, a blockade of these formidable vessels was used to enforce the Trade Federation's illegal occupation of the planet. Ultimately, the blockade was broken, and the droid control ship was destroyed by a young Anakin Skywalker, leading to the collapse of the invasion effort.
Despite this setback, the Trade Federation's Lucrehulk-class battleships continued to play crucial roles in the galaxy-spanning Clone Wars that followed. These vessels were a mainstay of the Confederacy of Independent Systems (CIS) navy, participating in numerous battles and skirmishes against the Galactic Republic and its fleet of Venator-class Star Destroyers. However, with the fall of the CIS and the rise of the Galactic Empire, the once-feared Trade Federation battleship saw its dominance fade and eventual obsolescence.
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