Zeta-class Heavy Cargo Shuttle

The Zeta-class Heavy Cargo Shuttle, also known as the Zeta-class cargo shuttle, was a type of cargo shuttle used by the Galactic Empire in its fight against the Alliance to Restore the Republic. They were instrumental in carrying kyber crystals during the construction of the Death Star.
==Characteristics==
The Zeta-class Heavy Cargo Shuttle featured two levels: an upper deck that housed the ship's controls, and a ventral cargo deck that could be detached and dropped off at a location. The shuttle also had four wings that retracted inwards when landing and outwards when in flight, similar to the Lambda-class T-4a shuttle.
It was of similar appearance to the Eta-class supply barge. The shuttle's ventral cargo pod used standardized umbilicals and docking sleeves for grabbing onto docking clamps. These pods drew power from the Zeta's reactor plant, which also provided energy for specific cargo such as refrigeration or life support.Star Wars Complete Vehicles, New Edition
In terms of armament, the shuttles featured two wing-mounted KV22 heavy laser cannons and three hull-mounted Taim & Bak KX7 laser cannons. Skilled pilots did not need to fully land the shuttles in order to drop off or pick up cargo.
==History==
During the Partisans's attack on an Empire refinery in Kashyyyk, the Padawan Jedi Cal Kestis, who had stolen an AT-AT during the confrontation, helped Saw Gerrera and his allies to move forward and destroyed a Zeta-class Heavy Cargo Shuttle with the walker. The AT-AT ended up being destroyed along with the shuttle when it was hit by it when it crashed.Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Before the Jedha insurgency started, the Guardians of the Whills Baze Malbus and Chirrut Îmwe raided an Imperial supply convoy dropped off at LZ-Cresh by a cargo shuttle.Guardians of the Whills
During the insurgency, hundreds of these shuttles were used during the Imperial occupation of Jedha to transport kyber crystals for the purpose of powering the Death Star's superlaser.
At least five shuttles were stationed at the Eadu Flight Station at the time of the Mission to Eadu in 2004. One of these shuttles, SW-0608, would be stolen by Rogue One.
A number of these shuttles were also present for the Battle of Scarif, a successful attempt by the Rebel Alliance to steal the plans for the Death Star.
At least five were present at the Fondor Shipyards when they were attacked by the Rebel Alliance.Star Wars Battlefront II
Numerous Zeta-class shuttles could be found at the Remitik system munitions depot. Two shuttles carrying the explosive compound baradium were stolen by Titan Squadron as a skirmish with New Republic forces occurred.
Zeta-class shuttles were also used by the Imperial civilian government.
==Appearances==
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==Notes and references==
Category:Galactic Empire starship classes
Category:Zeta-class Heavy Cargo Shuttles