The Imperial Customs Frigate was one of the main vessels used by the Imperial Customs Office's patrols.
Characteristics
The Imperial Customs Frigate was manufactured by Rendili StarDrive, the builders of the larger Light corvette also used by the Customs Office. Though it was slower, smaller, and less durable than the Light Corvette or the Guardian-class light cruiser from Sienar Fleet Systems, it required a smaller crew, and its six heavy laser cannons had significantly greater firepower at short range.
Role
Like other vessels used by Imperial Customs, it was able to do battle with most smugglers' light freighters, the forces of small-time pirates, or even Rebel starfighters. Of course, it was completely outclassed by capital ships, which generally required the intervention of the Imperial Navy.
History
Sometimes during Roark Garnet's captaincy, the Dorion Discus freighter caught the attention of the Customs Frigate Assessor. The Discus disobeyed the shut down order and tried to escape. After a warning shot, the frigate began to shoot at the freighter, but it entered hyperspace.[2]
While primarily used by the Empire, the Customs Frigate was also sold to local governments for their own small navies, and at least one vessel, Battle of Yavin, was captured and used by the New Republic. It was also coveted by pirates, who captured the vessel or bought illegal copies of the design built in criminal shipyards. One such pirate vessel was the Counter-Puncher, commanded by Tor Skylow and crewed by Imperial deserters.[1]
The Counter-Puncher was a modified Customs Frigate.
Behind the scenes
The stats of the Imperial Customs Frigate first appeared in the Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game.[2] Later these stats were given to the Guardian-class light cruiser and the frigate got new ones.[1]
Appearances
- The Hutt Gambit
- Rebel Dawn
"Tales of the Smoking Blaster" — Star Wars Gamemaster Handbook (as customs frigate)- X-Wing: Rogue Squadron (and unabridged audiobook) (First appearance, in book)
- Jedi Search
Sources
Non-canon sources
- "Hold-up galactique" — Casus Belli 62 (Unlicensed)
- "Milk Run" — Polyhedron 83 (reprinted in Polyhedron 83) (reprinted in Polyhedron 83) (reprinted in Polyhedron 83) (Unlicensed)
- "Death by Triflexia" — Challenge 76 (Unlicensed)
