In a galaxy far, far, away, there is plenty to marvel at: alien lifeforms, technology beyond compare, interspecies converging over political matters, and one of the most stylish weapons to emerge from the science fiction genre--the lightsaber. Indeed, the Star Wars franchise brings the most creative, otherworldly concepts to life. Across the Star Wars' many sequels, the ships, in particular, have distinguished themselves as some of the most feared and respected vessels across the galaxy.
With names just as threatening as their weaponry, there are well over one hundred individually named ships throughout the universe. Despite the high volume of ships created--which will certainly continue to grow as the Star Wars saga itself expands--there are a few powerful ships that stand out amongst the ranks. Here are the names of the most powerful ships in the Star Wars franchise.
The Invisible Hand
The Invisible Hand has a truly fascinating, if not even more deceptive, name assigned to it. Belonging to the family of Providence-class Dreadnought ships, the intergalactic vessel is commanded by General Grevious after his departure from the Malevolence. The Invisible Hand is a direct reference to the slang term in economic fields that refer to market forces. The "invisible hand" of economics would apply to the driving factors of the law of supply and demand; suiting for the Separatists to take to, as they openly parody those with capitalistic values. The ship's first appearance was first mentioned in Labyrinth of Evil, a prequel novel to Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.
As for its physical aspects, the Invisible Hand is teeming with armor and weaponry. Heavy ion canons, dual laser cannons, and a quad of turbo-laser canons are poised and ready to shoot down any opposition that may head in its direction. 17 batteries keep the Front Fire Arc prepared for any moment, and two point-defense ion canons await their need to fend off foes. Proton torpedo tubes and tractor beam projectors work to provide even more defense for the Invisible Hand.
Kylo Ren's Command Shuttle
The Command Shuttle, which shares the likeness of a bird of prey, made its first appearance in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, along with the sequel's central antagonist, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), aboard it. Though the name itself is more self-explanatory than foreboding, it ultiimately announces that Ren is present. It may be more on the minimalistic side when considering the elaborate detail of other Star Wars ships, but it is no less haunting. Its bat-like, bleak, and sinister design is what allows Ren's Command Shuttle to stand out on such a distinct level.
Venator-Class Star Destroyer
The main battleship featured throughout Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the Venator-Class Star Destroyer is as fearsome as its name. It isn't the only ship that categorizes itself as a Star Destroyer and has been awarded a couple of alternative nicknames. This wedge-shaped cruiser serves as a versatile vessel capable of carrying troops, transporting cargo, and has been deployed as a warship during ship-to-ship combat.
The Venator-Class Star Destroyer is equipped with eight double-barrel heavy turbolaser turrets, the AV-7 Anti-Vehicle Artillery Cannon, at least 52 point-defense laser cannons and two sets of medium dual turbolasers. Contributing to that, the ship is also outfitted with four heavy proton torpedo launchers and six heavy tractor beam projectors. The Venator-Class Star Destroyer is clad with a number of gun emplacements in the ship's hull.
Imperial-Class Star Destroyer
The first awe-inspiring, intimidating, and feared ship in Star Wars, the Imperial-Class Star Destroyer's triangular figure has become one of the galaxy's most dreaded. Usually floating through space to the familiar tune of John Williams' iconic Imperial March - commonly known as Darth Vader's theme - there's typically trouble in tow when the Imperial-Class Star Destroyer makes its way onto the screen. Audiences first caught sight of this ship in the opening scene of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope.
The ship is expectedly thronged with weaponry and high-tech alike. It finds itself protected by KDY ISD-72 shield generating domes to deflect any attacks made by those determined to take it down. Heavy ion canons, dual heavy turbo-laser turrets, quad heavy turbo-lasers, triple-medium turbo-lasers, and Phylon 07 tractor beams are only a few examples of the lengths that the Imperial-Class Star Destroyers goes to in order to ensure that the fear that it instills is upkept.
Slave I
The Book of Boba Fett is arriving in the waning weeks of 2021, and there's hope that even the bounty hunter will take to reclaiming his iconic ship. The Slave I, or Slave One, is one of the most distinct-looking ships throughout the Star Wars universe and is enough to scare any creature with a bounty on their head. The ship's shocking shape means that both the vessel and its owner aren't around to simply take things likely- they're there to complete their mission.
The Slave I gives way to an impressive array of weaponry; a twin rotating blaster cannon, laser cannons, concealed projectile launchers. seismic charges, concussion missile launchers, ion cannons, and a tractor beam project allow the Slave I to be prepared for anything. Intimidating, undoubtedly, it will be exciting to see how Lucasfilm has upgraded it if they choose to bring the ship back for The Book of Boba Fett.
Resurgent-Class Star Destroyer
Utilized by the First Order, this ship shares the uncanny imagery of a crocodile with its jaw agape in waiting for its prey to near its clutches. Sprawling out to almost a total of three kilometers, the Resurgent-Class Star Destroyer serves as the capital with pride. Its most recognized from Star Wars: Battlefront in the First Order-Resistance War.
These massive ships relentlessly bulldoze their way through any challenger that approaches it. The Resurgent-Class Star Destroyer houses TIE Fighters, troops, and on-ground assault vehicles. As for its ordnance, the Resurgent-Class Star Destroyer bears over fifteen hundred turbo-lasers, tractor beam projectors, point defense cannons, ion cannons, and quad point missile defense batteries.
X-Wing Starfighter
The dogfighting-designed ship with the distinctive S-foil assigns the X-Wing Starfighter with its "X-Wing" appearance. The X-Wing Starfighter was once intended to be the backbone of the Imperial Navy, but then later found itself as The Alliance and the Rebel Forces claimed the X-Wing ships as their own. They have the ability to keep up with TIE Fighters while being able to maneuver with speed and accuracy. Small but mighty, the X-Wing Starfighters were the main necessity in taking down both the Death Star and the Death Star II. The X-Wing Starfighters made their way into the Star Wars universe through the pages of Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke published in 1976.
The ship finds its advantage through its ability to move quickly and the ability to band together, using the idea of strength in numbers to take down assailants that may cross their paths. Outside of their interest in fighting as a unit, they are equipped with hyperdrive that allows them to push their fleet-fighting style ahead in lightspeed.
Super Star Destroyer
One of the largest, most powerful Imperia vessels that has made its way into the many eras of Star Wars, the Super Star Destroyer is extremely honest to its name. The arrowhead shape profile of the Imperial ship allows it to diverge from the triad-pointed figure of the Imperial-Class Star Destroyer, even though the pair share striking similarities. An island of habitual volume is nestled comfortably in the ship's center, and its outward display of armaments rests atop the cityscape. The term "Star Destroyer" was first used in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back.
Engineering is found on the underbelly of the Super Star Destroyer, and the substructure houses thirteen colossal engine thrusters that assume the responsibility of driving the ship forward. Additional features include six heavy ion cannon turrets, two heavy turbo-laser turrets, 60 NK-7 ion cannons, ten tractor beam projectors, three triple-medium turbo-lasers, and a variety of supplementary artillery.
Malevolence
The Separatists' most impressive, most dangerous vessel, Malevolence has established itself as one of the most feared ships to exist in the wealth of Star War titles. Prominent in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the Malevolence first caused initial damage to Galatic Republic naval forces in the year 22 BBY, and was later identified as a primary endangerment during the Battle of Abregado. This particular ship was formerly designated as General Grievous' flagship before he was forced onto the Invisible Hand. Malevolence made its way into Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Malevolence meets the expectation when it comes to its arsenal. Aboard the ship are two mega-ion cannons, five point-laser defense cannons, 500 turbo-lasers, and several tractor beam projectors. In the measure of its own defense, the ship is protected by a deflector shield generator that fends off any enemy fire.
Supremacy
At a hulking thirteen meters in length paired with an impressive wingspan of sixty kilometers, the Supremacy reigns supreme. Classified as a Mega-Class Star Dreadnought, the main ship belonging to Supreme Leader Snoke was absolutely dreaded by those who crossed paths with it. Even more terrifying to even the most dauntless of enemies, the Supremacy had the ability to track and hunt its targets at lightspeed. Supremacy was included in Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi in association with Supreme Leader Snoke.
The ship had the ability to carry eight Resurgent-Class Star Destroyers while housing an onboard ship production facility. Though the Supremacy is considered to be a ship by definition, it could also be classified as a small-scale city due to the high volume of passengers it is able to carry. If it weren't for its demise caused by a collision with the Raddus, the Supreme would have been deemed invincible.