Gladiator-class Star Destroyer

The Gladiator-class Star Destroyer is a class of warship that was used by the Galactic Empire during its early days. It can be seen as the forbearer to the Escort Carrier and functions in much of the same capacity.

It possesses an array of capital-grade torpedo or concussion missile launchers and turbolaser emplacements. Torpedo loading bays are located deep inside the ship, with automated loading arms controlled from a console next to the conveyor belt that feeds munitions to the launchers.

This particular class of Star Destroyer is characterized by its extensive hangar area, with an opening in the bow of the vessel, that splits the forward superstructure in two. The hangar has enough room for several starfighters to enter or exit at the same time. A complement of 24 fighters is usually carried to intimidate small frontier worlds.

=History= The Gladiator-class was originally envisioned as an escort vessel for the Victory-class Star Destroyer, and the initial design was made by Walex Blissex for Rendili StarDrive. The final design was not finished until after the end of the Clone Wars, and with the Victory-class being abandoned as a main warship by the Galactic Empire, the specs were handed over to Kuat Drive Yards.

KDY repurposed the class as a long-range patrol vessel, carrying enough troops, fighters and firepower to subjugate local pirate groups and planetary defense forces in the fringe regions of the galaxy. When the Rebellion began to field heavier naval elements, smaller Imperial ships like the Gladiator-class were outmatched. With the introduction of the Escort Carrier, most of the Gladiator-class ships were phased out of the Imperial Navy.

In modern times they are more commonly seen in small planetary navies or in the hands of various pirates or fringe groups.

=Sources=
 * Wookieepedia