The Imperial Star Destroyer has enough firepower to reduce a civilised world to slag or take on a fleet of lesser enemy vessels. Each carries a full stormtrooper division, complete with assault craft and ablative heat shields for orbital drops, 20 AT-AT and 30 AT-ST walkers for ground assault and six TIE fighter squadrons for escort and patrol.

There are whole star systems whose gross domestic product is less than the cost of a single Imperial Star Destroyer. There are whole nations which, throughout their entire history, do not use as much energy as an Imperial expends to make a single hyperspace jump.

To carry out the Emperor's mandate of rule through fear and the swift destruction of opposition, the Imperial-class Star Destroyer is the weapon of choice. By deploying a Star Destroyer and support ships to a system, the Empire can virtually destroy any foe.

It is impossible to garrison every world in every system in the Empire, but the Imperial Star Destroyers give the Emperor the ability to project his power anywhere he wishes in a short period of time. These vessels are more than weapons platforms. They also act as space stations, repair docks, and heavy transports for smaller craft.

An Imperial-class vessel usually carries combat craft, shuttles, repair and recovery vehicles, landing barges, drop ships, ground assault vehicles, and pre-fabricated garrison bases for immediate deployment.

Since its introduction, an improved version of the Star Destroyer has begun to see action. The Imperial-II is an upgraded model featuring increased shielding and heavier firepower.

Sources:Gorden, Greg. Imperial Sourcebook. West End Games. June 1994