The new rebel X-wing was far superior to the TIE fighter, and won most battles in which they faced each other. Shortly after the battle of Yavin, the need for better fighters was paramount. The Empire-class was designed as a replacement for the Venators being used as fleet carriers. Two full starfighter wings are supported as well as gunboats, shuttles, transports, barges, and even corvettes can dock in the lower bay for the forward hanger. Turbolasers and quad lasers line the ventral and dorsal edge of the port and starboard rim.
Ten heavy ion cannons were placed on the prow, five to each flanking rim. One additional triple heavy turret replaced the ventral docking bay. A second triple heavy turret was added to the dorsal spine just forward of the original triple heavy turret. The eight heavy quad barbettes are retained, as are the two rim mounted heavy double heavy cannons. The ventral amidships docking bay was removed, adding ventral weapons batteries and a secondary reactor. The forward third of the ship now houses the massive bay. Extra shielding is added to the forward section, as well as massive reinforced mesh dura-steel hanger doors. Imperial I-class Star Destroyers were dry docked, and the forward two hundred meters were removed to make way for a large forward multi-level hangar.
