What is the Imperial Star Destroyer's normal weapons and small-craft loadout, and what would improve it?
Short answerThe Imperial I carries the weapons and deployable garrison for heavy policing. Proposed improvements include more survivable fighters, specialist support craft and stronger point defence, although the choices are disputed.
NotesFleet regards the Imperial I Star Destroyer as well suited to heavy policing and garrison duties in a high-threat part of Imperial space. He would exchange some TIE fighters for a squadron of Skipray blastboats for ground support and anti-shipping work. Its embarked troops and deployable ground base let it establish a substantial presence without waiting for outside support. Rothana supplies the garrisons, while Kuat builds the Star Destroyer itself. A counterproposal favors VT-49 Decimators for patrolling a wide area. TIE Advanced and Defender fighters appeal to those who put greater weight on pilot survival, while ordinary TIE fighters retain the advantages of low cost and simple maintenance. The adequacy of the ship's point defence is also disputed. The Imperial I has a more balanced defensive fit than the Imperial II, whose armament places greater emphasis on fighting capital ships.