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| Ballista
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Corellian Engineering Corporation
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CR series
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CR90 corvette
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Corvette
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3,600,000 credits
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ID 49302
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150 meters
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48.6 meters
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32.6 meters
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2,100 G
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950 km/h
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Girodyne Ter58 high-output ion turbine engines (11)
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Class 2.0
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CEC subspace hyperdrive
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Mason-Branger 7085 ionization reactor and regulator
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Phoah-Kingsmeyer 484-J4E screen control and shield projector
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Ferro-magnesium ceramic
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Pax Hustana variable array sensor units (2)
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Corellian Chain Management NavCom Unit
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- Taim & Bak H9 dual turbolaser turrets (2)
- Taim & Bak H9 single turbolaser turrets (4)
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165
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7
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Up to 600
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Up to 3,000 metric tons
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1 year
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New Order era
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Ascendant Fleet
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First Mobile Fleet
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Destroyed
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34 ABY
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40 ABY
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The Ballista was a CR90 corvette in service to Clan Plagueis' fleet. Attached to the First Mobile Fleet, the vessel served as an escort craft and picket ship during major operations, and was one of several intended for a more offensive role rather than the mass of similar ships that served as an anti-fighter screen.
History
Like many ships with the Ascendant Fleet, the Ballista was purchased following substantial losses to Plagueis' naval assets. With only its flagship surviving a harrowing battle above the Clan’s new capital, Aliso, the fleet was rapidly rebuilt with any assets that it could lay its hands on. Purchased in 34 ABY, the Ballista was selected due to the versatility and effectiveness of the CR90's design during the Galactic Civil War. Its abilities were soon put to the test during the civil war between the Iron Throne and its assorted Clans, and the later conflicts with the Collective. It served Clan Plagueis loyally in the Ascendant Fleet for years. However, in 40 ABY, during the Fifteenth Great Jedi War, it was captured by The Children of Mortis. The Children then used it in a false flag attack during a summit of several Brotherhood Clans on Cantonica. During the ensuing battle, the Ballista was destroyed.
Characteristics
Commonly nicknamed a blockade runner thanks to its distinctive engine-heavy design, the CR90 was designed by the Corellian Engineering Corporation as a diplomatic ship to be used as an escort vessel for high-ranking official politicians. Although not intended as a dedicated warship, many of its noteworthy strengths were easily adapted to an escort role, leading to various groups opposed to the Empire or pirate factions adopting the ship as a major addition to its fleet.
At a length of one-hundred-and-fifty meters, the CR90 only requires a crew of seventy-five to operate the ship but could be bolstered by a further ninety for greater effectiveness. Capable of ferrying up to two hundred passengers, and three thousand tons of cargo without compromising its speed, it was highly effective as an armed freighter. This was achieved thanks to the huge cluster of ion turbine engines that occupied the rear third of its length. Outfitted with two primary Taim & Bak H9 dual turbolaser turrets and an additional four single barrel variants, it was remarkably well-armed for a civilian ship. Nevertheless, the ship was still lightly shielded and armoured for a vessel of its tonnage, making them glass cannons during protracted engagements.
Role
Intended primarily as a picket and recon vessel, the Ballista served as a forward scout for the First Mobile Fleet. In situations were the Ascendancy's complement of X-Wings would not suffice or required further support, it proved to be a suitable means to add additional fast-moving firepower. Its presence also helped to free up the smaller ships from escort duties while maintaining a clear perimeter cordon about the Ascendancy, giving it a constantly active asset that did not require frequent refueling and downtime in hangars like starfighters.