When the originalStar Wars(later retitledStar Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope) introduced audiences to the galaxy far, far away in 1977, viewers were amazed by the technical marvels Industrial Light & Magic’s (ILM) model makers were able to pull off with their spaceship miniatures. When audiences are transported into theStar Warsuniverse, everything feels like it’s on a grand scale, from theGalactic Empire’s Death Star space station to its iconic Star Destroyers.
Beforethe Empire rose to power, the Galactic Republic fielded a fleet of smallerVenator-class Star Destroyers in its navy. Used during the Clone Wars, these versatile warships were often called Republic attack cruisers, or Jedi cruisers. Afterissuing Order 66and overseeing the Great Jedi Purge, Emperor Palpatine reorganizes the Republic into the Empire — and the Sith Lord transforms more than just the Republic’s troops. The Imperial-class Star Destroyer is an evolution of the Venator-class cruiser so prized during the Clone Wars, and the enduring design later becomes a mainstay for both the First Order and Sith Eternal, too.
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What Is The Biggest Star Destroyer In Star Wars?
Most fans immediately picture an Imperial-class Star Destroyer; after all, the dagger-shaped capital ship is one ofStar Wars’ most recognizable transports. InA New Hope,Leia Organaheads to Tatooine to locate Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, only to end up in the possession of the Rebel Alliance’s stolen Death Star plans, and pursued by Imperial Star Destroyers, though these capital ships can be seen often throughout the original trilogy.
So, of all the Star Destroyers that appear throughouttheStar Warsfilms and series, which is the biggest? Known as a Super-class Star Destroyer, the Imperial Executor-class Star Dreadnought was the Empire’s largest model of Star Destroyer. This so-called “Super Star Destroyer” boasts a truly fitting name. At 19,000 meters long, the command ship features over 5,000 turbolasters and ion cannons, and dwarfs all other Imperial Star Destroyers.
Picking up where the Empire failed, the First Order tries to be bigger and better — emphasis on bigger. Led bySupreme Leader Snoke, the First Order’s navy features remnants of the Old Empire. The First Order’s Resurgent-class Star Destroyers, for example, are more than inspired by the Imperial navy’s ships. TheFinalizer, a First Order Star Destroyer, serves as the fleet’s flagship and base of operations for both General Hux andKylo Ren— and it’s almost twice the length of its Imperial-era counterpart.
However, oneFirst Ordership towers above all others: the Mega-class Star Dreadnought. Also called the Mega-class Star Destroyer, this ship serves as the capital of the movement. (Yes, the capital, not the capital ship.) Although it’s “only” 13,000 meters long, the Mega-class Star Destroyer still bests the Empire’s dreadnought in terms of sizes thanks to its incredible wingspan of 60,000 meters. Only one model of the ship, theSupremacy, is featured in the sequel trilogy.
Perhaps surprisingly,Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Sidiousdoesn’t order a massive dreadnought for the Sith Eternal’s fleet, the Final Order. Instead, the Final Order Star Destroyer (or Sith Star Destroyer) prizes firepower over size. TheseXyston-class Star Destroyers are each armed with an axial super-laser that’s capable of destroying entire worlds, though their launch from Exegol is thwarted by the Resistance and their allies.
Is Any Ship Bigger Than A Star Destroyer?
Throughout galactic history, fans can spot other examples of Star Destroyers, from those that are classified as battle cruisers and cruisers to multi-functional warships, like the Republic’s hulking Imperator-class Star Destroyer. Size-wise, these ships are smaller than the dreadnoughts mentioned above. So, is there any ship in theStar WarsCanonthat’s bigger than a Star Destroyer?
In terms of length, the Imperial Super Star Destroyer is the biggest ship inStar WarsCanon. However, when looking at a ship’s wingspan — and, by extension, the sheer amount of materials needed to create a ship — the First Order’s Mega-class Star Destroyer reigns supreme. In the films and series, there isn’t any ship bigger than one of these Star Destroyers. TheDeath Star, for example, is moon-sized, but it’s a weaponized space station, not a ship.
What Is The Smallest Star Destroyer?
When it comes to having a robust fleet, size isn’t everything. Sometimes, ships prize maneuverability or firepower over scope. At 600 meters in length, the Gladiator-class Star Destroyer is considered the smallest Star Destroyer. Originally made for the Republic for use during theClone Wars, the Gladiator-class craft was an important part of the Imperial navy inStar WarsCanon.
Initially, the Gladiator was designed to serve as a dedicatedStar Destroyerescort, though, due to their impressive firepower, they also functioned well as blockade vessels and independent, long-range patrol ships. So, while not as hefty as other classes of Star Destroyer, it was still a formidable foe for all rebels who crossed it.
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