The Imperial Dropship Transport is a 16.8-meter long troop transport unit that consists of four Imperial Dropship Transports, along with four pilots, four gunners, four technicians, and two mechanics to operate and maintain them. It was designed for the Galactic Empire as a troop transport and gunship to move small contingents of troops and provide light close-air support. It is armed with two missile launchers, two light laser cannons, and two blaster cannons. Built for atmospheric-use only, this vessel has great maneuverability and speed, with only light armor. The troop bay is usually exposed during atmospheric flight for rapid deployment. Operated by the pilots in the flight, each can carry up to 18 troops allowing the flight to carry 72 soldiers or passengers. Known simply as an IDT for short, it shares a similar design to the Galactic Republic's LAAT transports and were used extensively by the Galactic Empire to transport stormtroopers.