It was a type of stocky vessel with an almost cone-like prow. These vessels were almost twice as long as EF76 Nebulon-B escort frigates, but were much more massive than the skeletal frigate.
The model was equipped with landing gear and could dock inside enclosed hangars. Although about the size of most non-Mon Calamari frigates, these vessels were referred to as "cruisers."
A Galaxy Gun missile embedded into the side of a cruiser.
Ships of this design participated in the Battle of Endor, alongside other distinct classes such as the larger Liberty type and Home One type MC80 Star Cruisers.
Shortly after the battle, some of these vessels were at the shipyards of Fondor, undergoing repairs and maintenance work.
In 11 ABY, the Mon Calamari still utilized this ship type, as one was docked at the space city in the Nespis system when it was hit in the side by a missile dud shot from the Galaxy Gun.
Ralph McQuarrie concept art of the Battle of Endor.
This ship class was first drawn in concept art by Ralph McQuarrie during the pre-production of Return of the Jedi. A black and white version of the picture was used to depict Calamari cruisers in Galaxy Guide 5 and the design was also seen in the comic adaption of the film.
Later on, it would appear again in Star Wars (1977) 98 and in Star Wars: Empire's End.
- Galaxy Guide 5: Return of the Jedi