Sheathipede-class Transport Shuttle

History

 * "Haor Chall Engineering Sheathipede-class transport shuttle. Design is based on the soldier beetles. Upraised stern, bow ramp, clawfoot landing gear."
 * ―A clone commando

The Sheathipede-class transport shuttle, also known as the Neimoidian shuttle or the Separatist shuttle, was a craft manufactured by Haor Chall Engineering[1] and used by high-ranking officials of the Trade Federation to visit potential clients and marketplaces.

Characteristics
They were shaped like soldier beetles, and their clawfooted landing legs could only settle down on hard surfaces. This was due to the businessmen's distaste for dealing with poor, underdeveloped worlds.[2]

These shuttles often had their cockpits removed and replaced by automated pilots, so that cabin space could be increased. The Sheathipede-class shuttle was a short-range ship, used only for planetary travel or to ferry passengers to and from an orbital space station or starship.[2]

The personal shuttle of Trade Federation Viceroy Nute Gunray was named the Lapiz Cutter. This ship had no weapons, although it was protected by powerful deflector shields.[2]

A distinct variant of the Sheathipede had several laser cannons and a seat for a gunner next to the pilot, thus widening the cockpit. Due to the additional armament on the dorsal fin, the communications antenna was shortened.[4]

The shuttle bore a resemblance to the larger Neimoidian trader,[5] the Maxillipede shuttle[6] and the Class Type B escort shuttle.