The Katarn-class Boarding Shuttle is the Imperial Navy's answer for swiftly and relatively securely transporting Naval Troopers against Rebel, smuggler, or pirate vessels when Spacetroopers are unavailable. While this craft is not as heavily armed and armoured as the Gamma-class Assault Shuttle, it is capable of holding its own in an engagement zone. Once at its destination, the Katarn can quickly cut through the targeted vessel's hull to unleash its troops. Unfortunately, some Katarns as well as their specifications have been acquired by the black market. The nefarious Rebel Alliance also makes use of these craft in order to briskly move Rebel SpaceOps Troops into boarding actions. This shuttle was in Imperial service by the time of the Battle of Yavin.

Designed to rapidly move troops into boarding actions, the Katarn comes equipped with a nose-end beading airlock. Mounted on its airlock is the plasma torch boarding device, whose controls can be found just inside the main airlock. After ramming the target vessel, the Katarn's extendable boarding tube forms an airtight seal against the target's hull in 30 seconds. After breaching the hull, a full minute is required by the torch to cut a one-metre-wide by two-metre-high hole. Once cut, the shuttle lets loose its boarding party. This entire process can be accomplished in as little as two minutes.