The Sentinel-class Landing Shuttle is a heavily armed and armoured design that was originally derived from the Lambda-class Shuttle, as the wing configuration is a testament to that heritage. Shortly before the Battle of Yavin, this two engine craft began seeing Imperial service. At first only key Imperial units, such as those under the command of Lord Vader were equipped with them, and the fleet that kept order in Virgillian space. Other ships, such as the ISD Inquisitor, which participated in a number of planetary actions also made extensive use of this design. Eventually, the Sentinel become one of the Empire's widely employed troop transport conveyances.

    Due to its battle worthiness it is commonly pressed into service as a combat support vehicle. Furthermore, its firepower permits it to clear landing zones to directly land troops in an engagement area. Delay and disabling of enemy vehicles is provided by its ion cannon, while its repeating blasters provide covering fire for disembarking soldiers and supplies. Because of its capabilities, these shuttles generally remain in the combat zone to provide covering fire for Imperial troops. They are primarily employed to move Stormtroopers from Star Destroyers to planet side combat zones. Sentinels have been also deployed in conjunction with Theta-class AT-AT Barges to unleash combined infantry and armour assaults. Due to its admirable atmospheric qualities, a number of planetary garrisons possess at least one Sentinel; even the Tatooine garrison has access to them.

    Rapid mission customization is easily achieved with the Sentinel, due to its effortlessly configurable interior. Extracting the easily removed troop seating allows for quick conversion of the landing craft into a combat delivery vehicle or a combat-ready cargo shuttle. Other missions for these fine shuttles include transporting vehicles and supplies to garrisons. It must be noted that the Rebellion has managed to acquire this shuttle for their nefarious use. At least one recon speeder bike is included with the shuttle's charges, equipped with a slaved communications terminal. Before deploying the speeder bike, its communications frequency is randomly chosen to prevent signal interception.

    The crew is housed in the cockpit; and its entire weapons' complement is linked to the shuttle's precise targeting computers. Located in front of the landing ramp (cockpit section) are the retractable repeating blasters. Behind the landing ramp, on the shuttle's main body are its concussion missile launchers. On the main body, on either side are the Sentinel's laser cannons. Finally, its retractable ion cannon is dorsally located behind the cockpit section. The hold behind the troop compartment (separated by a hallway which leads to the flank landing assault ramps) stores the vehicles and E-Webs.

    Protection is provided by armour plating that is almost 25% heavier than that of the Lambda Shuttle's, and by a pair of forward and a pair of aft shield generators. It must be noted however, that not all models come equipped with four shield generators. Interestingly, this shuttle employs the same hyperdrive unit found in the Xg-1 Assault Gunboat. Its surprising speed and agility is achieved thanks to its Cygnus engine array. Navigation in practically all conditions is permitted by the Sentinel's sensor suite. Other sensors included: life-form indicators, motion detectors, infrared imaging, and automatic mapping. Mounted on the aft ailerons (top wing) and the back of the folding wings are manoeuvring jets. In the event of an emergency, its simple autopilot can bring the shuttle to a homing beacon or Imperial garrison. An exceedingly powerful communications array permits communication with all Imperial ships and units within a star system.

*After Endor* Both Sienar and Cygnus continued production of Sentinel shuttles, and within two years after Endor, they became a very common sight. With the loss of their primary customer, Sienar and Cygnus turned to selling the shuttles to a number of private concerns, including those that later turned out to be front companies for the New Republic. Because of its enduring qualities of adaptability and might in battle, Sentinels see heavy employment by the Imperial Remnant, New Republic, and mercenary forces.