Blastboats fill the gap between speedy, maneuverable starfighter designs and the slower, more heavily-armed capital ships. They are swift enough to overhaul most system intruders, and strong enough to deliver - and survive - blows from powerful weapons. They operate equally well in atmosphere, on patrol in the far reaches of a star system, or performing fleet point duties with or without starfighter support.
Sienar's GAT Blastboat series is the Empire's standard gunship for demanding point missions and patrol assignments. To take advantage of its exceptional armament, it is deployed in trouble spots where conflict is likely and the combat risk is high. The GAT is the smallest Imperial Naval vessel to be equipped with hyperdrive engines. Although these craft are usually planet- or space station-based, they routinely patrol entire sectors.
Different configurations have been employed as ground support or missile launch platforms, but the most popular version is the GAT-12h "Skipray", a power-boosted refinement over slower, less combat oriented models. As with the assault shuttle, blastboats are lumped in with capital ships because of the missions they undertake and the firepower they are able to deliver. In addition to patrol duties, the Skypray is commonly used for planetary defense and interdictive actions.
The aerodynamic Skipray performs exceptionally well in atmospheric flight, easily executing maneuvers normally possible only by high-performance air speeders. In space combat, the GAT-12h is not especially maneuverable. It relies instead on its speed to approach with surprise and get in a devastating first attack. When engaged in extended combat, the Skipray coordinates its attack with TIE fighters whenever possible, or uses wingman tactics if there are more blastboats in the area. | 
