The Heavy Transport Barge (HTB) is an aging design, developed during the Clone Wars to move troops and equipment in hostile territory. To keep its occupants and supplies as well protected as possible, offensive weaponry was kept out of the design, which allowed more room for shielding and armor. As a result, the HTB must rely on armed escorts to keep its enemies at bay. Due to the added weight of its reinforced hull, the HTB is relatively slow compared to modern barges. However, because of its large payload capacity and the sheer number produced during the war, the HTB is still in widespread use throughout the galaxy.