The Carrack-class was developed and produced during the Clone Wars by Damorian Manufacturing Corporation for the Republic Navy. A smaller frigate, the Carrack was designed to escort larger ships-of-the-line and protect them against smaller threats. However, shipwrights were careful to balance the weapons spread to enable groups of Carracks to coordinate and take down much larger vessels. Relatively slow in sublight, the Carrack was swift through hyperspace and adapted well to patrol duties in secured territories with its military-grade sensor suite. A rugged hull and redundant life support and power systems gave the Carrack-class a reputation for survivability, making it a popular assignment for Navy officers.

The Carrack/S-class Light Cruiser was the result of an Imperial modernization of the original Damorian design. Improvements in manufacturing processes as well as innovations in weapons, deflector, and dejouling technologies prompted engineers to overhaul some of the Carrack's older systems and outfit them for modern duties. The new Carrack/S continues to perform essential starfighter defense, reconnaissance, system security, and courier roles for Imperial Union navies across the galaxy.