Layered Bulkheads and compartmentalisation, combined with a unique modular life support system, assures maximum crew survival in case of hull breachings. On numerous occasions, Imperial salvage craft have retrieved Carrack debris and found live crew members on board. These bulkheads also lend strength to the hull, allowing a Carrack to survive an attack that would destroy a similarly-sized vessel.

Compartmentalization does have one major drawback, though. Such a defence system takes up an inordinate amount of space. As a result, the Carrack-class is one of the largest light cruisers not equipped with internal hangar bays. Instead, each Carrack carries four TIE recon starfighters docked on an external rack. These small ships are used for courier missions and scouting duty.

To compensate for the lack of starfighter support, Carrack cruisers are equipped with powerful engines that make them among the fastest of the Empire's capital ships.

Current doctrine teams these cruisers with smaller vessels and assigns them to patrol duty in pacified or semi-pacified sectors. They also serve as personal transports for important planetary governors and Moffs.

Sources: