Assault transports are divided into three sections. The first section contains the command crew cockpit. Here the five man crew can monitor the actions of the spacetroopers as well as handle the operation of the shuttle and all its systems. The second section of the craft is the main body. In this section, 40 spacetrooper armour shells are stored until the troopers plug into them. The armor is constantly being recharged and powered up while in its place in the shuttle. This compartment is lined with fold-away launch doors that swing open to disgorge the spacetroopers. The rear portion of the craft houses the engines and power generators.

In a standard operation, an assault transport will hold a given target in a tractor beam or with magnetic harpoons. Sometimes it will cripple the target with a few well-placed blaster shots. Then it will open up and let its spacetrooper platoon loose.

Assault transports are among the most heavily shielded vessels in the Imperial fleet. Most combat starships funnel approximately 25 percent of their total power through the shield generators. An assault shuttle uses up to 62 percent power on shields, and over half of that power is channeled into the front arc. This allows the shuttle to withstand even the most concentrated barrage of fire for a short time.

These craft are both atmospheric and space capable, and have limited capacity for hyperspace travel (their onboard nav computers can hold up to three jumps). Most Imperial-class Star Destroyers carry an assault transport, along with the necessary stormtrooper platoon. Other ships are supplied with these units as needed and available.

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