The Imperial Dark Troopers of the fictional Star Wars Saga are an elite branch of the Imperial Stormtroopers. Equipped with advanced armor and training, they are most effectively used in circumstances where versatility is essential. They operate in small numbers, or designated attack squadrons, and are often outfitted with a standard imperial rocket propulsion mount, or jetpack, for increased flexibility and tactical advantage.

Squadrons of the Dark Troopers have also been characteristically deployed along side the standard Imperial Troopers and the imperial army in battles to add their distinctive advantage. They use their advanced training techniques and jetpacks to go behind enemy lines or outflank enemy positions, contributing to the overall effectiveness of battle maneuvers by creating havoc for their foes. They are equipped with the standard E-11 rifle or a variation of such with a wider blast range creating a shotgun like effect. They are also issued additional fragmentation/thermal detonation and concussion grenades. They sport increased armor in the boots to ease landing, as well as additional vertical rods and plate layering armor on the back to prevent damage erosion from the jet propulsion, and back injury from the pull of the jet and intense landings.

Alternately, in the computer game Star Wars: Dark Forces, Dark Troopers are introduced as an Imperial shock-troop battle droid, utilizing a special cannon designed just for them. They are constructed of a very strong alloy known as 'phrik' metal, and are encountered in various stages of construction throughout the game. These deadly battle droids were the brainchild of General Rom Mohc . They were constructed onboard a special Star Destroyer called the Arc Hammer .

There were 3 different phases of the Dark Troopers. Dark Trooper Phase I was the earliest Dark Trooper and was little more than a skeletal frame. Its weapon was a cutting sword attached to its right arm. Dark Trooper Phase I also had a blast shield attached to its left arm. Dark Trooper Phase II was the standard Dark Trooper. Its weapon was an assault cannon fixed to its right hand capable of firing 400 plasma shells and 20 missiles. It was equipped with jetpacks enabling it to fly. Its dark grey armor also shared a striking resemblance to the standard Stormtrooper armor. It was also capable of being loaded into hyperspace pods for transportation to destination. The last and most powerful Dark Trooper was Dark Trooper Phase III which dwarfed even Dark Trooper Phase II and was capable of being used as an exosuit and operating independently. Only one Dark Trooper Phase III was ever constructed and was in the service of General Mohc who tried to use it against Kyle Katarn during a battle onboard the Arc Hammer but he was defeated. Its weapons were an assault cannon and 2 shoulder seeker missile launchers which were hidden under the droid's shoulder plates when not in use.

The Dark Troopers were first used against the Rebel Tak Base on the planet Talay in retaliation for the destruction of the first Death Star. They slaughtered all the Rebels in the base. Later Mon Mothma assigned Kyle Katarn to destroy the Dark Troopers. He succeeded in destroying the Arc Hammer where the Dark Trooper construction facility was located. He even engaged the Dark Trooper mastermind General Mohc who had donned his Dark Trooper Phase III Armour and defeated him. With the death of General Mohc, all research into the Dark Trooper Project ended.

External link

Dark Trooper entry at Star Wars Databank