Within wider Star Wars lore, including the expanded universe, these 'Imperial-class Star Destroyers' are likewise regarded as the most common class of Star Destroyer, and one of the most important symbols of the Galactic Empire, serving the Imperial fleet for at least five decades. Their official designation is Imperial-class (see section below) as of a short time after the declaration of the newly formed Empire, but during the earliest weeks of Imperial regime and the latter days of the Clone Wars, it was known as the Imperator-class. These ships are commonly referred to as Imperial-class Star Destroyers.
The term 'Star Destroyer' most often refers to the common dagger-hulled combat vessels used by the Empire in the three films of the original Star Wars trilogy.
