The Ashigaru-class Chie Imperial Gunship, often shortened as Ashi, was a small but heavily-armed capital ship designed by Chie Imperial Shipyards, beginning sometime after 25 ABY. These ships had heavy armament, thick armor, powerful shields, and large engines, which made them formidable in battle; however, they had very little agility, and turned slowly. These ships were used primarily by the Chie Imperial Navy.