The Hapes Nova-class Battle Cruiser incorporates the latest breakthroughs in Hapan technology as well as a number of design innovations stolen from Kuat Drive Yards and SoroSuub. Even with these innovations however, individual cruisers must choose their engagements carefully. This swift combat vessel was conceived to supplement and help overcome the design limitations of the Hapan Battle Dragon. Since Hapan fleets strengthened by the Battle Dragon were not always capable of repelling a concerted assault, this vessel was envisioned as a large-scale support ship that would serve as the Battle Dragon's protective escort. With its sufficient power to manoeuvre and outrun a number of contemporary capital ships, it has proven itself as an effective defensive anti-pirate cruiser and assault frigate.

    By four years after Endor, the Nova Battle Cruiser design was less than a decade old. It is yet known as to which Hapan shipyard assembles these ships. Production on the design continued through the years with later models featuring backup shield generators, whose designs it is believed, were stolen from a Mon Calamari stardock in a data-raid. The inclusion of the backups permit the Nova to quickly recover from short battles. In order to accommodate this feature the power generators have been enlarged. These additions however, consumed a hefty sum of internal volume, which as a consequence removed the second squadron of Miy'til Fighters. Although this design is equipped to deploy soldiers for planetary invasions, it is instead, generally assigned to escort large troop ships. Regularly, Nova Battle Cruisers are put in command of task forces assigned to patrolling the Hapan Cluster's borders. By their reputation and capabilities, they frighten away many smugglers and pirates who would otherwise attempt to cross into Hapan space.

    Due to the weaknesses of Hapan turbolaser technology, these vessels can easily find themselves unable to return fire at the most inopportune moments. As a result, Hapan doctrine calls for three or more Nova Battle Cruisers to work in tandem. Additionally, captains of these vessels prefer to conduct quick and brutal assaults with the intention of destroying all their foes in their first pass. This tactic has further added to the Hapan's reputation of fierceness in defending their borders. The Nova is designed to repel major invasions of Hapan space rather than conducting long-ranged patrols, and as such they are relatively short-ranged vessels. Its laser cannons endow it with the capability to battle starfighters and small freighters in order to defend itself or the Battle Dragon it is assigned to protect.

    This design features port and starboard landing/launching bays. Mounted on both wings (that are situated like an inverted V) are all the ship's ion cannons, as well as the overlapping shield projectors. On the trailing edge of the wings are the manoeuvring jet arrays. Above and between the landing bays is the ship's main power core.  On the neck, leading to the bridge module is the shield generator power core, and the folded bridge shield plates. Additional port and starboard protection to the bridge is afforded by the physical, collapsible bridge shield (plates). When deployed, these plates appear to be an unfurled hand fan. Just above the nose is the bridge. Located on the chin is the main sensor grid.