The Colonial Warthog is a transatmospheric heavy transport typically used as a tactical insertion platform for Colonial Marine forces. As an assault dropship, the Warthog is able to carry up to 36 combat-loaded Marines from an orbiting vessel to the surface of a planetary body. Under combat conditions, these assault forces would be unloaded via a large drop-ramp at the rear of the craft.

Although the craft's maneuverability is relatively poor, especially with a full load, the craft is equipped with a full suite of ECM countermeasures to counter anti-air assets and light armor capable of defeating most small arms fire. In addition, the Warthog is equipped with a chin-mounted six-barrelled 20mm cannon for light close-air-support and ground suppression.

At the time of the Fall of the Twelve Colonies, the Warthog was still in service but in the process of being retired in favor of the larger Thunderbird dropship.