All Terrain Attack Pod/Legends

The All Terrain Attack Pod (AT-AP), or Pod Attack Walker (PAW), was a tripedal walker that evolved from the AT-PT and AT-TE walkers towards the end of the Clone Wars.

Characteristics


The AT-AP (All Terrain Attack Pod) was a highly successful way of transporting heavy artillery from place-to-place, its main function was to serve as a mobile gun platform used for shelling enemy positions, rather then attacking troops or other vehicles. It featured highly-advanced targeting systems that gave it the nickname "sniper tank."

Although it was noted as a two-legged walker, the AT-AP did have a third leg hanging from underneath the fuselage, effectively making it a tripod. This would extend during combat to help stabilize the walker, when overcoming rough terrain and when firing its main gun.

The AT-AP was armed with a mass-driver cannon fixed to the front of the craft, a heavy blaster cannon mounted on a turret, and a medium laser cannon at the bottom of the main fuselage.

Behind the main weapon's gunner's saddle was a supply cage filled with tools necessary for repairing any mechanical failure to the walker's articulation assembly.

History
As the Clone Wars raged on, the Galactic Republic's army commanders realized the need to build up and diversify their walker armor. One of the new designs coming out of Republic think-tanks was the AT-AP, a walker utilizing some systems interchangeable with the AT-TE.



Although armored, the AT-AP was too weak to be utilized on its own and gun batteries of this type would usually be accompanied by tanks on the battlefield.

AT-AP artillery was used during the Wars in later conflicts, such as the Battle of Kashyyyk, where they helped defend the city of Kachirho. These walkers also participated in assaults on Separatist fortifications during the Outer Rim Sieges, on planets such as Saleucami and Felucia.

Later use
During the Galactic Civil War, some of the Galactic Empire's AT-APs were manufactured by formerly abandoned factories out on the fringe, leading to Rebel forces highjacking lines and getting some of the walkers.

Some AT-APs also fell into the hands of pirates, the Hutt Cartel, and other groups such as the Zann Consortium, leading to skirmishes and outright battles against either Rebels or Imperials. Some were available to buy from Hutt palaces.

AT-APs saw extensive use on Kashyyyk, fighting alongside AT-KTs in the ongoing conflict with Wookiee insurgents.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
 * Star Wars Republic: The Hidden Enemy
 * Star Wars: Empire at War
 * Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of Corruption

Notes and references
AT-AP AT-AP All Terrain Attack Pod