Low Altitude Assault Transport/carrier

The Low Altitude Assault Transport/carrier (LAAT/c), was a LAAT carrier gunship employed by the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars and later by the Galactic Empire. These atmospheric transports were also referred to as AT-TE carriers or Republic Dropships.

Characteristics


The Rothana Heavy Engineering LAAT/carrier variant was designed primarily to airlift assault walkers and other heavy cargo into battle. Similar in design to the LAAT/i version, the carrier gunship removed the infantry model's troop hold, and featured heavy-lift agrav drives that held payloads in place under the main hull.

A wide wingspan allowed for maximum distribution of repulsorlift vanes when carrying heavy weights. Most of the LAAT/i's weapons were not present, leaving only the three anti-personnel laser turrets. Its heavy magnets could hold AT-TEs and more.

Variants
A modified version of the LAAT/c had a troop deck that could hold up to 40 troops.

History


At the Battle of Geonosis, these carriers transported walkers onto the front lines. Some four hundred LAAT/c gunships were deployed during the battle.

During the Battle of Teth, the 501st Legion used an LAAT/c gunship to insert AT-TE walkers to scale the base of the B'omarr Monastery. This carrier had a custom wampa face painted onto the front.

A number of LAAT/c's were used to transport the Zillo Beast after it was neutralized.

During the Clone Wars, carrier gunships were known to transport Stun tanks, Saber-class fighter tanks,HAV A5 Juggernauts, RTT transports, AT-XT and AT-TE.

In the Imperial Period, they often airlifted in PX-4 Mobile Command Bases.

Behind the scenes
Just as the LAAT/i was inspired by the Mil Mi-24 "Hind" combat helicopter, the LAAT/c is similar to the CH-54 Tarhe heavy-lift helicopter.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Battlefront
 * Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
 * Star Wars: The Clone Wars video game
 * Star Wars: The Clone Wars film
 * The Clone Wars: Decide Your Destiny: Tethan Battle Adventure
 * Republic Commando: Triple Zero
 * Republic Commando: True Colors
 * Routine Valor
 * Labyrinth of Evil
 * Star Wars: Dark Times 13: Blue Harvest, Part 1
 * Republic Commando: Triple Zero
 * Republic Commando: True Colors
 * Routine Valor
 * Labyrinth of Evil
 * Star Wars: Dark Times 13: Blue Harvest, Part 1
 * Republic Commando: Triple Zero
 * Republic Commando: True Colors
 * Routine Valor
 * Labyrinth of Evil
 * Star Wars: Dark Times 13: Blue Harvest, Part 1

Notes and references
Tiefflug-Angriffstransporter/Fracht Transporte de Asalto de Baja Altitud/transportador Low Altitude Assault Transport/carrier LAAT/c Low-Altitude Assault Transport Carrier Repulsorlift Gunship