71st Elite Mechanized Assault Group

The 71st Elite Mechanized Assault Group was an elite battle group used by one of the various warlords of the former Galactic Empire during the Imperial Civil War. They later saw continued use in the service of the Imperial Remnant.

Characteristics
The 71st Elite Mechanized Assault Group was outfitted with dark gray century tanks &mdash;compact assault vessels consisting of a TIE fighter cockpit linked between two large tank treads. Unofficially called TIE crawlers, these were equipped to deliver greater damage to enemy units. Modifications included greater defenses and additional layers of armor plating, though at the expense of target accuracy and shield strength. The 71st Elite was therefore able to withstand greater enemy fire on the front lines than the stock century tanks of the 88th Mechanized Assault Group.

History
During the Imperial Civil War, one of the warlords of the former Galactic Empire used the 71st Elite's century tanks to lead other ground assault forces on strikes against enemy facilities. Following the war, the Imperial Remnant continued their use.

Behind the scenes
An 71st Elite Mechanized century tank miniature labeled as a "TIE Crawler"&mdash;another name for the compact assault vehicle&mdash;was featured in the Ground Assault expansion of the Star Wars PocketModel TCG, released November 14, 2007.