All Terrain Armored Transport

The All Terrain Armored Transport, often abbreviated as AT-AT, was a four-legged combat walker used by the ground forces of the Galactic Empire. With the Imperial-class Star Destroyer and the TIE fighter, it was one of the most famous symbols of the Empire's military might.

Description
The All Terrain Armored Transport was an imposing, quadrupedal combat walker that stood 22.5 meters tall. Due to their impressive appearance, it was used as much for psychological effect as for tactical reasons. Additionally, it also served as transports for combat personnel. The vehicle's cockpit was located in the head part, which also carried the main armaments: a dual light blaster located on the "temples," and a pair of heavier laser cannons fitted on the "chin." The armor plating of the AT-AT was impervious to blaster bolts.

History
The AT-AT walker was developed for use in the Imperial Army, the ground forces of the Galactic Empire. It was the successor of the All Terrain Tactical Enforcer that saw use during the Clone Wars, although it a constituted far more imposing example of walker technology. Heavily armored and awe-inducing, the AT-AT positioned itself as the standard of Imperial firepower on the battlefield. The Empire put it to good use during its struggle against the enemy Rebe Alliance. At the Battle of Hoth, General Veers led a squadron of five AT-ATs on the icy fields of Hoth to knock out the shield generator that protected Echo Base, the Rebel headquarters. The triumph of Veers' squadron allowed the Imperials to invade Echo Base and rout the Rebels, striking a major blow in the war. However, the battle also revealed that the AT-ATs could be toppled by a cable wrapped around their legs. Although that weakness had been used effectively by the Alliance on Hoth, the Empire continued to use those mechanical behemoths in the later stages of the war.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
 * Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi