T4-B heavy tank

The T4-B heavy tank was an all-purpose battle tank used by the Rebel Alliance during the Galactic Civil War.

Characteristics
An updated version of the T3-B heavy attack tank, the T4-B was armed with two fire linked laser cannons, with three concussion missile tubes or four mortar launcher tubes placed between them, the firepower of which was devastating against infantry units. Typically, missiles or mortars were used at long range, against any target, then the tanks would close in and engage the enemy with their powerful anti-armor laser cannons.

History


The vehicle, along with the T2-B repulsor tank, was one of many new designs acquired by the Alliance during a raid on an Aridus manufacturing plant, and was among heaviest armored units used by the Rebels during the course of the Galactic Civil War. It was a modified version of the T3-B heavy attack tank used previously by the Alliance.

The T4-B provided the Rebels enough of a punch in ground conflicts to withstand significant Imperial ground forces. They were capable of defeating most Imperial ground vehicles of the time, including AT-STs, 2-M repulsor tanks, and TIE Maulers, as well as being capable of battling AT-ATs more effectively than lighter vehicles.

Although powerful, the unit did have significant drawbacks. Its tracked design limited its mobility (though its mass and power more than offset this flaw) and was expensive to produce, meaning that the Rebel Alliance was forced to limit its use.

Behind the scenes
The overall design of the T4-B heavy tank, particularly its dual cannons and missile launchers, is a homage to Mammoth Tank from the real-time strategy game Command & Conquer. Many of the developers of Petroglyph Studios were former employees at Westwood Studios, the creators of Command & Conquer, before the company was disbanded.

In Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron, the T4-B's missiles are fired from above the laser cannons and on top of the tank there is a mortar launcher.

In Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron, the T4-B's were used in the Battles of Yavin 4. The tanks in that game were armed with two smaller anti-personal/anti-armor blaster cannons above its tracks.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Empire at War
 * Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron
 * Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron

Notes and references
T4-B Panzer