Template:Repulsorlift vehicle infobox 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[1] 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.[1] Its heavy magnets could hold AT-TEs and more.[1]
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.[1] 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. [2]
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.[3]
In the Imperial Period, they often airlifted in PX-4 Mobile Command Bases.[4]
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 (Appears in stock footage from Attack of the Clones.)
- Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (First appearance)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars video game
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars film
- The Clone Wars: Decide Your Destiny: Tethan Battle Adventure
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Landing at Point Rain"
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Weapons Factory"
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Legacy of Terror"
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Grievous Intrigue"
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Deserter"
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Zillo Beast"
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Zillo Beast Strikes Back"
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Death Trap" (In flashback(s))
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Heroes on Both Sides" (In flashback(s))
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Senate Murders" (In flashback(s))
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Mercy Mission"
- Republic Commando: Triple Zero (Modified LAAT/c)
- Republic Commando: True Colors
- Routine Valor
- Labyrinth of Evil (Mentioned only)
- Star Wars: Dark Times 13: Blue Harvest, Part 1
Sources
- Attack of the Clones: The Visual Dictionary
- Attack of the Clones: Incredible Cross-Sections
- Inside the Worlds of Attack of the Clones
- The Official Star Wars Fact File 88 (Republic Attack Gunship)
- "Guide to the Grand Army of the Republic" — Star Wars Insider 84
- Star Wars Chronicles: The Prequels
- The Clone Wars: The Visual Guide
- The Force Unleashed Campaign Guide
- The Clone Wars Campaign Guide