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Changes: Vehicle Command Crewer

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{{Eras|imp|reb|new|leg|canon=AT-AT pilot}}
 +
{{Eras|imp|reb|new|leg|canon=Imperial combat driver}}
 
{{Organization
  
{{Organization
−
|imageBG=
  
 
|image=[[File:ATATpilot-DB.png]]
  
|image=[[File:ATATpilot-DB.png]]
 
|name=Imperial Army pilot
  
|name=Imperial Army pilot
  +
|type=
 
|founder=
  
|founder=
 
|leader=[[General/Legends|General]] [[Maximilian Veers]]
  
|leader=[[General/Legends|General]] [[Maximilian Veers]]
  +
|subgroup=
 
|members=
  
|members=
 
|headquarters=
  
|headquarters=
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|dissolved=
  
|dissolved=
 
|restored=
  
|restored=
−
|era=
  
 
|affiliation=*[[Galactic Empire/Legends|Galactic Empire]]
  
|affiliation=*[[Galactic Empire/Legends|Galactic Empire]]
 
**[[Imperial Army/Legends|Imperial Army]]}}
  
**[[Imperial Army/Legends|Imperial Army]]}}
−
'''Vehicle Command Crewers''',<ref name="Imperial Handbook">''[[Star Wars: Imperial Handbook: A Commander's Guide]]''</ref> also known as '''Imperial Army pilots''', were the [[Galactic Empire/Legends|Galactic Empire]]'s support personnel responsible for the operation and maintenance of a variety of vehicles, such as the [[All Terrain Armored Transport/Legends|AT-AT]] and [[All Terrain Scout Transport/Legends|AT-ST]], within the [[Imperial Army/Legends|Imperial Army]].
 +
'''Vehicle Command Crewers''',<ref name="Imperial Handbook">''[[Star Wars: Imperial Handbook: A Commander's Guide]]''</ref> also known as '''Imperial Army pilots''', were the [[Galactic Empire/Legends|Galactic Empire's]] support personnel responsible for the operation and maintenance of a variety of vehicles, such as the [[All Terrain Armored Transport/Legends|AT-AT]] and [[All Terrain Scout Transport/Legends|AT-ST]], within the [[Imperial Army/Legends|Imperial Army]].
   
 
==Equipment==
  
==Equipment==
−
Imperial Army [[Pilot/Legends|pilot]]s were usually unarmed, but on occasion, senior NCOs or officers would have a standard issue [[BlasTech Industries/Legends|BlasTech]] [[SE-14r light repeating blaster]], [[Thermal detonator/Legends|Thermal detonator]]s, [[Concussion grenade]]s and possibly even a [[Merr-Sonn Munitions, Inc./Legends|Merr-Sonn]] [[V-6d mortar launcher]].
 +
Imperial Army [[Pilot/Legends|pilots]] were usually unarmed, but on occasion, senior NCOs or officers would have a standard issue [[BlasTech Industries/Legends|BlasTech]] [[SE-14r light repeating blaster/Legends|SE-14r light repeating blaster]], [[Thermal detonator/Legends|Thermal detonators]], [[Concussion grenade/Legends|Concussion grenades]] and possibly even a [[Merr-Sonn Munitions, Inc./Legends|Merr-Sonn]] [[V-6d mortar launcher]].
   
−
Imperial Army pilots usually did not wear armor due to protection given by Imperial vehicles, but higher ranking NCOs and commissioned officers often wore some protective armor into combat. This was the case with [[General/Legends|General]] [[Maximilian Veers]] at the [[Battle of Hoth/Legends|Battle of Hoth]].<ref name="Episode V''>[[Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back|''Star Wars'': Episode V ''The Empire Strikes Back'']]</ref> They had numerous amounts of vehicles assigned to them including the [[All Terrain Armored Transport/Legends|AT-ATs]] and the [[All Terrain Scout Transport/Legends|AT-ST]]s.
 +
Imperial Army pilots usually did not wear armor due to protection given by Imperial vehicles, but higher ranking NCOs and commissioned officers often wore some protective armor into combat. This was the case with [[General/Legends|General]] [[Maximilian Veers]] at the [[Battle of Hoth/Legends|Battle of Hoth]].<ref name="Episode V''>[[Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back|''Star Wars'': Episode V ''The Empire Strikes Back'']]</ref> They had numerous amounts of vehicles assigned to them including the [[All Terrain Armored Transport/Legends|AT-ATs]] and the [[All Terrain Scout Transport/Legends|AT-STs]].
   
 
The pilots were split into at least two branches: Heavy Armor and Armored Cavalry.<ref name="Imperial Handbook" />
  
The pilots were split into at least two branches: Heavy Armor and Armored Cavalry.<ref name="Imperial Handbook" />
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[[File:AT-AT Driver SWFc32.jpg|left|thumb|180px|An [[Galactic Empire/Legends|Imperial]] [[All Terrain Armored Transport/Legends|AT-AT]] [[Pilot/Legends|pilot]].]]
  
[[File:AT-AT Driver SWFc32.jpg|left|thumb|180px|An [[Galactic Empire/Legends|Imperial]] [[All Terrain Armored Transport/Legends|AT-AT]] [[Pilot/Legends|pilot]].]]
   
−
AT-AT drivers typically worked in teams of two, and they were in charge of everything from guiding the massive [[Walker/Legends|walker]]s over all types of terrain, to firing the AT-AT's powerful heavy [[Laser cannon/Legends|laser cannon]]s, to carrying out the orders given to them by the combat coordinator, who also occupied the cockpit.
 +
AT-AT drivers typically worked in teams of two, and they were in charge of everything from guiding the massive [[Walker/Legends|walkers]] over all types of terrain, to firing the AT-AT's powerful heavy [[Laser cannon/Legends|laser cannons]], to carrying out the orders given to them by the combat coordinator, who also occupied the cockpit.
   
−
The task of guiding the walkers over uneven terrain was a difficult challenge, and to ensure that the pilots of these massive war machines were the best of best, they were put through many hours of simulation tests and similar instruction. Because of their armored cockpits and their commanding view of the battlefield, their training stressed their importance on the battlefield, which gave many pilots the idea that they were invincible. This enlarged ego led to many pilots developing an arrogant attitude when dealing with the infantry. They received their orders from a combat coordinator who was also stationed on the AT-AT's bridge.
+
The task of guiding the walkers over uneven terrain was a difficult challenge, and to ensure that the pilots of these massive war machines were the best of best, they were put through many hours of simulation tests and similar instruction. Because of their armored cockpits and their commanding view of the battlefield, their training stressed their importance on the battlefield, which gave many pilots the idea that they were invincible. This enlarged ego led to many pilots developing an arrogant attitude when dealing with the infantry. They received their orders from a combat coordinator who was also stationed on the AT-AT's bridge.
   
−
AT-AT pilots were very similar in appearance to Imperial TIE pilots, though retained a color scheme that was reminiscent of the [[Clone trooper pilot/Legends|Phase II clone pilot]] attire, being a light grey [[flight suit]] complete with webbing, along with white gloves, boots and helmet, with the boots and overall suit in particular being insulated, and even possessing armor, although the armor was considered unnecessary by the Galactic Civil War. The helmet was reinforced, and bore the Imperial Army emblem on both sides. Although not required in the pressurized environment of an AT-AT cockpit, the operators at the controls of an AT-AT utilized life support gear that would ensure their survival in the event of a hull breach in a hostile environment, as well as out of respect for their combat history. The helmets were connected directly to vehicle's computer, allowing easy monitoring of its vital systems.<ref>{{SWGTCG|set=Squadrons Over Corellia|cardname=AT-AT Helmet}}</ref> A computer on their chest armor heated their suit and helmet, with controls to change the level of heat for the suit. The life support system also contained an identity chip, as well as an energy monitor, and connected to the helmet via pressurized air hoses. The suit also contained gear harnesses. The survival pack worn by these pilots was an advanced design which enabled the suit systems and heater to run off a single power pack via maximum output for up to five days without requiring a recharge. They wore driving gauntlets with a [[Comlink/Legends|comlink]] on the left wrist for communication. These pilots were usually armed with a [[Blaster pistol/Legends|blaster pistol]] and grenades. The uniform also had an insulated variant that is worn when undergoing missions requiring venturing into frozen terrain such as on Hoth, as the AT-ATs themselves are not climate-controlled.
 +
AT-AT pilots were very similar in appearance to Imperial TIE pilots, though retained a color scheme that was reminiscent of the [[Clone trooper pilot/Legends|Phase II clone pilot]] attire, being a light grey [[Flight suit/Legends|flight suit]] complete with webbing, along with white gloves, boots and helmet, with the boots and overall suit in particular being insulated, and even possessing armor, although the armor was considered unnecessary by the Galactic Civil War. The helmet was reinforced, and bore the Imperial Army emblem on both sides. Although not required in the pressurized environment of an AT-AT cockpit, the operators at the controls of an AT-AT utilized life support gear that would ensure their survival in the event of a hull breach in a hostile environment, as well as out of respect for their combat history. The helmets were connected directly to vehicle's computer, allowing easy monitoring of its vital systems.<ref>{{SWGTCG|set=Squadrons Over Corellia|cardname=AT-AT Helmet}}</ref> A computer on their chest armor heated their suit and helmet, with controls to change the level of heat for the suit. The life support system also contained an identity chip, as well as an energy monitor, and connected to the helmet via pressurized air hoses. The suit also contained gear harnesses. The survival pack worn by these pilots was an advanced design which enabled the suit systems and heater to run off a single power pack via maximum output for up to five days without requiring a recharge. They wore driving gauntlets with a [[Comlink/Legends|comlink]] on the left wrist for communication. These pilots were usually armed with a [[Blaster pistol/Legends|blaster pistol]] and grenades. The uniform also had an insulated variant that is worn when undergoing missions requiring venturing into frozen terrain such as on Hoth, as the AT-ATs themselves are not climate-controlled.
   
 
Like all AT-AT crews, the pilots lived and worked in their machines over much of each mission. It was common for them to even involve themselves in the maintenance of the walkers, reinforcing the theory that the crew was an extension of the walker and vice versa.<ref name="GG3" />
  
Like all AT-AT crews, the pilots lived and worked in their machines over much of each mission. It was common for them to even involve themselves in the maintenance of the walkers, reinforcing the theory that the crew was an extension of the walker and vice versa.<ref name="GG3" />
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===Notable AT-AT pilots===
  
===Notable AT-AT pilots===
 
*[[Maximilian Veers]]
  
*[[Maximilian Veers]]
−
*[[Nevar]]
 +
*[[Nevar/Legends|Nevar]]
 
*[[Nyrox]]
  
*[[Nyrox]]
 
*[[Unidentified Imperial Army pilot (Orlok)]]
  
*[[Unidentified Imperial Army pilot (Orlok)]]
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==AT-AT swimmer pilots==
  
==AT-AT swimmer pilots==
−
'''AT-AT Imperial swimmer pilots''' were specially trained AT-AT drivers used for piloting [[Aquatic Terrain Armored Transport|AT-AT swimmer]]s. They operated swimmers on aquatic worlds. In [[137 ABY]] they were used in the [[Genocide on Dac|Genocide on]] [[Dac|Dac]], under command of [[Darth Krayt]], serving [[Darth Krayt's Galactic Empire|his Sith Empire]]. The uniforms they wore were almost identical to the ones worn by standard AT-AT pilots, with the only differences being that the Swimmer pilot jumpsuits were black, not white, and their armor was unmarked with insignia. They were not known to use any weapons. Only one was needed to pilot each swimmer.
 +
'''AT-AT Imperial swimmer pilots''' were specially trained AT-AT drivers used for piloting [[Aquatic Terrain Armored Transport|AT-AT swimmers]]. They operated swimmers on aquatic worlds. In [[137 ABY]] they were used in the [[Genocide on Dac|Genocide on]] [[Dac]], under command of [[Darth Krayt]], serving [[Darth Krayt's Galactic Empire|his Sith Empire]]. The uniforms they wore were almost identical to the ones worn by standard AT-AT pilots a century ago, with the only differences being that the Swimmer pilot jumpsuits were black, not white, and their armor was unmarked with the Imperial insignia. They were not known to use any weapons. Only one was needed to pilot each swimmer.
   
 
===Notable swimmer pilots===
  
===Notable swimmer pilots===
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==AT-ST pilots==
  
==AT-ST pilots==
−
[[File:Atstcrew.jpg|thumb|right|220px|[[Major/Legends|Major]] [[Marquand]] and [[Lieutenant/Legends|Lieutenant]] [[Watts]] pilot [[Tempest Scout 2]] at the [[Battle of Endor/Legends|Battle of Endor]]]]
 +
[[File:Atstcrew.jpg|thumb|right|220px|[[Major/Legends|Major]] [[Marquand]] and [[Lieutenant/Legends|Lieutenant]] [[Watts]] pilot [[Tempest Scout 2]] at the [[Battle of Endor/Legends|Battle of Endor]]]]
   
−
The Armored Cavalry division of the Vehicle Command Crewers,<ref name="Imperial Handbook" /> also known as '''AT-ST pilots''' were utilized for operating AT-STs as well as other armored cavalry.<ref name="Imperial Handbook" /> They were trained to have an incredible sense of balance and terrain, due to the All Terrain Scout Transport's bipedal locomotion instability compared to the quadruped AT-AT. In addition, the position was only given to the most talented of Imperial recruits.
 +
The Armored Cavalry division of the Vehicle Command Crewers,<ref name="Imperial Handbook" /> also known as '''AT-ST pilots''', were utilized for operating AT-STs as well as other armored cavalry.<ref name="Imperial Handbook" /> They were trained to have an incredible sense of balance and terrain, due to the All Terrain Scout Transport's bipedal locomotion instability compared to the quadruped AT-AT. In addition, the position was only given to the most talented of Imperial recruits.
   
−
They wore black boots with a black bottom and a gray jumpsuit with pockets. Their helmet was open-faced with a chinstrap. Goggles were attached by a strap to the back of the helmet, and long black gauntlets. Both shoulder portions of their jumpsuit had the Imperial emblem in black. They also carried [[concussion grenade]]s, a blaster pistol, a [[Blaster rifle/Legends|blaster rifle]], emergency flares, spare ammunition, a comlink, and two [[Thermal detonator/Legends|thermal detonator]]s, which were coded with blank keys in case they fell into enemy hands. Compared to the Heavy Armor crewers, the Armored Cavalry wore a lightweight battle dress.<ref name="Imperial Handbook" />
 +
They wore black boots with a black bottom and a gray jumpsuit with pockets. Their helmet was open-faced with a chinstrap. Their uniform included goggles, attached by a strap to the back of the helmet, and long black gauntlets. Both shoulder portions of their jumpsuit had the Imperial emblem in black. They carried [[Concussion grenade/Legends|concussion grenades]], a blaster pistol, a [[Blaster rifle/Legends|blaster rifle]], emergency flares, spare ammunition, a comlink, and two [[Thermal detonator/Legends|thermal detonators]], which were coded with blank keys in case they fell into enemy hands. Compared to the Heavy Armor crewers, the Armored Cavalry wore a lightweight battle dress.<ref name="Imperial Handbook" /> Overall, the uniform resembled that of the [[Imperial Army trooper]].
   
 
===Notable AT-ST Pilots===
  
===Notable AT-ST Pilots===
 
*[[Lieutenant/Legends|Lieutenant]] [[Arnet]]
  
*[[Lieutenant/Legends|Lieutenant]] [[Arnet]]
 
*[[Major/Legends|Major]] [[Marquand]]
  
*[[Major/Legends|Major]] [[Marquand]]
−
*[[Second Lieutenant]] [[Momo]]
 +
*[[Second Lieutenant/Legends|Second Lieutenant]] [[Momo]]
 
*[[Lieutenant/Legends|Lieutenant]] [[Watts]]
  
*[[Lieutenant/Legends|Lieutenant]] [[Watts]]
 
*[[Captain/Legends|Captain]] [[Bex]]
  
*[[Captain/Legends|Captain]] [[Bex]]
Line 72: Line 72:
 
==Behind the scenes==
  
==Behind the scenes==
 
In ''[[Star Wars: Battlefront II]]'', the AT-AT pilot is referred to as an "Imperial engineer" on Hoth.
  
In ''[[Star Wars: Battlefront II]]'', the AT-AT pilot is referred to as an "Imperial engineer" on Hoth.
−
In the new [[Star Wars Miniatures]] pack, [[Imperial Entanglements]], the [[181st Imperial Fighter Group]] pilot looks just like the AT-AT pilot,
+
In a [[Star Wars Miniatures]] pack, [[Imperial Entanglements (Wizards of the Coast)|Imperial Entanglements]], the [[181st Imperial Fighter Wing]] pilot looks just like the AT-AT pilot,
 
rather than its normal colors.
  
rather than its normal colors.
   
−
The ''[[Imperial Sourcebook (Second Edition)|Imperial Sourcebook]]'' calls the crewmen of ground assault vehicles ''Imperial Army Assault Trooper''. It states that they are trained in the operation of a variety of ground assault vehicles and wear the [[Imperial Army trooper|Army trooper]] gray uniform and partial body armor. However the AT-ST crew seen in The Return of the Jedi doesn't wear field armor, while The Empire Strikes Back AT-AT crew wears a different uniform.
 +
The [[Imperial Sourcebook (Second Edition)|''Imperial Sourcebook'']] calls the crewmen of ground assault vehicles ''Imperial Army Assault Trooper''. It states that they are trained in the operation of a variety of ground assault vehicles and wear the [[Imperial Army trooper|Army trooper]] gray uniform and partial body armor. However the AT-ST crew seen in The Return of the Jedi doesn't wear field armor, while The Empire Strikes Back AT-AT crew wears a different uniform.
   
 
==Appearances==
  
==Appearances==
 
*''[[Star Wars: Battlefront]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars: Battlefront]]''
 
*''[[Star Wars: Battlefront II]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars: Battlefront II]]''
−
{{WizardsCite|url=default.asp?x=starwars/article/dodcampaign|text=''A Reckoning of Wraiths''|int=A Reckoning of Wraiths}}
 +
{{WizardsCite|url=default.asp?x=starwars/article/dodcampaign|text=A Reckoning of Wraiths|int=A Reckoning of Wraiths|archivedate=20100118064618}}
 
*''[[Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron]]''
 
*''[[Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron]]''
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*''[[Star Wars: Legacy: Fight Another Day]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars: Legacy: Fight Another Day]]''
   
−
===Non-canonical appearances===
 +
===Non-canon appearances===
 
*''[[The Great Golden C-3PO Hunt]]''
  
*''[[The Great Golden C-3PO Hunt]]''
 
*''[[Star Wars: Tiny Death Star]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars: Tiny Death Star]]''
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==Sources==
  
==Sources==
−
{{Scroll box|content=
 +
{{Scroll_box|content=
 
*{{KennerCite|set=Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (toy line)|text=''Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back''|pack=AT-AT Driver|link=VINtATATDriver.asp}}
  
*{{KennerCite|set=Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (toy line)|text=''Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back''|pack=AT-AT Driver|link=VINtATATDriver.asp}}
 
*{{KennerCite|set=Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (toy line)|text=''Star Wars: Return of the Jedi''|pack=AT-ST Driver|link=VINtATSTDriver.asp}}
  
*{{KennerCite|set=Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (toy line)|text=''Star Wars: Return of the Jedi''|pack=AT-ST Driver|link=VINtATSTDriver.asp}}
  ⚫
*[[Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Coloring Book (1984)|''Star Wars: Return of the Jedi Coloring Book'' (1984)]] {{Po}}
 
*''[[Imperial Sourcebook]]'' {{C|As "Imperial Army assault crew" and "Imperial Army assault crewman"}}
  
*''[[Imperial Sourcebook]]'' {{C|As "Imperial Army assault crew" and "Imperial Army assault crewman"}}
⚫
*''[[The Movie Trilogy Sourcebook]]'' {{C|As "AT-AT Walker Pilot"}}
  
⚫
*[[Star Wars: The Power of the Force (1995)|''Star Wars: The Power of the Force'' (1995)]]
  
 
*''[[Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back]]''
  
*''[[Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back]]''
  ⚫
*''[[The Movie Trilogy Sourcebook]]'' {{C|As "AT-AT Walker Pilot"}}
−
*[[Imperial Sourcebook (Second Edition)|''The Imperial Sourcebook'', Second Edition]]
 +
*[[Imperial Sourcebook (Second Edition)|''Imperial Sourcebook'', Second Edition]]
  +
*[[Star Wars: The Power of the Force (1995 toy line)|''Star Wars: The Power of the Force'' (1995)]]
  +
*[[Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back (Second Edition)|''Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back'', Second Edition]]
 
*{{CCG|set=Hoth Limited|cardname=AT-AT Driver}}
  
*{{CCG|set=Hoth Limited|cardname=AT-AT Driver}}
 
*{{CCG|set=Hoth Limited|cardname=Imperial Gunner}}
  
*{{CCG|set=Hoth Limited|cardname=Imperial Gunner}}
Line 121: Line 123:
 
*''[[Star Wars: The Complete Visual Dictionary]]''
  
*''[[Star Wars: The Complete Visual Dictionary]]''
 
*''[[The Force Unleashed Campaign Guide]]''
  
*''[[The Force Unleashed Campaign Guide]]''
−
*''[[Star Wars Miniatures: The Force Unleashed|Star Wars Miniatures: Force Unleashed #30 AT-AT Driver]]''
 +
*[[The Force Unleashed (Star Wars Miniatures)|''Star Wars Miniatures: Force Unleashed #30 AT-AT Driver'']]
−
*''[[Star Wars Miniatures: The Force Unleashed|Star Wars Miniatures: Force Unleashed #42 TIE Crawler]]''
 +
*[[The Force Unleashed (Star Wars Miniatures)|''Star Wars Miniatures: Force Unleashed #42 TIE Crawler'']]
 
*{{CCG|set=Endor Limited|cardname=Major Marquand}}
  
*{{CCG|set=Endor Limited|cardname=Major Marquand}}
 
*{{CCG|set=Endor Limited|cardname=Lieutenant Watts}}
  
*{{CCG|set=Endor Limited|cardname=Lieutenant Watts}}
Line 138: Line 140:
   
 
{{Interlang
  
{{Interlang
−
|de=AT-AT-Pilot
 +
|de=AT-AT-Piloten
 
|es=Piloto del Ejército Imperial
  
|es=Piloto del Ejército Imperial
 
|hu=AT-AT pilóta
  
|hu=AT-AT pilóta
  +
|pl=Pilot AT-AT
−
|fi=Imperiumin armeijan lentäjä
  
 
}}
  
}}
   

Revision as of 03:34, 7 January 2020

Click here for Wookieepedia's article on the Canon version of this subject.  This article covers the Legends version of this subject. 

Warning: The following parameters in the infobox are unrecognized: members


Vehicle Command Crewers,[1] also known as Imperial Army pilots, were the Galactic Empire's support personnel responsible for the operation and maintenance of a variety of vehicles, such as the AT-AT and AT-ST, within the Imperial Army.

Equipment

Imperial Army pilots were usually unarmed, but on occasion, senior NCOs or officers would have a standard issue BlasTech SE-14r light repeating blaster, Thermal detonators, Concussion grenades and possibly even a Merr-Sonn V-6d mortar launcher.

Imperial Army pilots usually did not wear armor due to protection given by Imperial vehicles, but higher ranking NCOs and commissioned officers often wore some protective armor into combat. This was the case with General Maximilian Veers at the Battle of Hoth.[2] They had numerous amounts of vehicles assigned to them including the AT-ATs and the AT-STs.

The pilots were split into at least two branches: Heavy Armor and Armored Cavalry.[1]

AT-AT pilots

Selected from hardened combat troopers, the Heavy Armor division of the Vehicle Command Crewers,[1] also known as AT-AT pilots, were specialized soldiers that were trained to pilot the All Terrain Armored Transport or other heavy armors[1] in blatant "shock" tactics, attacking their enemy in plain sight after having landed at great distances from their intended targets.[3] In large part because of the AT-AT being widely perceived to be invincible during combat, the AT-AT pilots were also conditioned to believe themselves invincible.[4]

AT-AT Driver SWFc32

An Imperial AT-AT pilot.

AT-AT drivers typically worked in teams of two, and they were in charge of everything from guiding the massive walkers over all types of terrain, to firing the AT-AT's powerful heavy laser cannons, to carrying out the orders given to them by the combat coordinator, who also occupied the cockpit.

The task of guiding the walkers over uneven terrain was a difficult challenge, and to ensure that the pilots of these massive war machines were the best of best, they were put through many hours of simulation tests and similar instruction. Because of their armored cockpits and their commanding view of the battlefield, their training stressed their importance on the battlefield, which gave many pilots the idea that they were invincible. This enlarged ego led to many pilots developing an arrogant attitude when dealing with the infantry. They received their orders from a combat coordinator who was also stationed on the AT-AT's bridge.

AT-AT pilots were very similar in appearance to Imperial TIE pilots, though retained a color scheme that was reminiscent of the Phase II clone pilot attire, being a light grey flight suit complete with webbing, along with white gloves, boots and helmet, with the boots and overall suit in particular being insulated, and even possessing armor, although the armor was considered unnecessary by the Galactic Civil War. The helmet was reinforced, and bore the Imperial Army emblem on both sides. Although not required in the pressurized environment of an AT-AT cockpit, the operators at the controls of an AT-AT utilized life support gear that would ensure their survival in the event of a hull breach in a hostile environment, as well as out of respect for their combat history. The helmets were connected directly to vehicle's computer, allowing easy monitoring of its vital systems.[5] A computer on their chest armor heated their suit and helmet, with controls to change the level of heat for the suit. The life support system also contained an identity chip, as well as an energy monitor, and connected to the helmet via pressurized air hoses. The suit also contained gear harnesses. The survival pack worn by these pilots was an advanced design which enabled the suit systems and heater to run off a single power pack via maximum output for up to five days without requiring a recharge. They wore driving gauntlets with a comlink on the left wrist for communication. These pilots were usually armed with a blaster pistol and grenades. The uniform also had an insulated variant that is worn when undergoing missions requiring venturing into frozen terrain such as on Hoth, as the AT-ATs themselves are not climate-controlled.

Like all AT-AT crews, the pilots lived and worked in their machines over much of each mission. It was common for them to even involve themselves in the maintenance of the walkers, reinforcing the theory that the crew was an extension of the walker and vice versa.[3]

Notable AT-AT pilots

AT-AT swimmer pilots

AT-AT Imperial swimmer pilots were specially trained AT-AT drivers used for piloting AT-AT swimmers. They operated swimmers on aquatic worlds. In 137 ABY they were used in the Genocide on Dac, under command of Darth Krayt, serving his Sith Empire. The uniforms they wore were almost identical to the ones worn by standard AT-AT pilots a century ago, with the only differences being that the Swimmer pilot jumpsuits were black, not white, and their armor was unmarked with the Imperial insignia. They were not known to use any weapons. Only one was needed to pilot each swimmer.

Notable swimmer pilots

AT-ST pilots

Atstcrew

Major Marquand and Lieutenant Watts pilot Tempest Scout 2 at the Battle of Endor

The Armored Cavalry division of the Vehicle Command Crewers,[1] also known as AT-ST pilots, were utilized for operating AT-STs as well as other armored cavalry.[1] They were trained to have an incredible sense of balance and terrain, due to the All Terrain Scout Transport's bipedal locomotion instability compared to the quadruped AT-AT. In addition, the position was only given to the most talented of Imperial recruits.

They wore black boots with a black bottom and a gray jumpsuit with pockets. Their helmet was open-faced with a chinstrap. Their uniform included goggles, attached by a strap to the back of the helmet, and long black gauntlets. Both shoulder portions of their jumpsuit had the Imperial emblem in black. They carried concussion grenades, a blaster pistol, a blaster rifle, emergency flares, spare ammunition, a comlink, and two thermal detonators, which were coded with blank keys in case they fell into enemy hands. Compared to the Heavy Armor crewers, the Armored Cavalry wore a lightweight battle dress.[1] Overall, the uniform resembled that of the Imperial Army trooper.

Notable AT-ST Pilots

AT-PT pilots

AT-PT pilots operated inside the All Terrain Personal Transport. They were also trained to have an incredible sense of balance and terrain. Although protected by the AT-PT's armor, they still wore armor in case the vehicle was destroyed. They carried standard Imperial sidearm pistols, blaster rifles, and grenades.

Behind the scenes

In Star Wars: Battlefront II, the AT-AT pilot is referred to as an "Imperial engineer" on Hoth. In a Star Wars Miniatures pack, Imperial Entanglements, the 181st Imperial Fighter Wing pilot looks just like the AT-AT pilot, rather than its normal colors.

The Imperial Sourcebook calls the crewmen of ground assault vehicles Imperial Army Assault Trooper. It states that they are trained in the operation of a variety of ground assault vehicles and wear the Army trooper gray uniform and partial body armor. However the AT-ST crew seen in The Return of the Jedi doesn't wear field armor, while The Empire Strikes Back AT-AT crew wears a different uniform.

Appearances

WizardsoftheCoast "A Reckoning of Wraiths" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link)

Non-canon appearances

Sources

Notes and references

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Star Wars: Imperial Handbook: A Commander's Guide
  2. ↑ Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back
  4. ↑ Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary
  5. ↑ SWGTCGsmall Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game — Squadrons Over Corellia (Card: AT-AT Helmet) (backup link)
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