AT-AT Walker

From Ewokpedia

The Advanced Tactical Assault and Transport Walker built by Ignop Systems was the mainstay of the Emperor's Army. Emperor's Army designers knew the outdated AT-ST Walker lacked the needed firepower and transport capabilities the emperor demanded. Ignop Systems and their prototype LWAT provided the key.

[edit] Development

Originally known as the Land Walking Assault Transport the LWAT or AT-AT grew out of a rejected design for a Clone War era ground pacification unit. While the LWAT closely resembled the AT-AT, the AT-AT was built to a much larger scale for intimidation. Construction on the first production run of AT-AT Walkers began in 17 BBY, and it was not until well into the New Republic era that construction of this model was discontinued.

[edit] Notable engagements

AT-AT Walkers were famously used in the Battle of Endor. These large walkers were the only weapon the Imperials had that was capable of repelling repeated Ewok assaults, although an AT-AT walker would spell the doom of Death Star III. Commander Chewbacca was able to take control of an AT-AT Walker, and then use it to destroy the shield generator for the large space station.

AT-AT Walkers were also used in the battles of Courscant, Dantooine, and Mon Calimari, but not Hoth as commonly believed; these were actually an illusion created with sophisticated holographic technology to distract the Rebels from the true direction of attack; a taun taun packed with C-4 explosives driven into the shield generators.