The Armored Scout Tank was designed as a light reconnaissance variant of the Armored Assault Tank. It was piloted by a single OOM pilot battle droid, and was armed with a high-powered twin laser cannon. Although the bottom of the vehicle appears to bear artillery tubes such as those found on the AST's larger counterpart, the Armored Assault Tank, they do not appear to be functional.
The AST was used by the Trade Federation during the Invasion of Naboo. ASTs commonly operated in formations of three, and were often used for hit-and-run missions. During the Clone Wars, AST units were used for lightning strikes and as support elements in larger Separatist military operations.