The AHS-1 heavy assault airspeeder from Slayn & Korpil, often called the "Walker Buster," was conceived for the Rebel Alliance. Its development began shortly following the Battle of Hoth, stemming from the Alliance's urgent need for a countermeasure against the Empire's menacing AT-AT walkers.
The "Walker Buster" nickname originated during trials, reflecting its primary anti-walker role. Its prototype was fashioned from a damaged B-wing starfighter, a design principle retained in subsequent models. The AHS-1 featured two B-wing airfoils joined to the B-wing's command pod. Repulsorlift engines, enhanced with ion afterburners, were affixed to the command pod's underside at the rear. A further stabilizing airfoil was positioned above and behind the command pod, linked to the vehicle via two vertical stabilizers mounted on the main airfoils.
The Walker Buster's offensive capabilities included a pair of Taim & Bak KL5 laser cannons, each situated within the landing gear housings at the wingtips. Additionally, it housed an Arakyd proton torpedo launcher at the command pod's rear, firing through a tube extending to the pod's "chin." For engaging less armored targets, a Thunderbolt 595 quad blaster cannon was mounted on the nose, providing close-range firepower. However, its most potent weapons were the four GX-15 "Starbolt" concussion missiles, a newly developed advanced ordnance specifically for the AHS-1.
Despite its substantial firepower, the Walker Buster suffered from significant drawbacks related to its size and weight. It was so heavy that it depended on its airfoils for lift and stability almost as much as its repulsorlifts, necessitating a short takeoff run to achieve sufficient altitude. Furthermore, its maneuverability was notably poor. While its ion afterburners provided ample speed to outpace the AT-AT and AT-ST walkers it was intended to destroy, this lack of agility rendered it particularly susceptible to attacks from TIE fighter or concentrated laser fire.
Despite these shortcomings, the Walker Buster was anticipated to play a significant role in the war effort against the Empire. Deployment was expected to occur shortly after the completion of its test flights.
- " The Rebel Air Force: Combat Airspeeders " — Challenge 47 (Unlicensed)