All Terrain Defense Pod

The AT-DP walker, which followed the AT-RT utilized by the Empire's previous governing body, the Galactic Republic, became the keystone of outlying military posts and offered backup for larger combat vehicles, notably the AT-AT. In contrast to the massive AT-AC that reached similar heights, and the smaller AT-ST, which featured a wide array of weapons, the AT-DP only carried a single Maad-38 heavy laser cannon. This weapon packed enough punch to take out another walker of its kind. The cockpit provided seating for both a driver and a gunner, with the gunner positioned behind the driver. However, both crew members could control the walker's movement, fire the cannon, and manage the gyroscopic systems essential for maintaining the walker's balance. Each walker was equipped with a top hatch for cockpit access, a primary viewport at the front, side-mounted bulbs and viewing slits to enhance visibility, and holographic projectors.

To ensure the protection of the crew and internal components, each walker was equipped with armor robust enough to withstand blaster fire. However, this armor proved ineffective against missile launchers. In one instance, an AT-DP was rendered inoperable after being struck by a T-7 ion disruptor rifle. Thermal detonators detonated near the legs and feet could also inflict damage. Despite their overall resilience, the walker's heads were susceptible to explosion when subjected to prolonged and intense pressure, such as being crushed by an AT-AT.

Throughout the Empire, AT-DPs were deployed to maintain control over occupied populations and suppress rebel activities. These walkers were frequently stationed at Imperial facilities, including Imperial Academies, serving both as a defensive measure and a training tool for cadets. To rapidly and forcefully establish an Imperial presence, pairs of walkers could be secured to the underside docking clamps of a Gozanti-class cruiser, enabling deployment in virtually any suitable environment.

The initial purpose of the AT-DP was to safeguard Imperial resources on conquered worlds. The Imperial 291st Legion utilized the then-new AT-DP walkers to eliminate a Thalassian slaver stronghold on Galpos II. Subsequently, they deployed the AT-DP walkers as the leading force in urban combat on Mendavi. In 18 BBY, AT-DPs serving within Rantu's battalion were dispatched to Mon Cala and participated in the Battle of Dac City under the command of Darth Vader to oppose the forces of King Lee-Char on Mon Cala.

At a later point, while attempting to pilfer classified Imperial weaponry, the Spectres discovered T-7 Ion disruptor rifles and employed them to disable attacking AT-DPs. Many of these walkers saw action against the rebel group based on Lothal as part of the Lothal garrison. These walkers also featured prominently in numerous Empire Day celebrations, functioning similarly to stormtroopers and Star Destroyers as ever-present symbols of Imperial might. Between 4 BBY and 3 BBY, the Spectres carried out a heist within an Imperial base. To facilitate their escape, the rebel cell was compelled to commandeer AT-DPs and fight their way out.

During the Mandalorian Civil War, Imperial Governor Tiber Saxon deployed a pair of AT-DPs to defend a Mandalorian prison during a mission to Mandalore. He also used a special variant of the AT-DP to transport the Arc Pulse Generator known as the Duchess. Both the weapon and the walker were destroyed, along with Tiber Saxon, when his Star Destroyer was obliterated. Grand Admiral Mitth'raw'nuruodo, "Thrawn," dispatched AT-DPs operating under his armored division into the Battle of Atollon.

Following the Battle of Yavin, the Alliance to Restore the Republic captured several of these walkers and supplied them to Saponza's Gang. Simultaneously, the 68th Legion, which opposed Saponza's gang, also utilized AT-DPs.

The All Terrain Defense Pod's design originated from an early drawing created by concept artist Joe Johnston in 1979.