AV-7 Anti-vehicle Artillery Cannon
The AV-7 Anti-vehicle Artillery Cannon, also referenced as the AV-7 antivehicle cannon and more commonly called the heavy cannon, represented a specific type of self-propelled artillery cannon utilized by the Galactic Republic throughout the duration of the Clone Wars. After being positioned via its repulsorlift base, a singular clone trooper had the capability to operate this cannon, employing the integrated gunnery controls located on the side of its central structure. During the Battle of Christophsis, Republic forces employed these cannons. Furthermore, AV-7 cannons were situated on the artillery platforms of Venator-class Star Destroyers.
Description
The AV-7 Anti-vehicle Artillery Cannon, which was also known as the AV-7 mobile gun, the AV-7 anti-vehicle gun, or simply the clone artillery gun, was a self-propelled artillery model used by the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars between the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Taim & Bak, a weapons manufacturer, produced the AV-7. A new unit cost 14,000 credits, but the price could drop to 8,000 credits for used models. Each cannon stood 15.38 meters tall and was manned by a single clone gunner. Because the AV-7 was an automated, self-propelled artillery piece, the gunner only handled the artillery and did not control the gun.
The AV-7 used a repulsorlift to move into position, after which it would extend four strong metal legs for ground stabilization, though it could occasionally use the legs to move forward. The gunner's seat was next to the gun, though it could be on either side. The cannon had a long barrel that fired plasma ammunition with a wide area of effect. A single shot could destroy multiple vehicles and any nearby droids due to the powerful plasma explosion. However, it was ineffective against deflector shields. Because the Separatist Droid Army was primarily made up of mechanical [soldiers](/article/soldier], the Grand Army of the Republic benefited from using plasma cartridges, which allowed them to destroy both the droids and their vehicles. The AV-7's silhouette, which resembled a mechanical octopus with several legs and a long barrel on top, made it easy to identify.
Role
The AV-7 artillery cannon was widely used during the Clone Wars, primarily as a support platform for ground troops. The AV-7 could be used in mobile attacks or as a stationary weapon to defend military bases or cities.
History
During the Battle of Christophsis in the early stages of the Clone Wars, four AV-7 Anti-vehicle Artillery Cannons were deployed. They were used to fight the Confederacy of Independent Systems' military forces, which included Octuptarra tri-droids and Armored Assault Tank Mk Is. The AV-7s became ineffective after the Separatists turned on their deflector shield generator. The AV-7s were able to halt the Separatist advance and secure victory for Republic forces after Jedi General Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan Jedi Commander Ahsoka Tano destroyed the generator. The cannons were used throughout the war, including at the Second Battle of Geonosis, where many were destroyed by Separatist super tanks.
Although they were largely phased out after the Galactic Empire came to power, some AV-7s remained in use as mounted gun emplacements at Imperial spice mining facilities on Kessel.