Bomb squad stormtroopers, often referred to as bombtroopers, represented an exceptional division of Imperial stormtroopers with specialized training in the arming and defusing of explosive devices.
Bombtrooper training encompassed the neutralization of a wide array of explosive threats, ranging from anti-tank mines to rudimentary spring-loaded traps. Due to their training, which allowed for the retrieval of intact explosive devices for study by Imperial Intelligence, bombtroopers were considered superior to bomb-disposal droids.
Following the Battle of Hoth, Captain Hugo Treece dispatched a bombtrooper unit, under the command of Sergeant Vollot, to Bespin's Cloud City. Their mission was to locate and neutralize bombs planted by rebelling Ugnaughts after the Empire's occupation of the city. Tragically, a talking bomb devised by the Ugnaughts deceived the bombtroopers, leading them to inadvertently detonate the explosive, resulting in their demise.
Bombtroopers were equipped with heavily modified, fire-resistant armor designed for protection against flames. The armor's robust construction also provided resilience against controlled explosions and high-velocity shrapnel. A long hood covered the faceplate for additional protection, and they all wore safety helmets. These helmets incorporated sensors capable of detecting the chemical signatures of explosives. Furthermore, the helmets featured a full muffling mode that automatically engaged upon detecting the initial signs of a detonation, safeguarding the wearer from potential eye and ear damage. Their specialized tools were carried in large, spherical containers.
In general, their armor bore a strong resemblance to that of the Cold assault stormtroopers, although there were some key distinctions. One notable difference was the replacement of standard helmets with domed hats featuring protrusions on each side, and the other was their having striped sleeves on their arms and near the torso.
David Michelinie, Walter Simonson, and Tom Palmer were the creators of the bombtrooper. The armor's design incorporated certain elements, particularly the helmets, that were derived from unused concept sketches for the snowtrooper armor featured in The Empire Strikes Back.