Explorer Submergible

The Explorer Submergible represented an Aquatic Assault Vehicle (AAV) produced for the Galactic Empire by Design Team Beta of the Hydrospeare Corporation. Its construction featured a lightweight link-steel hull reinforced with burthan threads, enabling it to endure waterpressure of 8,000 bps, equivalent to a depth of 5 kilometers in the oceans of most planets. Locomotion was achieved by scuttling along the seabed, utilizing sconce grip legs to establish a firm grip. The crew quarters were notably confined, forcing both passengers into a tight space, and requiring all crew members, excluding the turret gunner, to lie prone. The pressurized access hatch was positioned on the vehicle's lower surface.

Initially, the Empire envisioned the Explorer as a versatile amphibious assault vehicle capable of operating across diverse terrains and environments. Dr. Tolum Harous, the project manager, dedicated significant effort to meeting the Empire's original specifications. However, the project's logistical challenges made it impossible to create a single design that functioned effectively both on land and in water. The design team encountered difficulties achieving sufficient underwater speed and adequate land mobility to satisfy the Empire's dual requirements. Consequently, the Empire decided to pursue a design exclusively for underwater exploration and combat. Despite Harous's desire for continued experimentation, the rest of Design Team Beta persuaded him to develop the Explorer as a submergible vehicle, ultimately making it one of the earliest AAVs. Even with this change in scope, the Explorer Submergible significantly enhanced Hydrospeare Corporation's reputation, establishing it, along with the AT-AT Swimmer, as one of their most recognizable designs.

Despite its official designation as an "underwater exploration vehicle," its substantial weaponry was intended for the elimination or suppression of dangerous aquatic organisms.