Armored Assault Tank
The Armored Assault Tank, designated as AAT-1 or simply AAT, functioned as a medium-sized repulsor tank, predominantly utilized by both the Trade Federation and the Confederacy of Independent Systems in the era preceding the rise of the Galactic Empire. Its robust frontal plating provided the capacity to breach fortifications, complemented by a substantial arsenal comprising 57 projectiles. Operation of the AAT required a complement of four battle droids, with the capability to transport an additional six battle droids onto the combat zone. To enhance survivability, the tank's core systems, including the reactor, power supply, and communication equipment, were strategically positioned at the rear.
The Baktoid Armor factories engineered this vehicle, prioritizing the protection of critical components by locating them in the rear. Piloted by OOM pilot battle droids, the AAT formed a crucial element of the Trade Federation's ground forces. Before their deployment in the Federation's Invasion of Naboo in 32 BBY, these tanks engaged pirate forces in the Outer Rim Territories. A decade later, they played a significant role in the galactic Clone Wars between the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Although the AAT saw limited action following the Republic's transformation into the Galactic Empire in 19 BBY, such instances were uncommon.
Description
The Armored Assault Tank stood out as a powerful war machine, fortified with thick frontal armor enabling it to smash through barriers, and equipped with considerable firepower. While it could hold 57 shells, the AAT required a return to its carrier for a complete replacement of its shovel-shaped lower hull to fully restock its ammunition.
The AAT's launch tubes could accommodate various types of ammunition. Standard issue included "bunker-busters," explosive rounds designed to demolish enemy infrastructure like outposts; armor-piercing projectiles, effective against heavily armored vehicles; and high-energy shells for use against both personnel and vehicles. During firing, these projectiles were encased in high-energy plasma, which enhanced penetration and minimized friction, thereby boosting velocity.
A crew of four battle droids (comprising a commander, a pilot, and two gunners) was required, and it could also transport six B1-Series battle droids using exterior hand grips. The commander typically occupied the primary blaster cannon's turret, while the gunners and pilot were stationed within the main hull. The gunners controlled the secondary blasters, with the commander managing the main turret. Despite the droids' programming limiting tactical complexity, the tank proved remarkably effective.
Similar to other Baktoid vehicles, the reactor, along with essential power and communication systems, was strategically placed in the rear for enhanced protection. The AAT utilized heavy-duty repulsors to hover above the ground and move forward. Although relatively fast, this method was slower compared to the Gian and Flash speeders of Naboo, and the later GAT. Like other repulsorlift vehicles, the Armored Assault Tank could not penetrate deflector shields.
Opposing forces could disable an Armored Assault Tank by deploying EMP or explosive grenades into the main turret and pilot hatch. Furthermore, the tanks were susceptible to portable missile launchers, other vehicles, or Jedi wielding lightsabers.
History
Pre-Clone Wars
Before its prominent role in the Invasion of Naboo, the Trade Federation deployed the AAT-1 to various Outer Rim planets, orchestrating battles to demonstrate their combat readiness. By the time the Invasion of Naboo commenced, the AATs had already proven their effectiveness against pirate armies, confirming their suitability for warfare. Trade Federation protocol involved escorting an MTT with two AATs.
In 32 BBY, the AAT served as a primary vehicle during the Trade Federation's invasion of Naboo, operating throughout Theed and causing structural damage to numerous buildings. AATs were crucial in securing the planet, participating in other key engagements during the invasion. During the invasion, commander OOM-9 authorized the production of additional units at mech factories. Notably, two Jedi ambassadors commandeered an AAT to fight their way through Theed to reach Naboo's Queen, Padmé Amidala. AATs also engaged the Gungan Grand Army on Naboo's open fields, with droid commander OOM-9 leading the charge from an AAT. Following Anakin Skywalker's destruction of the Federation's Droid Control Ship, the Trade Federation's droid forces were deactivated, resulting in the capture of the AATs by the Naboo in their final battle positions.
A heavier variant of the AAT, known as the Heavy AAT, also saw combat during the Invasion of Naboo.
Clone Wars
Shortly before the Clone Wars began, the Trade Federation aligned with the Confederacy of Independent Systems, integrating AATs into the expanding Confederate military. This assimilation involved repainting them in the CIS's distinctive blue and gray color scheme and equipping them with enhanced double laser cannons on the flanking turrets. They participated in the first battle of the war and were extensively used during the Dark Reaper crisis, as well as the Battle of Muunilinst.
On Christophsis, AATs under the command of General Whorm Loathsom faced destruction by the Republic's AV-7 Cannon.
The Heavy Artillery Gun, also deployed during the war, shared a similar design to the AAT.
During the conflict, AATs proved vulnerable to PLX-1 portable missile launcher fire, with a single well-aimed missile capable of destroying them. Advanced Recon Commandos also demonstrated the ability to infiltrate and destroy the tanks from within. Furthermore, they appeared inferior to the Republic's TX-130 Saber-class fighter tank.
During the Second Battle of Geonosis, many AATs were deployed by Geonosian Rebels against Republic forces. Later, following his defeat, Archduke Poggle the Lesser utilized a damaged AAT to transport supplies to the Progate Temple.
The AAT-1 also participated in the Battle of Coruscant alongside Octuptarra combat tri-droids, and on numerous other planets, including Muunilinst, Felucia, Aargonar, Maridun, and Murkhana.
Aftermath
Following the Imperialization of the Trade Federation by the Galactic Empire, stormtroopers occasionally employed AATs in select battles during the Galactic Civil War (potentially including the Battle of Tatooine).
During the Galactic Civil War, a former Imperial slave Wookiee named Quagga restored an AAT to operational status. It subsequently saw action in Jabba Desilijic Tiure's gladiatorial game.
Behind the scenes
The Armored Assault Tank in Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace brings to life the concept of an Imperial air tank from The Star Wars: Rough Draft. The revised rough draft script of Episode I described the Trade Federation invasion spearheaded by AACs, or Armored Attack Craft. George Lucas' original design ideas for the battle tank resembled more of an assault helicopter: a low-flying armored gun. As the design developed, the AAT began to draw more tank-like characteristics, as well as animalistic qualities (the arm-mounted cannons, for instance, suggest claws and horns). The forward curve of the tank was inspired by the design of a shovel.
In Star Wars: Battlefront, AATs were going to be part of both the Separatist and the Imperial faction. The Imperial variant was cut from the final version, but its code remained hidden in the game's source. Some fans managed to unearth this and other unit-codes left behind and restored them to functional status. These files are available for free on several modding sites.
In the 2001 video game Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds and its 2002 expansion pack, AATs serve as the "mech destroyer" unit for the Trade Federation. Players are provided them in several missions of the campaign, and more may be built at mech factories for 100 units of food and 175 units of carbon.
In Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the AAT is missing its anti-personnel blaster cannons. It is also missing the two gunners. Instead, it is manned by a commander and pilot.