Heavy weapons clone trooper
The Heavy Weapons Clone Trooper, often referred to as the Heavy Gunner or Heavy Trooper, was a specialized type of clone trooper designed to give infantry units substantial firepower and the capability to combat vehicles.
Description
The Heavy Weapons Clone Trooper was a particular kind of clone trooper that was equipped with enhanced weaponry and modifications to their armor to bolster the capabilities of other clone trooper units. These troopers utilized modified versions of both Phase I and Phase II clone trooper armor, which came in various forms. These modifications included a black pauldron worn on the right shoulder, additional shoulder plating, a kama, enhanced helmet armor, and a sun visor attached to the helmet. Some Heavy Gunners displayed unique unit markings. Heavy clone trooper specializations also existed for clone scout troopers, Advanced Recon Force Scout Troopers, and Biker Advanced Recon Commandos. In Phase I armor, some heavy weapons clone troopers were identified by blue markings, similar to those used by a Clone Lieutenant.
Besides providing significant firepower to the Republic Army, these troopers supported their fellow soldiers by offering anti-vehicle capabilities and substantial covering fire. Heavy weapons clone troopers typically used DC-15A blaster rifles, DC-15LEs, and Z-6 rotary blaster cannons. They carried standard two-strap military backpacks, or alternatively, cloth satchels worn across the chest. Extra ammunition could be carried using a separate strap worn diagonally across the chest. Heavy weapons clone troopers also had access to BARC speeders.
History
The Grand Army of the Republic employed heavy weapons clone troopers during the Clone Wars. During that conflict, a group of three heavy weapons clone troopers served as part of a force under the command of a Clone Captain on Geonosis, and were deployed alongside a standard clone trooper from a LAAT/i gunship. As the war progressed, heavy weapons clone troopers transitioned to Phase II armor, like the rest of the Republic Military. These troopers served within the 7th Sky Corps, 41st Elite Corps, 87th Sentinel Corps, 91st Mobile Reconnaissance Corps, 104th Battalion, 181st Armor Division, 327th Star Corps, and the 501st Legion. During the Battle of Umbara, one heavy weapons clone trooper held the rank of Clone Commander in the 501st, fighting against the Umbaran Militia alongside Kix. At least one Heavy Gunner participated in the Battle of Kashyyyk.
Behind the scenes
The heavy weapons clone trooper made its debut in the 2014 video game Star Wars: Galactic Defense.