The Heavy Weapons Clone Trooper, also referred to as the Heavy Gunner or Heavy Trooper, constituted a specialized type of clone trooper tasked with delivering substantial firepower and anti-vehicle capabilities to infantry units.
These Heavy Weapons Clone Troopers were a specific type of specialized clone trooper that were outfitted with heavier weaponry and modifications to their armor, providing support to standard clone trooper units. These troopers were equipped with customized versions of both Phase I and Phase II clone trooper armor, exhibiting several variations. These alterations included a small, black pauldron worn on the right shoulder, additional shoulder armor, a kama, enhanced helmet protection, and an external sun visor. Some Heavy Gunners displayed unique unit markings, and specialized heavy clone trooper variants also existed for clone scout troopers, Advanced Recon Force Scout Troopers, and Biker Advanced Recon Commandos. When wearing Phase I armor, certain heavy weapons clone troopers could be identified by blue markings, similar to those used by a Clone Lieutenant.
Beyond their role in providing heavy firepower for the Republic Army, these troopers supported their fellow soldiers by offering anti-vehicle capabilities and laying down heavy suppressing fire. Heavy weapons clone troopers typically employed DC-15A blaster rifles, DC-15LEs, and Z-6 rotary blaster cannons. Furthermore, these clone troopers utilized standard military backpacks with two straps, or alternatively, cloth satchels worn across their chest. Additional ammunition could be carried using a separate diagonal chest strap. Heavy weapons clone troopers also had access to BARC speeders.
The Grand Army of the Republic utilized heavy weapons clone troopers during the Clone Wars. During this conflict, a group of three heavy weapons clone troopers served within a unit commanded by a Clone Captain on Geonosis, deploying alongside a standard clone trooper from a LAAT/i gunship. As the war progressed, heavy weapons clone troopers transitioned to Phase II armor, along with the rest of the Republic Military. These troopers served within various units, including 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 within the 501st, engaging in combat against the Umbaran Militia alongside Kix. Furthermore, at least one Heavy Gunner participated in the Battle of Kashyyyk.
The first appearance of the heavy weapons clone trooper was in the 2014 video game Star Wars: Galactic Defense.