LAVr QH-7 Chariot

The LAVr QH-7 Chariot, crafted by Uulshos Manufacturing, represented a modified military landspeeder. Its design catered to scenarios where close-quarters combat and immediate threats were deemed unlikely. The Chariot's primary function was safeguarding crucial command personnel, enabling them to oversee soldiers and operations, rather than engaging in frontline combat.

With a length of 11.8 meters, the Chariot boasted enhanced armor compared to similar landspeeders. Layered armor plates offered protection against low-intensity blaster fire, complemented by an armored canopy positioned above a blast deflection plate. Retractable view plates served as covers for side observation ports. Propulsion was achieved via five repulsorlift engines, accompanied by ventrally mounted repulsorlift jets for altitude and angle adjustments. The Chariot could reach speeds of one hundred kilometers per hour, with a ground clearance of eight meters. Certain variants were capable of speeds reaching 350 kilometers per hour.

The Chariot's interior featured an array of computers executing battle-assistance software, facilitating commander awareness of field units. The computer integrated sophisticated tactical displays, leveraging holographic technology to generate comprehensive schematics and battlefield representations for onboard officers, accompanied by continuous data updates. A complete, dedicated sensor and communications suite enabled the commander to monitor and coordinate up to a dozen units. Typically, this unit was a MicroThrust Processors CO-0012 com-scan. A comprehensive communications uplink maintained contact with orbiting starships, incorporating a signal scrambler to prevent enemy interception and decryption of outgoing transmissions. The communications suite included a Long-Range Comm Transceiver mounted atop the Chariot, alongside a Subspace Scrambler/Transceiver, a Comm Analysis Amplifier/Receptor, and a Low-Frequency Encryptor. The Chariot's rear section housed electronic countermeasure equipment to safeguard against targeted electromagnetic attacks and disruptive tactics. These systems were shielded, and backup systems were in place to address damage or malfunctions.

The Chariot's sole armament consisted of a single, forward-facing Mk 2/S laser cannon capable of firing only in the direction of travel. This weapon was suspended beneath the Chariot, deployed from a hatch located below the main cabin.

The Chariot's crew comprised three individuals: the driver, the commander, and a guard who also served as the commander's senior aide and gunner. When needed, the Chariot could accommodate an entire command staff, with the communications array managed by four communications droids. A switch located beneath the commander's seat activated a self-destruct timer. This self-destruct feature was generally kept secret, and the timer could be set for up to ten minutes to destroy the vehicle and the battle records contained within its computers.

As a relatively common command speeder used by the Imperial Army, Chariots were deployed to enable commanders to enter and exit battlefields without facing direct danger. The Chariot's widespread use was not due to its battlefield effectiveness, but rather its low cost-per-unit. Chariots were typically escorted while in the field, often keeping pace with advancing infantry, repulsorcraft, and walkers, which meant that its primary weapon was seldom used. Veteran officers who had served in the Clone Wars favored Chariots for battlefield evacuations, recalling instances of LAAT/i dropships attracting excessive anti-aircraft fire during extractions. Generally, Chariots were deployed to provide support for artillery and repulsorlift platoons, and occasionally for scout units during specialized missions. Generals preferred Chariots for traveling to the front lines, often using them to reach the front and conduct face-to-face briefings with field officers in a secure environment.

Grand Admiral Thrawn initiated a program to upgrade and modify the units under his command. Chariots underwent modifications, with the underslung laser cannon being replaced by a more versatile swivel laser cannon. While more powerful than the standard weapon, it remained underpowered and unsuitable for direct combat engagements. Furthermore, many vehicles had their backup computer systems removed and installed in other landspeeders.

In 9 ABY, a Chariot played a role in coordinating the search for Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade following their crash in the dense forests of Myrkr. Skywalker destroyed the Chariot in Hyllyard City by using his lightsaber to topple a ten-meter-tall stone arch onto it.