The Low Altitude Assault Transport (LAAT), also designated as the LAAT-series gunship and affectionately called "Laaties" by some clone troopers, represented a gunship line utilized by the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars conflict. Rothana Heavy Engineering was the manufacturer responsible for this series.
The LAAT's creation was a monumental feat of engineering, demanding years of dedicated work. The Kaminoans faced numerous challenges, ranging from pioneering new weapon designs to ensuring overall stability. They incorporated repulsorlift turbines, strategically positioned within the wings and base of the transport, to counteract the effects of anti-aircraft weaponry deployed by the CIS. Further, they innovated a devastating weapon designed to inflict widespread damage on the battlefield: an ion repeater capable of emitting a beam that could bisect structures and individuals. A significant drawback of this weapon was its tendency to overheat rapidly. To address this, the Kaminoans devised a solution involving side-mounted and wing-mounted turrets, each independently controlled by its own mass drive engine. This configuration ensured that the weapon's operation did not overload the main engine.
The LAAT gunship series was primarily intended for the transportation and tactical support of up to 30 clone soldiers in active combat zones. Additionally, its rear hangar bay was capable of accommodating up to four speeder bikes, facilitating reconnaissance missions or search and rescue operations. Initial LAAT models were limited to atmospheric flight, necessitating that their transport cruisers either land on a planet's surface or at least enter its atmosphere for deployment. Subsequent iterations of the gunship were engineered to operate in space, enabling their use in ship-to-ship boarding actions. Certain specialized variants also featured bacta tanks for transporting wounded personnel requiring medical attention. Following the First Battle of Geonosis, a modified Alpha-Class Arc Trooper/Special Ops gunship variant was introduced, distinguished by a unique paint scheme, enhanced maneuverability, and extended flight endurance.
The gunship's extensive array of weaponry was configured to engage both aerial targets and provide ground support. For engaging distant or stationary targets, the LAAT was equipped with two mass-driver missile launchers mounted on its dorsal surface, capable of carrying various payloads depending on the mission parameters. Eight light air-to-air missiles, four beneath each wing, were available for engaging airborne threats. Furthermore, four composite-beam pinpoint laser turrets – two manned by clone troopers and two remotely operated by the co-pilot/gunner (one on each wing) – offered a broad range of movement, proving effective in both air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements. Three anti-personnel turrets (two forward-facing, one rear-facing) provided additional support for ground operations, ensuring a secure path for troop and vehicle deployment.
The LAAT demonstrated exceptional operational effectiveness. Its maneuverability was such that only the most agile enemy spacecraft could effectively track it. Even seasoned pilots struggled to evade its numerous weapon systems. These gunships were first deployed during the First Battle of Geonosis, where they played a pivotal role in establishing air superiority and securing victory for the significantly outnumbered Republic forces. Throughout the Clone Wars, the LAAT saw extensive use in countless battles, serving both as a troop transport and as a platform for providing aerial support.
The LAAT/i, designed for infantry transport and serving as a mobile gun platform, was the most prevalent model within the LAAT series during the Clone Wars. While capable of transporting up to 30 clone troopers into battle, it was also utilized for deploying reconnaissance units ahead of main engagements. Modified versions were adapted to carry additional military speeders or deploy larger combat vehicles, like walkers, onto the battlefield. Later iterations of the LAAT/i replaced the door-mounted gunnery balls with enlarged doors to maintain internal pressurization. This modification enabled the gunships to be deployed from orbital cruisers and operate in space, eliminating the need for cruisers to enter the atmosphere. This resulted in significantly faster and more discreet troop deployments.
Beyond the LAAT variants, several other gunship models existed, both preceding and succeeding them, which were designated with similar acronyms. Notable examples include the AIAT/i gunship, the VAAT/e transport, and the HAET-221 gunboat.
LAATs remained in service well into the Galactic Civil War era. For example, they were used during the Kamino uprising, where clone anti-Imperial troopers and Kaminoans attempted to evacuate the planet aboard these transports. They were also utilized in limited numbers by the Alliance to Restore the Republic as troop carriers.
In Knight Errant: Escape 2, a gunship belonging to the Odionate faction appears, bearing a striking resemblance to the LAAT (despite predating the Clone Wars by nearly 1000 years).
In the opening sequence of Star Wars: Dark Empire, a wrecked vehicle visually similar to an LAAT is visible in the panel depicting the initial impact of the hyperspace wormhole on Coruscant.
In Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds: Clone Campaigns, the LAAT/i Gunships were incorrectly labeled as "Gunship Fighters."
Within Star Wars: Battlefront II, the LAAT was categorized as a space drop ship, implying potential modifications.
The LAAT's design draws heavily from the Soviet/Russian Mi-24 Hind helicopter gunship. This real-world counterpart also serves the dual purpose of ground attack and troop transportation.
The combat tactics employed by these gunships exhibit similarities to those of another real-world helicopter, the UH-1 Iroquois, during the Vietnam War.
In Star Wars Galaxies, players could acquire one as part of the TCG Expansion launched on March 16th, 2010. It manifested as a Speeder within the game's mechanics.