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AT-AP Following the success of the AT-TE during the early stages of the Clone War, the Republic commissioned Rothana Heavy Engineering to design additional Walker types to increase the versatility of their ground forces. The AT-AP (All Terrain Attack Pod) was amongst this new batch of designs and is designed to provide mobile medium-range artillery support. Rothana managed to get the AT-AP into service quite quickly following its initial development, as many of its components are shared in common with the AT-TE. In addition to this quick development turnaround, the Republic gained the additional advantage of being able to interchange a number of their spares between the two types of walker. This was a concept that would later shape the purchasing strategy of the Empire. At nearly 11m in height, the AT-AP features a heavily armoured command pod with a pair of rear side-mounted legs. Whilst classed as a bipedal walker, the AT-AP actually features a retractable third leg that is used when firing its heavy projectile cannon or when it is moving through particularly uneven terrain. Deploying or retracting this third leg requires the AT-AP to come to a complete halt and remain stationary for a few seconds as its sophisticated suspension system adjusts itself to compensate. The AT-AP's command cabin is situated at the front of the command pod and holds both the driver and Walker Commander. In addition to being in overall command, the Walker Commander is also responsible for navigation and firing the heavy projectile cannon. The driver controls nearly all other operations onboard, including the use of the ventral swivel blaster cannon. The third and final crewmember operates a dorsal heavy blaster turret from a saddle on the turret itself. Whilst this is a somewhat exposed position, it does give the gunner an unparalleled view of the battlefield. The AT-AP served with distinction throughout the course of the Clone War and saw heavy action across the Galaxy. With the rise of the Empire and the subsequent development of the AT-ST and AT-AT, the AT-AP started to lose favour and was slowly phased out of frontline operations. Craft: Rothana Heavy Engineering AT-AP Weapons:
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