Trade Federation AAT (Armored Assault Tank)

• Appeared in:
  
  I
  II
  III
  IV
  V
  VI
  CW

• Size:
  9.75 meters long

• Weapon:
  Laser cannons, energy projectile launchers

• Affiliation:
  Trade Federation

• Type:
  Repulsorlift battle tank

• Manufacturer:
  Baktoid Armor Workshop

• 

From the Movies

The marriage of repulsorlift and heavy armor has resulted in formidable floating tanks known as AATs. These assault tanks form the frontline of Trade Federation armored infantry divisions. A crew of battle droids drives the battle tank and operates the array of laser and projectile weaponry carried by the vehicle.

From the Expanded Universe

Baktoid Armor Workshop's Armored Assault Tank is a fearsome design studded with heavy artillery. Its turret-mounted primary laser cannon has long-range destructive capability, and is bracketed by a pair of pylon-mounted secondary laser cannons. A pair of forward-facing short range blaster cannons round out the AAT's energy-weapon complement.

Contained in the forward edge of the tank's armored repulsorlift shroud are six energized shell projectile launchers capable of delivering specialized payloads. The tank contains three separate magazines from which to draw warheads: high-energy shells encased in a cocoon of plasma for incredible speed and penetration power, specialized armor-piercing warheads, and high explosive "bunker busting" shells.

The AAT requires a crew of four battle droids to operate: a commander, a pilot, and two gunners. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 55 kilometers per hour.

Behind the Scenes

The revised rough draft script of Episode I described the Trade Federation invasion spearheaded by AACs, or Armored Attack Craft. George Lucas' original design ideas for the battle tank resembled more of an assault helicopter: a low-flying armored gun. As the design developed, the AAT began to draw more tank-like characteristics, as well as animalistic qualities (the arm-mounted cannons, for instance, suggest claws and horns). The forward curve of the tank was inspired by the design of a shovel.