All Terrain Scout Transport

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"Affirmative, AT-ST support is on the way."

―An Imperial technician^[src]

The All Terrain Scout Transport (AT-ST), also known as a Scout Transport, Scout Walker, or derisively as a chicken walker, was a lightweight, bipedal walker used by the ground forces of the Galactic Empire.

Characteristics

Serving as a reconnaissance and patrol vehicles,^[2] AT-STs were equipped with chin-mounted medium blaster cannons capable of firing at a range of two kilometers,^[1] as well as side cannons equipped with rockets and concussion grenades capable of doing massive damage to enemy vehicles and ground troops at close range. Aside from blaster cannons, concussion grenades, and side mounted homing rockets, the AT-STs had durasteel claws about half a meter long, used for hacking down rebels and slicing through enemy barricades mercilessly.^[source?] They were excellent at dealing with large amounts of infantry as well as mounted turrets that were too risky to be taken out with rocket launchers.^[6] Despite its speed and agility, an AT-ST walker's offensive and defensive power were significantly compromised. Its weapons systems were only good against lightly-armored targets at close range; and its lighter armor could repel attacks from small arms fire, but not laser cannons, missiles, or other heavy ordinance. The Ewoks of Endor discovered that the AT-ST was also vulnerable to anti-Gorax traps, such as ramming logs suspending from trees onto the sides of the walker could smash through the walker's head, destroying the cockpit, and other short-range attacks such as thick ropes slung around its lower legs possibly toppling the walker, while rocks and other debris dropped from above could destabilize its footing. One of its greatest weaknesses however, was its susceptibility to hijacking. Sufficiently strong force could rip the entrance hatch off the top of the walker. If commandeered, the walker's cannons could easily penetrate other AT-STs armor.^[1]

AT-STs were commonly used to screen the flanks of larger assault walkers for major ground operations. As such, they were essential for cleaning up minor resistance along the path of a pre-planned invasion route, and could quickly eliminate any small threats that managed to evade an AT-ATs barrage. The walker was also commonly used on anti-personnel hunting missions, and was piloted by two AT-ST drivers with superior skills of balance and agility.^[7]

Variant models

Main article: AT-ST Mark III

AT-ST Mark IIIs were equipped with experimental armor that provided more speed and durability than that of the standard AT-ST. Mounted with twin heavy laser cannons and piloted by veteran crews, they excelled against most targets.^[8]

History

Part of the All-Terrain walker family, its role in supporting Imperial ground operations earned it the moniker 'scout walker.'^[1] It was commonly involved in a variety of environments, such as in skirmishes on the planet Tatooine.^[source?] At least one AT-ST was deployed on Jedha in 0 BBY in a battle during the planet's insurgency.^[9] Several fought alongside AT-ATs at the Battle of Hoth.^[10] They also notably participated in the Battle of Endor, where they were defeated by the Ewoks and their traps.^[5]

Behind the scenes

Atsthoth — The AT-ST model used on Hoth. Unit insignia seen on the side.

ILMATST-SWFB — Members of the ILM team with a model of an AT-ST.

The original model for the AT-ST was created by members of the Industrial Light & Magic team, and George Lucas thought it was "neat" and decided to include it in The Empire Strikes Back alongside the AT-AT, so the ILM model shop disassembled it and added a metal stop-motion armature.^[source?]

The AT-ST model received some cosmetic changes for its extensive appearance in Return of the Jedi, thus explaining the minor differences in the models used for the two films.^[11]