Designed by Rothana Heavy Engineering as a mainstay battle tank for the Grand Army of
the Republic during the Clone Wars, the All-Terrain Tactical Enforcer is one of the most well
rounded and reliable combat vehicles ever deployed, and a crucial developmental stage
toward the iconic combat walkers of the Galactic Empire.
At a length of 22.02 Meters, the AT-TE stands on six articulated legs that evenly distribute
the vehicle’s weight for maximum stability and fine control.
In addition to its control crew, the walker carries 20 troops and one IM-6 Medic Droid
within its passenger compartment, as well as a supply of small arms, medical equipment
and other supplies.
The Six feet of the AT-TE are magnetised to allow the vehicle to climb over metal fortifications,
and equipped with powerful mechanical grips that can entrench the tank into a fixed position,
or even be used to scale sheer cliffs if necessary.
The AT-TE is armed with a high-yield mass driver cannon fixed to an adjustable turret,
this weapon fires an energized projectile rather than a particle blast and is able to
pierce even the thickest armor.
This weapon is supported by four forward and two rear-mounted laser cannons, designed to
create a 360 degree field of defensive anti-infantry fire.
At a maximum moving speed of 60 Kilometres per hour, the AT-TE frequently able to decimate
infantry units simply by charging through them, trampling dozens of hostile troops underfoot
without breaking pace.
Republic AT-TEs are equipped to carry a pair of All Terrain Recon Transports in a rear-mounted
deployment bay.
These units drastically increase the mission profile of the larger walker by facilitating
medium-range scout missions and fast-attack cavalry raids.
The speed of the AT-RT makes it effective as a battlefield courier when communications
are jammed, and the vehicles can be employed to quickly outflank heavy weapons units that
threaten the AT-TE’s safety.
Unlike the later walkers of the Galactic Empire, the AT-TE is designed with a low centre-of
gravity in mind, preventing the vehicle from being toppled over or defeated using cable
traps.
The central frame of the AT-TE is built around a single large point of articulation, that
drastically decreases the turning circle of the walker in spite of its substantial size.
Some AT-TE’s had their troop compartments converted to serve as mobile command centres
for Jedi Generals and Clone Officers, these command tank variants housed holographic strategy
tables, advanced communication systems, and powerful uplinks to connect with other command
units as well as warships in orbit.
The armor plating of the AT-TE was designed to conduct the energy of weapons blasts throughout
its surface to dissipate the impact and minimise damage to specific subsystems.
The walker’s hull is also hardened against ion blasts, and electroconductively sealed
to allow the vehicle to pass through hostile shield bubbles if approached at low speed.
The underside of the AT-TE lacked any armor however, and this coupled with the vehicles
low profile made the walker extremely vulnerable to landmines, it was in fact a reaction to
this flaw that inspired the Galactic Empire to develop far taller walkers like the AT-AT,
extending their critical systems far away from the danger of mines, but increasing the
risk of being knocked over or tripped.
The AT-TE’s replacement by the AT-AT following the Rise of the Empire has been critiqued
by many, and represents one of the best examples of the Tarkin Doctrine in action.
The AT-TE is a larger and more expensive design that prioritises intimidation and area control
over adaptability and speed.
The AT-AT is a fiercely powerful vehicle and a dominating presence on the battlefield,
but it is expensive and requires the support of numerous smaller vehicles and light units
to offset it’s lack of agility.
Conversely the AT-TE can be built in greater numbers at lower cost, and is able to handle
a far wider variety of missions with no support.