The AT-ST (also known as All Terrain Scout Transport) was an Imperial walker that appeared in the original trilogy of the Star Wars universe.
Used by the Galactic Empire, these small, two-legged, agile walkers were built for light scouting, perimeter defense and support for Imperial ground forces, such as Troopers or AT-AT walkers. Even though armed to the teeth of blaster cannons and grenade launchers, the walker's balanced nature proves to be highly vulnerable.
AT-STs rely on agility rather than heavy armor for defense. Their two-legged drive system means that they are more easily unbalanced than AT-ATs, but they are considerably faster, with a top speed of ninety kilometers per hour. They are devastating in combat, especially against infantry troops and light repulsorcraft. While smaller than four-legged AT-AT walkers, AT-STs are still intimidating at 8.6 meters tall.
AT-STs have a crew of only two persons: a pilot and a gunner. Armor plating protects the entire command cabin with closable viewports for both pilot and gunner. As in the AT-AT, a holographic targeting system provides a 360-degree view of the battlefield as well as range and targeting information.
AT-ST Walker Schematics.
The head can turn independently of the drive and leg mechanism to fire in all directions. The primary weapons are chin-mounted twin blaster cannons with a maximum ranger of two kilometers. Twin light blasters are mounted on the port side, while a concussion grenade launcher is located on the starboard side of the vehicle: both weapons are particularly useful against ground troops. Cutting claws on each leg can slice through fences and other obstacles.
AT-ST walkers have a single drive system to power their legs. An advanced gyro system maintains balance, although the unit is susceptible to damage or collapse. While the AT-ST is excellent on open ground, it can be slowed or even dangerously unbalanced by dense foliage, uneven terrain or hidden traps. The drive system is entirely exposed to enemy fire if troops are able to get close enough to pinpoint targeting.
AT-STs are excellent patrol vehicles and often are deployed alone for scouting and reconnaissance duties. They can provide covering fire for advancing ground troops, and the drive unit allows them to work through terrain that would stop traditional repulsorlift vehicles, such as combat landspeeders. When they are used in conjunction with AT-AT walkers, their maneuverability allows them to cover the larger walkers' flanks.
Access is through a single hatch at the top of the command cabin. Crew members can climb up the side of the walker by using a series of handholds, but specialized loading platforms are generally used at military bases.
First Order version
During the war between the First Order and the Resistance, the First Order developed walkers based on the original Imperial AT-ST.
First Order AT-ST: A walker with improved gyroscopic systems and an armor that is lighter but strong.
