Low Altitude Assault Transport

The Low Altitude Assault Transport (LAAT), also known as the LAAT-series gunship, is a series of gunships designed by Rothana Heavy Engineering. It was used by the Grand Army of the Republic during The Clone Wars and later on by the Empire and Alliance to Restore the Republic. The LAAT series, in general, consisted of various models, designed for different types of warfare and tasks but the most commonly recognized versions are the LAAT/i and LAAT/c.

In terms of design, the LAAT/i, short for Low Altitude Assault Transport/infantry, is a sturdy and robust gunship acting predominantly as a troop transport aircraft. It is capable of carrying up to 30 troops on the battlefield and equipped with sufficient firepower provided by laser turrets, beam weapons, and missile pods. Often used for rapid deployment and extraction purposes, it became a backbone in the Grand Army of the Republic.

On the other hand, the LAAT/c, short for Low Altitude Assault Transport/carrier, is a vehicle carrier variant of the LAAT series. Instead of transporting troops, this version is designed to carry and deploy ground vehicles into the battlefield, such as the All Terrain Tactical Enforcer (AT-TE) and other heavy cargo.

Apart from their primary roles, these gunships are also known for their close air-support capabilities. They played a crucial role in various battles during the Clone Wars, providing air-to-ground and air-to-air support to clone forces on the ground and fighting against enemy aircraft.

The LAAT series gunships continued to see use after the Clone Wars and into the reign of the Galactic Empire. They were used extensively by the early rebellion, albeit in limited numbers due to shortages and other logistical issues. Some old LAAT/i and LAAT/c gunships also ended up in the hands of criminal organizations or mercenaries.

Despite their aged design and the development of new generations of transport ships, the LAAT series' durability, versatility, and battle-proven reliability ensured that they remain in service for several decades. They have become a recognizable symbol of the Star Wars universe, representing the power and practicality in warfare that defines both the prequel and original trilogies.