Trade Federation Armored Assault Tank (AAT) - TAC - Vehicles

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 tank and operates the array of laser and projectile weaponry carried by the vehicle.

Hasbro started the 30th anniversary celebration of Star Wars early. Yes, 2007 was officially the year when Star Wars would turn the big 3-0, but Hasbro ensured they’d get out a nice helping of new products in brand-spanking-new packaging to advance what big stuff would come the following year. 30 (77-07) line look product began arriving as early as November 2006, and it included the Commemorative Tin Collection four-packs, a new Comic Packs line and of course an all-new assortment of vehicles. One of these vehicles was the Trade Federation Armored Assault Tank (AAT), but this time, it was supposedly based on its appearance in the Star Wars: Battlefront video game. It was cast from the same tooling of AATs from ages past, but the brand-new brown color scheme and Geonosis-inspired B1 battle droid action feature all seem to point to this awesome Expanded Universe source. Hasbro made no tooling updates to the Trade Federation Armored Assault Tank (AAT). Still, the paint job on the vehicle is stunning, and it will probably become a favorite of those who buy these items to augment the basic figures in their collections.

The Trade Federation Armored Assault Tank (AAT) is a mix of colors. The upper portions are clay red, and the lower parts are chocolate brown. However, remember that Hasbro added a ton of sprays and washes to give the vehicle an incredible look and texture. You’ll find collections of dirt and grime, but you also find areas of shiny metal where the “paint” has worn off in battle. The multiple uses of browns, tans, and reddish-browns create a visually stunning vehicle. The same play features have been carried forth. The Trade Federation Armored Assault Tank (AAT) has an articulated cannon. You can add four projectiles to the vehicle's platform area and fire them by pressing buttons on the back. A Confederacy of Independent Systems insignia on the vehicle’s right side has been applied very neatly and cleanly. The reverse side of the Confederacy of Independent Systems looks a little “undone,” for lack of a better word. It seems to need some of the great deco the front of the vehicle received. But it’s not a complaint as it is more of an observation.

The cockpit can house a B1 battle droid of your choice. With all of the fantastic Battle Droid action figures we have received throughout the year, we certainly have a variety of options from which to choose. They all seem to function well with all models of the Trade Federation Armored Assault Tank (AAT), which makes complete sense. As Hasbro develops better sculpts, the vehicles will look better outfitted with them for obvious reasons. In our opinion, we’re not crazy about the damaged battle droid action feature. A lot of wasted space could be used for better things, although we’re not sure what those better things might be. The Trade Federation Armored Assault Tank (AAT) is a nice update to this classic modern vehicle. They had a major presence in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, but it’s impeccable how Lucasfilm Ltd. is working them into video games and other Expanded Universe sources. And what’s even more exciting than that is Hasbro is making them for the toy line. 2007 is about the 30-year celebration of Star Wars and not necessarily A New Hope. And exciting things will follow by Hasbro focusing on toys across the entire Star Wars timeline.