Piloted by OOM pilot battle droids, AATs comprised a significant portion of the Trade Federation's ground forces.

The vehicle was designed by the Baktoid Armor factories, with its most important parts placed in the back.

The tank's reactor and power and communications gear were kept in the rear for protection. The tank required a crew of four battle droids to be fully operated and was able to carry six additional battle droids onto the battlefield. The tank had heavy frontal armor that gave it the capability to plow through walls, and it was heavily armed with a payload of 57 shells. The Armored Assault Tank ( AAT-1 or AAT) was a medium-sized repulsor tank used mainly by the Trade Federation and the Confederacy of Independent Systems prior to the rise of the Galactic Empire. A fearsome sight on any battlefield, the AAT is one of the Trade Federation's most formidable weapons.' ―Captain Panaka Designed to wipe out enemy troops, the AAT boasts a powerful laser cannon capable of punching through enemy ranks. ' The AAT serves as the Trade Federation's front line assault vehicle.

Star wars battle tank