Heavy weapons clone trooper

"Send the Heavy Gunner in first—he has better armor and more firepower."

The Heavy Weapons Clone Trooper, also simply known as the Heavy Gunner or Heavy Trooper, was a specialized clone trooper that provided infantry with heavy firepower and anti-vehicle support.

Description[]

SWL-Clone-Captain-Geonosis — A Clone Captain leads their forces on Geonosis, including a trio of Heavy Weapons Clone Troopers.

The Heavy Weapons Clone Trooper^[3] was a type of specialized clone trooper that was deployed with heavy weapons and armor modifications and additions to support other clone trooper forces.^[1] Heavy weapons clone troopers were equipped with modified Phase I and Phase II clone trooper armor, with variations. These modifications included a small black right-shouldered pauldron, shoulder armor additions, a kama, helmet armor, and an external shade visor. Some^[4] Heavy Gunners^[2] featured additional unit markings, and there were also heavy clone trooper specializations for clone scout troopers, Advanced Recon Force Scout Troopers, and Biker Advanced Recon Commandos.^[4] While in Phase I armor, some heavy weapons clone troopers were distinguished with blue markings, similar to that of a Clone Lieutenant.^[1]

Beyond supplying heavy firepower to the Republic Army,^[4] heavy weapons troopers aided their comrades by providing anti-vehicle support^[1] and heavy covering fire. Heavy weapons clone troopers made use of DC-15A blaster rifles, DC-15LEs, and Z-6 rotary blaster cannons. In addition, these clone troopers used standard two-strapped military backpacks, or made use of clothed satchels slung over their chest. Additional munitions could be added with a separate diagonal chest strap.^[4] Heavy weapons clone troopers also had access to BARC speeders.^[3]

History[]

501st-Clone-Commander-Umbara — A heavy weapons clone trooper as a Clone Commander on Umbara.

Heavy weapons clone troopers were deployed by the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars. During the war, a trio of heavy weapons clone troopers were part of a contingent led by a Clone Captain on Geonosis, and deployed alongside a standard clone trooper from a LAAT/i gunship.^[5] Heavy weapons clone troopers transitioned to phase II armor alongside the rest of the Republic Military during the war. The troopers were present in the 7th Sky Corps, 41st Elite Corps, 87th Sentinel Corps, 91st Mobile Reconnaissance Corps, 104th Battalion, 181st Armor Division, 327th Star Corps, and the 501st Legion.^[4] One heavy weapons clone trooper served as a Clone Commander within the 501st during the Battle of Umbara, and fought in combat against the Umbaran Militia alongside Kix.^[6] At least one Heavy Gunner fought in the Battle of Kashyyyk.^[2]