Low-Altitude Medium Artillery Platform

The Low-Altitude Medium Artillery Platform, or LAMAP, was a flying atmospheric war machine used most prominently by the during the time of the.

Characteristics
The LAMAP's primary armament was a medium cannon mounted on the end of the craft's nose. This cannon was used to bombard enemy vehicles, fortifications, and groups of infantry at a distance, while two laser turrets mounted on the wing tips could be used against closer targets. Its tactical function was to serve as a faster, more mobile platform for firepower roughly equivalent to that of an.

At cruising speed, the LAMAP could match the speed of an. When running on during combat, however, it was slower and less maneuverable. Despite being shielded and well armored, it lacked point-defense weaponry and was particularly susceptible to attacks from behind.

History
The LAMAP saw action as early as the, and many were deployed in early campaigns on such worlds as , , , , and. Though they were instrumental in the siege of many ground bases, they were vulnerable to enemy air attack. Many were destroyed in blitz attacks by and. As a result, the standard Republic order of battle soon required that every LAMAP be supported by at least two LAAT gunships during combat.

Despite these measures, the casualty rate for LAMAPs remained high, and by the end of the war's second year they were not commonly seen on the front lines. The exploits of a few clone pilot aces saved the craft's reputation, however. Its most notable victory took place on, where five LAMAPS supported by four gunships fought and destroyed a Confederate.

With the rise of the and the destruction of the last, production of LAMAPs ceased. Some of the craft's engineers went on to design other vehicles for the Imperial Army, such as the platform. After the, however, they were brought back into service by certain factions of the , including the.

Behind the scenes
The LAMAP is simply an elaboration on the as seen in .