- Appeared in:
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
CW
- Size:
27 meters long
- Weapon:
9 proton torpedo launcher tubes
- Affiliation:
Rebel Alliance
- Type:
Medium mobile proton torpedo launcher crawler
- Manufacturer:
Loratus Manufacturing
-
From the Expanded Universe
Loratus Manufacturing had supplied the Rebellion with a mobile proton torpedo launcher vehicle for use in some of the first ground engagements of the Galactic Civil War. After repeated setbacks against the Imperial army, Alliance military personnel sent several desperate requests to Loratus. The Empire had exploited the initial MPTL's sluggishness, and the tracked warhead launchers were often picked off by artillery counterstrikes before their weapons could effectively be brought to bear on the Empire.
Loratus responded with the MPTL-2a, a significant upgrade on the battle-tested design. The treaded crawler vehicle was lighter, more maneuverable, and faster to deploy, making it more mobile and less of an easy target. Still, it is by no means a direct combat vehicle, and wise commanders attach an armed escort to the vehicle or keep them out of enemy range. When ready to deploy, its armored shell splits open to reveal the multi-tube launcher assembly. Initial tests revealed that the lightweight build of the vehicle hampered the launcher's stability and range, requiring the addition of gription stabilizers to steady the craft.
When deployed, the MPTL-2a can fire torpedoes over 20 kilometers with the help of a spotter droid or scout unit that can sensor-paint targets. Without the droid or spotting unit, the range and accuracy of the MPTL can be severely hampered.
