The AAT is the Trade Federation's Armored Assault Tank, the hovering repulsorlift vehicle that debuted in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) and went on to appear across the prequel trilogy and The Clone Wars. Its cannon is one of the most recognisable heavy weapons of the prequel era, sitting between the lighter pew pew blaster fire of infantry weapons and full-scale explosions. Clips of the firing sound circulate on soundboards because editors want an authentic Star Wars vehicle weapon rather than a generic boom, and it remains a staple for fan films and battle edits.