View source for 1.4 FD P-Tower/Legends

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{{Weapon
|image=[[File:Antivehix-artillery_negwt.jpg]]
|name=1.4 FD P-Tower
|manufacturer=[[Atgar SpaceDefense Corporation/Legends|Atgar SpaceDefense Corporation]]<ref name="ISB">''[[Imperial Sourcebook]]''</ref>
|model=
|type=Light anti-vehicle [[Laser cannon/Legends|laser cannon]]<ref name="ISB" />
|culture=
|creators=
|created=
|destroyed=
|discovered=
|owners=
|locations=
|cost=*10,000<ref name="ISB2">[[Imperial Sourcebook (Second Edition)|''Imperial Sourcebook'', Second Edition]]</ref>&ndash;12,000 [[Galactic Credit Standard|credits]] (new)<ref name="RECG">''[[Rebellion Era Campaign Guide]]''</ref>
*2,000<ref name="ISB2" />&ndash;6,000 credits (used)<ref name="RECG" />
|value=
|shape=
|size=
|material=
|length=
|width=
|diam=
|height=2.8 meters (energy dish)<ref name="ISB" />
|weight=
|protection=Light armor plating<ref name="EaWPrima">''[[Star Wars: Empire at War: Prima Official Game Guide]]''</ref>
|crew=4<ref name="ISB" />
|capacity=*8<ref name="ISB" /> ([[C-6 battery]])<ref name="EGWT">''[[The Essential Guide to Weapons and Technology]]''</ref>
*Unlimited ([[Power generator/Legends|power generator]])<ref name="GG3">[[Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back (Second Edition)|''Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strike Back'', Second Edition]]</ref>
|range=*10&ndash;500 [[Imperial standard meter|meters]] (short range)<ref name="ISB" />
*501&ndash;2,000 meters (medium range)<ref name="ISB" />
*2,001&ndash;10,000 meters (long range)<ref name="ISB" />
|inscription=
|markings=
|purpose=
|heritage=
|affiliation=}}
{{Quote|When the P-Tower gets ready to fire, you can feel the charge, hear the hum, see the dish light up&hellip;It's a moment of hope. And then the blast just bounces off an AT-AT and you realize that the situation is hopeless&hellip;|[[Lak Sivrak/Legends|Lak Sivrak]]|<ref name="NEWT">''[[The New Essential Guide to Weapons and Technology]]''</ref>}}
The '''1.4 FD P-Tower''' was a light anti-vehicle fixed emplacement [[Artillery/Legends|artillery]] weapon produced by [[Atgar SpaceDefense Corporation/Legends|Atgar SpaceDefense Corporation]].

==Description==
Manufactured by [[Atgar SpaceDefense Corporation/Legends|Atgar SpaceDefense Corporation]], the 1.4 FD P-Tower was a light [[Laser cannon/Legends|laser cannon]]<ref name="ISB" /> employed as a fixed emplacement anti-vehicle weapon. It was designed to target a variety of enemy vehicles, including [[Repulsortank/Legends|repulsortanks]] and [[Landspeeder/Legends|landspeeders]],<ref name="EaWPrima" /> although it had difficulty targeting fast-moving vehicles.<ref name="RECG" /> The unit was quick to produce.<ref name="FF">Non-Canon Ref</ref>

The main bulk of the weapon was a 2.8 [[Imperial standard meter|meter]] high energy dish that had sixteen [[micropower router]]s spaced evenly along the outer edge,<ref name="ISB" /> and eight [[power conversion cell]]s along the interior of the dish. [[Targeting sensor/Legends|Targeting sensors]] were placed on the upper edge of the dish, and a single light [[Laser cannon/Legends|laser cannon]] emanated from the center of the dish.<ref name="EGWT" /> To fire the weapon, energy was fed directly into each micropower router which held the charge until the firing [[Computer/Legends|computer]] registered that the [[Energy Conversion Point]] had been achieved.<ref name="ISB" /> The power conversion cells around the dish glowed once the weapon was primed to fire.<ref name="NEWT" /> At that point, the firing computer channelled the energy from the router into the [[main power converter]] located at the center of the dish, firing the weapon.<ref name="ISB" /> The energy beam moved through the [[discharge barrel]], into the [[galven circuitry]] and through the [[Focusing lens/Legends|focusing lens]] to produce a low-power beam that was effective against repulsorcraft, landspeeders, and airspeeders.<ref name="EGWT" />

[[File:Atgarptower.jpg|thumb|left|An Atgar 1.4 FD P-Tower]]
The 1.4 FD P-Tower was considered to be an all terrain weapon, and could operate in temperatures from minus 100 [[Standard (temperature)|degrees Standard]], to plus 120 degrees Standard.<ref name="ISB" /> The entire weapon could rotate three hundred and sixty degrees on a rotation platform for a full field of fire.<ref name="EGWT" /> At a cost of 10,000 [[Galactic Credit Standard|credits]],<ref name="ISB2" /> the weapon was inexpensive, costing less than half as much as similar weapons on the market. A blast from the weapon was equal to a standard [[Artillery/Legends|artillery]] unit, and was known to take down vehicles as large as an [[All Terrain Scout Transport/Legends|All Terrain Scout Transport]] [[Walker/Legends|walker]].<ref name="ISB" /> Although designed to counter repulsortanks, the armor on heavy repulsortanks and [[All Terrain Armored Transport/Legends|All Terrain Armored Transport]] were able to deflect blaster bolts. In practice, the weapon was often more effective against [[Stormtrooper/Legends|stormtroopers]] than repulsorcraft.<ref name="EGWT" />

At the rear of the unit was the firing computer linked to a [[targeting scope]], along with a targeting and elevation mechanism that raised and depressed the dish.<ref name="EGWT" /> The P-Tower's [[hadrium-iode]] tracking system was capable of following targets through extreme weather.<ref name="FF" /> The targeting computer was unable to predict high-speed maneuvers from fast-moving craft, meaning that scoring direct hits on such craft was often down to the skill of the unit's gunners.<ref name="EGWT" />

The design of the 1.4 FD P-Tower had several drawbacks. The weapon's main power converter was calibrated to specific power needs, fed from the micropower routers. If a single router was to fail or malfunction, the entire firing mechanism would shut down.<ref name="ISB" /> The 1.4 FD P-Tower utilized an Atgar [[C-6 battery]],<ref name="EGWT" /> which only retained enough power for eight shots before needing to be replaced.<ref name="ISB" /> The battery was easy to replace when handled by a skilled [[Technician/Legends|technician]].<ref name="NEWT" /> When hooked up to a [[Power generator/Legends|power generator]], the weapon had unlimited fire capability.<ref name="GG3" /> The weapon also suffered from a low fire rate,<ref name="ISB" /> and required ten seconds to build up an adequate charge.<ref name="EGWT" /> The visible dish was also a tempting target for opponents.<ref name="ISB" />

The weapon required a crew of four to operate,<ref name="ISB" /> although the operators were all vulnerable to attack as the turret was not enclosed, leaving them vulnerable to enemy fire. The lead operator<ref name="RSB">''[[The Rebel Alliance Sourcebook]]''</ref>&mdash;known as the chief [[Gunner/Legends|gunner]]<ref name="RPG2">[[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game, Second Edition, Revised and Expanded|''Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game'', Second Edition, Revised and Expanded]]</ref>&mdash;aimed and fired the weapon. The unit possessed an integrated targeting scope, but many operators were reluctant to stand so close to the weapon in an exposed position, so they used an [[Artillery remote/Legends|artillery remote]]<ref name="FF" /> containing a small joystick controller attached to a portable firing computer<ref name="RSB" /> with a readout screen.<ref name="EGWT" /> The other crew members were engineers<ref name="NEWT" /> who regulated the energy flow from the battery to the micropower routers and monitored the long recharge time between each shot,<ref name="RSB" /> as well as replacing the battery once depleted.<ref name="NEWT" /> The weapon itself was protected by light armor plating.<ref name="EaWPrima" />

==History==
Produced by [[Atgar SpaceDefense Corporation/Legends|Atgar SpaceDefense Corporation]], the 1.4 FD P-Tower was introduced during the [[Clone Wars/Legends|Clone Wars]].<ref name="ISB" /> A fixed emplacement weapon, it was deployed on military installations, [[Space station/Legends|space stations]], and other facilities.<ref name="EaWPrima" /> By the time of the [[Galactic Civil War/Legends|Galactic Civil War]],<ref name="ISB" /> the 1.4 FD P-Tower was outdated<ref name="GG3" /> and readily available for purchase on the black market,<ref name="RSB" /> and was used heavily by both [[Mercenary/Legends|mercenary]] and [[Alliance to Restore the Republic/Legends|Alliance to Restore the Republic]] units, even though the weapon was no longer standard issue for the [[Galactic Empire/Legends|Galactic Empire]]<ref name="ISB" /> who had progressed on to use more advanced models of anti-vehicle weaponry.<ref name="DB">{{DB|technology|lasercannon|anti-vehicle laser cannon|archivedate=20100329223146}}</ref> In light of its continued use, [[Army Command]] was conducting a review regarding the inclusion of the weapon on the updated standard issue list for the [[Imperial Military/Legends|Imperial Military]], although it was found in service on some of the Empire's [[Outer Rim Territories/Legends|Outer Rim]] [[Planet/Legends|planets]].<ref name="ISB" />

Due to its inexpensive cost, it was primarily used by the Alliance,<ref name="ISB" /> and it was their most common piece of field artillery.<ref name="RPG2" /> It was detested almost universally by Alliance [[Infantry/Legends|infantry]] [[Commander/Legends|commanders]], who considered the weapon underpowered and unable to damage heavier Imperial combat vehicles. They questioned the use of an artillery weapon that limited their mobility and provided no protection to their operators. Despite the inexpensive cost of the 1.4 FD P-Tower, the weapon was still too expensive to abandon on the battlefield.<ref name="RSB" /> In addition, the Alliance had trouble securing an adequate supply of replacement batteries to keep their units in combat readiness, and the distinctive glow given off by the power conversion cells proved to be a detriment if using the weapon at night as it could give away defensive positions.<ref name="NEWT" /> Although the low price tag kept the weapon in service, the Alliance began to slowly phase out the 1.4 FD P-Tower.<ref name="RSB" />

[[File:PTowerLaserCannon-cogl.jpg|thumb|right|An Atgar 1.4 FD P-Tower]]
The Alliance utilized P-Towers to defend [[Echo Base/Legends|Echo Base]] on the planet [[Hoth/Legends|Hoth]], as well as in the defense of several other major bases and installations. The P-Tower's contribution to the defense of Echo Base on Hoth was crucial to allowing the Alliance troops to delay the Imperial advance long enough to carry out their evacuation of the base.<ref name="FF" />

The [[New Republic/Legends|New Republic]] conducted experiments into improving the 1.4 FD P-Tower, such as improving the weapon's range, overhauling the power system, and adapting the unit to take a power feed from a larger-scale generator. All generally failed due to the incompatibility of the weapon's decades-old electronics with modern technology.<ref name="EGWT" /> The failure of these projects, slow rate of fire, and the vulnerability of the operating crew led to the decision to phase the weapon out of service,<ref name="FF" /> and the unit was found only in the service of mercenaries and [[Pirate/Legends|pirates]].<ref name="EGWT" /> With the conclusion of the Galactic Civil War, the New Republic decommissioned its remaining P-Towers in favor of [[Repulsorlift/Legends|repulsorlift-equipped]] weapons platforms.<ref name="NEWT" />

By the time of the resurrected [[Emperor/Legends|Emperor's]] [[Operation Shadow Hand|assault]] on the [[New Republic/Legends|New Republic]], the 1.4 FD P-Tower was an optional mounted weapon for [[SedriMotors Ltd.|SedriMotors Limited's]] [[Amphibion]].<ref name="DESB">''[[Dark Empire Sourcebook]]''</ref>

==Behind the scenes==
A likeness of the Atgar 1.4 FD P-Tower was released as an action figure accessory under the name "Radar Laser Cannon" as part of [[Kenner Products|Kenner's]] ''The Empire Strikes Back'' mini-rig toy line. Smaller than vehicles or playsets, the mini-rigs were fairly inexpensive and provided more play value at a lower cost to consumers than many of the larger accessories. As with many Kenner toys, a secret button caused the cannon to "explode".

The [[November]] [[2003]] [[The Empire Strikes Back (TCG)|''The Empire Strikes Back'']] expansion set of the ''[[Star Wars Trading Card Game]]'' features an image of the [[Golan Arms/Legends|Golan Arms]] [[DF.9]] anti-infantry battery on the set's [http://wizards.com/swtcg/images/esb/antivehicle_laser_cannon.jpg "Antivehicle Laser Cannon"] card, which actually describes the 1.4 FD P-Tower laser cannon. An image of the 1.4 FD P-Tower laser cannon appears on the [http://www.wizards.com/swtcg/swtcg_autocard.asp?name=Anti-Infantry_Laser_Battery "Anti-Infantry Laser Battery"], which describes the Golan DF.9.

==Appearances==
*''[[Star Wars: Battlefront]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Battlefront II]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Empire at War]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of Corruption]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader]]''
*{{FFG|book=Star Wars: Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook|text=''Star Wars: Edge of the Empire'' Core Rulebook|story=Trouble Brewing|stext=''Trouble Brewing''}}
*''[[The Night Beast]]''
*[[River of Chaos 4|''River of Chaos'' 4]]
*[[Rebellion 1|''Rebellion'' 1]]
*{{Film|V}} {{1st}}
*[[Star Wars (1977) 40|''Star Wars'' (1977) 40]]
*''[[Entrenched]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike]]''
*{{SWG|An Empire Divided}}
*[[Star Wars (1977) 92|''Star Wars'' (1977) 92]]
*''[[Queen of the Empire]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[X-Wing: Isard's Revenge]]''
*{{DarkStryder|The Saga Begins|The DarkStryder Campaign}}
*''[[Star Wars: Dark Empire II]]''
*[[Dark Apprentice (novel)|''Dark Apprentice'']]
*''[[Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron]]''

===Non-canon appearances===
*''[[LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy]]''
*''[[LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga]]''
*{{TFU|USE=1}}

==Sources==
{{Scroll_box|content=
*[[The Empire Strikes Back Coloring Book (1980)|''The Empire Strikes Back Coloring Book'' (1980)]]
*{{KennerCite|set=Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (toy line)|text=''Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back''|pack=Hoth Ice Planet Adventure Set|link=vintHothIcePlanet.asp|archivedate=20191001151023}}
*[[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game (first edition)|''Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game'']] {{Po}}
*''[[Assault on Hoth]]'' {{C|As "Laser Tower"}}
*''[[The Star Wars Sourcebook]]'' {{Po}}
*''[[Imperial Sourcebook]]''
*''[[Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back]]''
*''[[The Rebel Alliance Sourcebook]]''
*''[[Star Wars Gamemaster Kit]]''
*[[Star Wars Miniatures Battles (first edition)|''Star Wars Miniatures Battles'']]
*''[[Star Wars Technical Journal of the Rebel Forces]]''
*[[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game, Second Edition|''Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game'', Second Edition]]
*''[[Star Wars Gamemaster Screen]]''
*''[[Dark Empire Sourcebook]]''
*[[Star Wars Miniatures Battles (Second Edition)|''Star Wars Miniatures Battles'', Second Edition]]
*[[The Rebel Alliance Sourcebook (Second Edition)|''The Rebel Alliance Sourcebook'', Second Edition]]
*[[Imperial Sourcebook (Second Edition)|''Imperial Sourcebook'', Second Edition]]
*''[[Star Wars Miniatures Battles Companion]]''
*''[[Flashpoint! Brak Sector]]''
*{{InsiderCite|23|Scouting the Galaxy|Scouting the Galaxy: From 'Vadermallows' to Leia Panties}} {{Po}}
*[[Star Wars: The Power of the Force (1995 toy line)|''Star Wars: The Power of the Force'' (1995)]]
*[[Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back (Second Edition)|''Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back'', Second Edition]]
*{{CCG|set=Hoth Limited|link=Hoth-Light/large/atgarlasercannon.gif|cardname=Atgar Laser Cannon}}
*''[[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game, Second Edition, Revised and Expanded]]''
*''[[Star Wars Gamemaster Screen, Revised]]'' <!-- December 1996 -->
*''[[Star Wars Trilogy Sourcebook, Special Edition]]''
*{{GalaxyCite|10|Galactic Bazaar|Galactic Bazaar: Collectors' Comlink}}
*''[[The Essential Guide to Weapons and Technology]]''
*''[[Hideouts & Strongholds]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Behind the Magic]]''
*''[[Star Wars: The Action Figure Archive]]''
*<!-- 2003/11/30 -->{{TCG|set=The Empire Strikes Back (TCG)|sformatted=''The Empire Strikes Back''|link=https://swtcg.com/Content/Images/Cards/ESB/Antivehicle_Laser_Cannon.webp?v=2|cardname=Antivehicle Laser Cannon}}
*''[[Star Wars Battlefront: Prima Official Game Guide]]''
*''[[The New Essential Guide to Weapons and Technology]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Empire at War: Prima Official Game Guide]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of Corruption Expansion: Prima Official Game Guide]]''
*''[[The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia]]''
*''[[Star Wars: The Official Starships & Vehicles Collection 10]]''
*''[[Rebellion Era Campaign Guide]]''
*{{DB|technology|lasercannon|anti-vehicle laser cannon|archivedate=20100329223146}}
*{{FFGTCG|set=The Battle of Hoth (Force Pack)|cardname=Hold the Line!}} {{Po}}
*''[[Forged in Battle]]''
}}

==Notes and references==
{{Reflist}}

{{Interlang
|de=1.4 FD P-Turm
|nl=1.4 FD P-Tower Laser Cannon
|pl=Działo przeciwpancerne 1.4 FD P-Tower/Legendy
|pt=Atgar 1.4 FD P-Tower
}}

[[Category:Atgar SpaceDefense Corporation products]]
[[Category:Ground-based laser cannons]]