AT-3 Blaster Pistol

The AT-3 "Thunderclap" Blaster Pistol was the product of countless months of trial and error by the armourers at Decuu Arms Research & Development. The High Command had criticized the government for dragging it's feet in the development of better weapons to counter enemies such as the Vagaari and the Tof. Current blaster pistols were not considered adequately powerful. The new blaster would be the result of a back-to-basics approach from which prompted a return to the classic pistol-style blaster, much like had been done with the AT-2. This weapon would include the latest in blaster technology while paying homage to the blasters of the wider galaxy.

This weapon would become known in tests as the "Thunderclap". After approval by the Defence Council, it was re-designated as the AT-3. The pistol was carried in a holster and was used much like the AT-2. It incorporated an integral targeting unit which locks into the upper side of the weapon, and enabled the user to lock onto targets up to 200 meters away. The primary body of the AT-3 was moulded from a lightweight titanium alloy and included an ergonomic pistol grip which contained a removable self-charging magazine which stored up to 250% more power than that of the AT-1. These magazines could be removed and replaced with another if the power was completely depleted and the user had no time to allow the unit to recharge. As a safety feature, sensors within the grip could be triggered to deactivate the weapon if handled by an unauthorized person.

Stun settings were made more adaptable to the unique physiology of various humanoid and non-humanoid species and could fire in three power levels (stun / incapacitate / lethal). It could also discharge a high-energy bolt equivalent in power to a disintegration weapon, effective against light vehicle armour, although this setting would completely deplete the magazine in just 3 shots. The muzzle shroud included a small heat sink which prevented the barrel from overheating.

The AT-3 also accommodated something new called the PDS. The Personal Defence System set-up included a butt-stock, extended forearm, and holographic sighting system. The butt-stock locked into the pistol grip, replacing the magazine and powering the weapon from two slots in the butt which contained two standard magazines. An extended forearm replaced the standard barrel and muzzle shroud, which along with the butt, converted the pistol into a "carbine" or short-barrelled blaster rifle. A holographic targeting unit replaced the standard targeting unit and used a long range imaging sensor to enable the user to lock onto targets up to a kilometre away.

Introduced in 18 ABY, the AT-3 was used primarily by special operations units. It quickly found favour with many security detachments, particularly those guarding Federation V.I.P's.

From the outset, the AT-3 was made to be modular, allowing such beings as Kartanin and even Wookiees to use them with only slight modification.

It used sig gas as propellant, increasing its lethality immensely.