The HAG-M, also known as the Heavy Artillery Gun or mortar tank, was a mobile repulsorlift artillery piece used by the Trade Federation and, later, the Confederacy of Independent Systems.
Unlike the earlier Heavy Artillery Gun, which superficially resembled the Trade Federation's Multi-Troop Transports, the HAG-M echoed the appearance of the Armored Assault Tank.
The Heavy Artillery Gun used during the Clone Wars
It had large orange photoreceptors on its frontal surface, just above the "foot", and a longer chassis than the AAT. A mortar cannon that stretched nearly the entire length of the vehicle was its only weapon and was powerful enough to easily destroy the Galactic Republic's RTTs and walkers.
The HAG was clad in heavy armor which made it very resistant to laser cannons but also resulted in poor speed and maneuverability, which allowed it to be destroyed fairly easily by faster and nimbler Republic vehicles. During the Clone Wars, it was used as a lighter equivalent to the Republic Self-Propelled Heavy Artillery units.
There was also an upgraded version of the HAG-M known as the HHAG-M, which possessed two mortar cannons and a larger "foot".
A HAG-M (top) and HHAG-M (bottom).
Both the HAG-M and HHAG-M were used during the Trade Federation's invasion of Naboo and throughout the Clone Wars, where they served in conditions that would render other CIS artillery, such as the IG-227 Hailfire-class droid tank, extremely vulnerable. They became essential for stopping larger walkers like the All Terrain Tactical Enforcer, as they could hit these armored behemoths before being struck. However, they had to work with anti-air units, as Republic aerial vehicles could easily destroy them.
Following the execution of the Separatist Council by Darth Vader, these units were de-activated.
- "State of the Arts" — Star Wars Gamer 4
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Prima's Official Strategy Guide
- The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia