The A5-RX battle tank, alternatively known as the A5-Recon Juggernaut, represented a downsized, specialized iteration of the A5 Juggernaut, meticulously re-engineered to prioritize enhanced speed and superior battlefield maneuverability. Despite its reduction in size, the A5-RX boasted formidable weaponry, incorporating a dual set of repeating blasters, a rear-mounted beam laser cannon, and a dorsal missile turret capable of unleashing six missiles in a single volley. Initially deployed by the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars, this tank subsequently saw service with the Galactic Empire throughout the Galactic Civil War, participating in engagements across the vast expanse of the galaxy.
The A5-RX battle tank—also referred to as the A5-Recon, or A5-R, Juggernaut—was a significantly scaled-down version of the original HAVw A5 Juggernaut tank. In contrast to the A5 and A6 Juggernaut models, the A5-RX was outfitted with tracks instead of wheels, a modification that, coupled with its diminished size, facilitated improved maneuverability on the combat zone. The A5-R achieved a standard cruising speed of 13 megalights, with the capacity to accelerate to 16 MGLT for brief periods. Notwithstanding its smaller dimensions, the A5-RX possessed a heavier armament compared to the A5 model, featuring two dual repeating blaster turrets positioned beneath the forward cockpit, which were susceptible to overheating with excessive use. Additionally, the A5-RX incorporated an aft beam laser cannon—also prone to overheating—and a sizable spread missile turret mounted on the juggernaut's upper surface, capable of launching six missiles per salvo, necessitating a brief interval for turret reloading between volleys.
This juggernaut could accommodate a crew of up to five beings, including a pilot responsible for maneuvering the A5-RX during engagements. The A5-RX also provided seating for four gunners: two tasked with operating the forward blaster turrets, one controlling the rear beam laser, and the remaining individual managing the dorsal spread missile launcher. Certain A5-RX models permitted the pilot to assume control of the repeating blaster turrets, enabling them to engage targets while simultaneously piloting the juggernaut.
The A5-RX battle tank was initially deployed by the Grand Army of the Republic throughout the Clone Wars, with clone troopers of the Galactic Republic serving as its operators. The A5-RX was specifically engineered for reconnaissance missions on planets where the larger A5 Juggernauts encountered mobility limitations due to terrain obstacles. It proved highly effective in combat against the Separatist's OG-9 homing spider droid. During the Clone Wars, the A5-RX saw action on various planetary battlefields across the galaxy, including Geonosis, Ord Mantell, and Mustafar.
Clone engineers belonging to the 38th Armored Division implemented modifications to an A5-RX tank, equipping it with spread-missile launchers, and subsequently employed it to defend the Twilight from pursuing Vulture-class starfighter adversaries.
Subsequently, following the transformation of the Republic into the Galactic Empire, the battle tank found use within the ranks of the Imperial Army during the Galactic Civil War in opposition to the Rebel Alliance. During its service within the Imperial military, the A5-RX was stationed on Dantooine.