However, the aspect of the AT-DP that I'm most excited about is its cost - between the 7-point Jet Troopers and 9-point AT-DP, the all-Vehicle list can actually become a reality.

Prior to the AT-DP, even running the AT-ST along Jets was quite difficult given its cost. At 14 points, the AT-ST and two Jet Troopers set you at 28 points with three activations. Rounding out the list at that point range is difficult. At best, you can add one or two medium-threat units (BT-1, Elite Probe Droid), and even then your activation count is low.

While the AT-DP seems like a small modification to the scenario described above, those 5 points go a long way in enhancing your offensive position. In the list above, losing the AT-ST early would be a significant loss given its cost. Moreover, with a single attack each round, it isn't likely that the AT-ST would recover its 14 points in combat even if it survived. At 9 points with the Assault ability, the AT-DP solves many of these problems.

For instance, the AT-DP enables us to go all in on a Vehicle-focused list. Starting with two sets of Elite Jets and two AT-DPs, you have a survivable list with high-health pools and defensive bonuses. Throw in Zillo and some Officers, and I see a threat to be reckoned with. I've never been one to purchase two copies of a boxed set, but the double AT-DP list has me closer than ever.

Even if you don't go down the double-HOTE route, a Vehicle package of two Jets and one AT-DP may still have a place in competitive lists. At 23 points, there is still plenty of room to include Vader, the Emperor, Captain Terro, and a number of lower-cost figures. I would consider a list like this - there's almost no figure that can be ignored. Moreover, the loss of any single piece doesn't limit the rest.