The Explorer Submergible is considered to be one of the first Aquatic Assault Vehicles (AAVs), although this craft is technically and officially classified as an "exploration vehicle". It is one of the two designs that Design Team Beta are most renowned for (the other being the AT-AT Swimmer). And it was only at the persuading of other Design Team Beta members which prevented Team Beta Director Dr. Tolum Harous from scrapping the design. The Empire originally had requested for a multi-environmental vehicle, however that request proved too difficult for the Explorer to be as efficient on land as in water (the design team could not get the craft to be swift enough underwater and mobile enough on land to satisfy the dual criteria). Due to this, the Empire chose the underwater design. The Explorer travels by scuttling across the ocean floor. Its weighted sconce-grip legs can manoeuvre through rocky terrain and grab a secure foothold when necessary.

    A drawback of this very manoeuvrable and durable design is its lack of space for the crew. Everyone, but the turret gunner must lie on their stomachs to man their stations. Due to the cramped conditions of the Explorer, carried passengers traveling in the passenger section must ball themselves up and remain stuffed in a small cubby-hole for the duration of the trip. A pressurized hatch located beneath the craft allows access into the vehicle. Nonetheless, this craft complies with Imperial ideals of an exploratory craft which is heavily armed and prepared to subjugate or destroy any hostile life forms encountered.