Umm.. yes. Like I said, *feels confused* Same way as in Force Commander... AT-AT barges deploying armour, troop transports deploying troops...
This screenshot confirms that AT-AT barges behave in the same way as in FC
http://www.lucasarts.com/games/swempireatwar/images/screenshots/52.jpg)
Note the AT-AT's legs poking out from one of the barges as it lifts off... seems to drop it in the same way as Force Commander... minus the animation of the AT-AT standing up which was always quite impressive..
http://www.theforce.net/swtc/Pix/cg/fc/bargedrop1.jpg)
I also notice in the shot of Rebel fighters attacking the star destroyer, chunks are breaking off and stuff... looks really cool.