Post by Rose on Apr 8, 2007 19:35:50 GMT -5
Astromech Droid
Basic Information -
Height: .96 meter (for R2-units)
Manufacturer: Industrial Automaton
Type: Astromech Droid
Associations: Astromech Droid; R2-D2; R4-P17; R5-D4
Astromech droids are a series of versatile utility robots generally used for the maintenance and repair of starships and related technology. These small droids are often equipped with a variety of tool-tipped appendages that are stowed in recessed compartments. The R2-unit is a popular example of an astromech droid. Droid manufacturing giant Industrial Automaton has all but cornered the astromech droid market with their immensely successful R-series. Started during the Republic, Industrial Automaton's foray into the astromech market began with the oversized prototype P2 series. While the P2 tested successfully on merchant ships, copyright issues tied up full-scale production of the series. Instead, Industrial Automaton recycled body shells of their old Mark II reactor drones to produce the R1 series, a stopgap measure that allowed them to have a new droid on the market, and dodge any legal issues regarding the P2. The tall cylindrical R1 proved to be a success aboard larger vessels and capital ships and paved the way for the revolutionary R2. The R2 was marketed as a "droid of all trades." Although designed specifically for deep-space repair and maintenance, the R2 could be modified to maintain a variety of equipment. Built-in navigation software allowed it to calculate and store hyperspace jump coordinates, a definite benefit for those consumers who own small starships with limited navicomputer capability. The Rebel Alliance employed astromech droids to enact in-flight repairs and increase the hyperspace range of their snubfighters.