R2-series astromech droid

This article is about the astromech droids model. You may be looking for individual droids named R2 (disambiguation).

"No job is over this little guy's head."

―R2-series advertising slogan^[3]

The R2-series astromech droid was a model of astromech droid produced by Industrial Automaton, boasting a level of success that was never equaled in Industrial Automaton's long history. A combination of excellent design, high-quality marketing, and good timing made this astromech droid one of the most sought after droids in history, and one of the few vintage astromech series still in active production decades after it was first designed, including the prototype R2-0. The line was so successful, even being given a positive review by Mechtech Illustrated for its versatility, that the Galactic Empire would later take credit for the design. The average cost for an R2 unit was about 4245 Republic Credits.

Description[]

The R2-series astromech was a barrel-shaped droid^[2] that stood 0.96 meters tall.^[3] The droids were designed to be adaptable, with modular software components and they were easy to upgrade with other hardware to fit an owner's specific needs. Industrial Automaton manufactured a number of additional appendages, tools, and equipment that could be installed on an R2 unit, as did a number of other third-party corporations.^[2] R2s had a streamlined design,^[5] with all of the appendages and equipment tucked away and hidden behind panels.^[2] A fully rotatable domed head sat on the torso, and locomotion was provided by three motorized treaded legs, with the middle leg capable of retracting into the droid's body.^[5] The R2 was available in a variety of colors, with special designer iridescents that were exclusive to the inhabitants of the Core Worlds.^[2]

R2 units were equipped with an Intellex IV computer which stored over seven hundred different spacecraft configurations in a comprehensive ROM library. The internal computer was used by the droid to perform duties such as monitoring and analyzing flight performance, scanning technical files to diagnose problems, examine data patterns, and debug computer coding. The Intellex IV could process over 10,000 MPF operations every second. R2s could store up to ten sets of hyperspace coordinates in its active memory, allowing them to assist spacecraft with limited navigation computer capabilities to perform hyperspace jumps.^[6]

R2socket — R2 units could interface directly with starfighters through large sockets, such as on an Eta-2.

R2 units were fully rated to operate flawlessly in the vacuum of space,^[5] and they were designed to perform as a starfighter interface droid. This was considered a bold move on Industrial Automaton's part, as such configurations were usually reserved for military droids, and the R2 was marketed as a commercial model. Industrial Automaton used their impressive legal connections to have the regulations surrounding the issue changed to allow the R2 to function in its intended capacity.^[2] When plugged into the astromech socket of a starfighter, the R2 monitored the craft's flight performance, solved technical issues, and boosted power to the onboard systems. The droid was also capable of performing tasks such as engine startup and pre-flight taxiing.^[5]

Standard equipment for the R2 included two all-purpose manipulator arms with a reach of .85 meters. One was a heavy-duty grasper with a lifting capacity of twenty-five kilograms and a grasping pressure of ten kilograms. The other was a fine manipulator with only a two kilogram lifting capacity, but it had exceptional maneuverability with three 360-degree rotational joints and precise micro-adjustment controls that gave the arm a better than one micrometer placement accuracy.^[6] Other equipment included an electric arc welder, circular saw, a holoprojector^[5] with MultiPhase sound,^[6] fire extinguisher,^[5] laser cutter, high-powered spotlights,^[6] and an internal cargo compartment.^[5] A retractable I/O jack allowed the R2 to create a direct hardwired connection with standard computer ports^[6] and they were equipped with a holographic recording mode.^[7]

R2D2-SWIACD — The many modifications of R2-D2.

The droid's sensor package incorporated a full-spectrum transceiver,^[5] electro photo receptors, and dedicated energy receptors,^[6] along with electromagnetic, heat, motion, and life-form detectors.^[5] All of the sensors were routed through the R2's Intellex IV which supported sophisticated analysis programs.^[6] The R2 unit was equipped with an extendible and fully maneuverable video sensor that could be used to inspect small, enclosed spaces.^[5] The sensor had a maximum reach of 0.85 meters, and featured a full 360-degree rotational joint.^[6]

R2 units had built-in telecom software that allowed it to communicate with computers under the jurisdiction of both the Imperial Navy Transmission and the Corporate Sector Standard communications systems, as well as being given custom communications software.^[6] Industrial Automaton ensured that the droid was easy to modify and upgrade. Modified R2s have included equipment as diverse as underwater propellers, laser pointers, zero-gee maneuvering jets, remote sensor limpets, and inflatable life rafts.^[5]

Role[]

R2 schematic — Technical schematics of an R2 unit from one of IA's HoloNet advertisements.

Similar to its predecessors, the P2-series and R1-series, the R2 was designed to operate on starships as a diagnostic and repair technician. Unlike the larger models, the R2's waist-high height allowed it to interface with military starfighters as well.^[5]

Due to the enhanced personality matrix installed in the droid,^[2] R2 units developed personalities that were considered to be obliging, quick-witted, and sincere.^[5] They had the tendency to develop pleasant and distinctive personalities^[2] with a headstrong self-reliant streak if memory wipes were not performed on a regular basis. However, owners often found that they preferred the droid to have a personality and a willingness to offer candid second opinions.^[5]

History[]

The R2-series of astromech droid was created as a follow-up to Industrial Automaton's successful and highly regarded R1-series.^[6] Industrial Automaton monitored consumer trends and discovered that the sale of small starships had risen, taking up nearly forty percent of the overall market. Conversely, the trend in droids was for larger models such as Industrial Automaton's own R1, Zubintech's T-831, and Delban Faxicorp's DBX. Industrial Automaton thought small, and designed a droid that was intended to take advantage of the fact that there were more personal starships in the galaxy than ever before.^[2]

Upon its release, the R2 was an instant success and dominated the small-droid market.^[5] A positive review from Mechtech Illustrated stated that the R2 was "one of the most versatile, multitalented droids we've ever seen. The R2 unit can do it all."^[5] At least by the time of the Galactic Civil War, R2 purchases came with a three-year warranty, a user-support hotline, IA quality, various affordable prices, and dealer financing.^[6]

Due to its ability to be used in the astromech sockets of starfighters, R2 units became popular with Galactic Republic fighter pilots.^[5] Following the Galactic Civil War, sales of the R2-series increased due to the fact one of the units, R2-D2, was one of the most famous figures of the conflict. Industrial Automaton did not use R2's accomplishments in their advertising, mainly to maintain a strong relationship with the New Republic government, but they continued to produce the R2-series.^[5]

Notable units[]

R2-D2[]

Main article: R2-D2

"An extremely well-put-together little droid, Your Highness. Without a doubt, it saved the ship, as well as our lives."

―Captain Quarsh Panaka to Queen Amidala^[4]

The most notable R2-series astromech droid was R2-D2. He participated in numerous battles during both the Clone Wars and the Galactic Civil War. It was R2 who helped deliver the Death Star plans to the Rebellion, allowing their victory at the Battle of Yavin, and a message from Princess Leia to Obi-Wan Kenobi, which caused Luke Skywalker to leave Tatooine and go on to become a Jedi Knight.^[8]