R2 sensor array

R2-D2's sensor array

An R2 sensor array, also known as a Scan-mode sensor, was a scanner array that was standard for Industrial Automaton's R2-series astromech droid. The device could monitor radiation levels and detect nearby lifeforms. The scanner rose out of a droid's dome on a hydraulic extension with a reinforced metal rod. At the top was a signal amplifier with a two small lights and square, curved lifeform scanner comprised of life-scan mesh. A cable at the bottom of the rod served as the main logic processor connection.

R2-D2 had one of the scanners which he used at various times, including while searching for signs of Luke Skywalker when the Rebel was lost on Hoth shortly before the Battle of Hoth.

Behind the scenes

An image of R2-D2 from Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back using this scanner was featured on the packaging of Kenner's 1981 action figure of R2-D2 with an extendible sensorscope, but later sources confirmed the sensorscope was a different scanner used later in the film.

Appearances

• Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back (First appearance)
• Star Wars (1977) 39
• Star Wars Manga: The Empire Strikes Back 1

Sources

• Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Pack: Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) with Sensorscope) (backup link) (Picture only)
•  Star Wars Customizable Card Game — Hoth Limited (Card: R2 Sensor Array) (backup link) (First identified as R2 sensor array)
• Star Wars: The Action Figure Archive
• Star Wars: Behind the Magic (as Scan-mode sensor)
• Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary (as scanner antenna)
• Star Wars: Power of the Jedi (Pack: R2-Q5) (backup link) (Jedi Force File) (as scanner antenna)
• The Official Star Wars Fact File 10 (ART2, R2-D2) (as scanner antenna)
• Star Wars: The Complete Visual Dictionary (as scanner antenna)
• Star Wars Blueprints: The Ultimate Collection (as lifeform scanner)
• Star Wars: The Secret Life of Droids (as sensors)