R2-D2
Courtesy of http://www.starwars.com
A three-legged R2 series astromech utility droid, R2-D2 usually teams with a
fussy golden protocol droid named C-3PO. Squat and barrel-shaped,
Artoo-Detoo communicates electronically in a limited vocabulary of beeps
and whistles, but his programming has evolved into a near-human personality
that is both brash and bold.
Artoo-Detoo is designed to operate in deep space, interfacing with fighter
craft and computer systems to augment the capabilities of ships and their
pilots, usually from a socket behind the cockpit. Artoo monitors and
diagnoses flight performance, maps and stores hyperspace data, and
pinpoints technical errors.
The meter-high droid has two treaded legs to provide mobility, and a third leg
that can drop down for extra stability on rough terrain. Artoo also has floatation
devices and a periscoping visual scanner which can guide the droid while he
is submerged.
Artoo and Threepio have been at the heart of the Rebellion ever since their
duty together on Princess Leia's consular ship, the Tantive IV. When the
Princess' ship is overhauled and boarded by troops from the Imperial Star
Destroyer Devastator, Leia programs R2-D2 with the vital stolen technical
readouts of the Death Star. The little droid struggles to carry her secret
message to Obi-Wan Kenobi, and comes to serve a new master, Luke
Skywalker. As Skywalker's trusty companion, R2-D2 continues to play an
important and ongoing role in helping the Rebels thwart Imperial forces.
