R6-series astromech droid

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This article is about the astromech droid model. You may be looking for individual droids named R6 (disambiguation).

The R6-series astromech droid was the sixth astromech droid model made by Industrial Automaton under their R-series of droids.

Released soon after the Battle of Endor, the R6 was IA's attempt at repairing their own reputation after the tremendous failure that was their R5 series. To prove that each new series beyond their famous R2-series would not be inferior, the designers of the R6 took their time in working out every problem and glitch that plagued the previous model. After years in planning, IA released the R6 model with obvious intent to try and recapture the hearts of their consumers.

Description

The R6-series astromech was similar in design to the R5-series, although it incorporated a more traditional central sensor and holoprojector array. The R6 was an improvement over all the previously successful models in the R-series, with none of the weaknesses that were the hallmark of the R5-series.[3]

The R6 had a pleasant personality which was similar to those in displayed by the R2-series.[1] They were loyal, helpful, bright, and cheerful. Highly skilled, R6 droids were equipped to carry out a variety of tasks.[3] Its computer processors were capable of storing up to twelve hyperspace jumps in active memory.[1]

R6 and R7-series schematics

R6 and R7-series schematics

Standard equipment installed on the R6 included an acoustic signaller, arc welder, circular saw, a 0.3 meter long extendible video sensor with a full 360-degree rotation, a fire extinguisher, a holographic projector/recorder, retractable fine worker arm, retractable heavy grasper arm, and a video display screen.[2]

History

An R6-series

An R6-series astromech droid

In the wake of the Battle of Endor, as the galaxy was realizing they could make a fresh start under the New Republic, Industrial Automaton took the opportunity to repair their corporate image which was still tarnished by the failure of the R5-series astromech droid. Industrial Automaton entered into business with the New Republic to produce a new astromech for a proposed new starfighter. However, this project would take years to come to fruition. In the interim, Industrial Automaton had been designing the R6-series for years with the company's engineers working hard to solve all the bugs and issues that had plagued the release of the R5.[1]

Industrial Automaton released the R6-series to the public with large scale advertising campaign. Although more expensive than both the R4 and R5-series, it cost less than the original R2-series. The R6 was an instant success with customers buying them in droves,[1] and the high demand led to them being sold out long before orders could be fulfilled.[3] The droid sold well[2] until the campaign led by Grand Admiral Thrawn shattered the galactic peace and prosperity.[1]

Appearances

Sources

Notes and references

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 The Essential Guide to Droids
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 SWAJsmall "The History of R-Series Astromech Droids" — Star Wars Adventure Journal 7
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Arms & Equipment Guide
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