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Buzz Droid

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this insectile combat droid, distinguished by the two hemispherical repulsorlift engines that propelled it, was developed by the Confederacy of Independent Systems during the height of the Clone Wars. Unlike other combat droids used in space battles by the Separatists, the buzz droid was not able to deploy independently, as it lacked the primary thrusters needed to move about in a battle. Rather, it was launched from a Tri-fighter or other vessel in a specialized missile. When stored in the missile, the hemispheres of the buzz droid were connected, giving it the appearance of a complete sphere. When the missile was fired at a target, it simply cracked open on impact, deploying its payload of buzz droids to attack the starfighters of the Old Republic. Once connected to a target, the buzz droid unfolded, extending legs and weaponry to move about and destroy key components of a ship. The unfolding operation gave rise to the nickname melon droids, since they seemed to split open like a ripe melon. The legs of the buzz droid were equipped with a variety of tools, including metal-cutting saws, a plasma torch, a drill head, grappling hooks, and magnetic grippers that allowed them to hang onto moving starfighters. A pair of photoreceptors, coupled with a rangefinder, gave the buzz droid excellent visual sensors. In order to increase the effectiveness of the buzz droids, Darth Sidious provided the Separatists with the plans and schematics for the Old Republic's starships, often before the starships were even put into service.