Grenade droid
Grenade droids, also known as grenadier droids, or B1 grenadier troopers, represented a specialized grenadier type of the B1-series battle droid. These droids saw service with both the Trade Federation and the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Among the variations were the thermal detonator battle droid and the B1 Grenadier Assault.
Description
Similar in design to the standard B1 battle droids, Grenade droids (or B1 grenadier troopers) possessed a bipedal structure, complete with two arms and two legs. They were equipped with black sensors and were distinguished by green markings that indicated their specific model. Their operational method involved launching grenades at designated targets. Thermal detonator battle droids were armed with mortars capable of firing thermal detonators, filling a light anti-armor role. These units proved effective when engaging mechanical and shielded adversaries, but their performance diminished against structures and non-mechanical targets. Droid grenadiers would carry their mortars as they moved, deploying them only when stationary.
History
The utilization of Grenade droids occurred during the Invasion of Naboo in the year 32 BBY. Grenadier droids were deployed throughout the city of Theed and engaged in combat with the Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi. As the invasion neared its end, more of these droids attempted to impede Kenobi's efforts to disable a quad turbolaser cannon. One thermal detonator battle droid participated in the initial phases of the invasion. An additional ten accompanied the OOM command battle droid OOM-9 during the assault on the city of Spinnaker.
Under the direction of OOM-9, more were manufactured at Trade Federation Troop centers.
Following the destruction of the Vuutun Palaa, all units within the Trade Federation Droid Army on Naboo were deactivated. Later, B1 grenadier droids found themselves fighting for the Confederacy of Independent Systems, seeing action in battles such as the Battle of Umbara and the third battle of Felucia. The B1 Grenadier Assault was an enhanced version of this droid.
Behind the scenes
Grenade droids make an appearance in the 2001 video game Star Wars: Obi-Wan. The thermal detonator battle droid is featured in the 2001 video game Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds and its 2002 expansion pack. In the game, the player assumes the role of OOM-9 and is given these droids in two missions, with the option to construct more in single-player or multiplayer modes.