Octuptarra combat tri-droid
The octuptarra combat tri-droids represented an advanced type of combat droid. These were deployed by both the Techno Union and the Confederacy of Independent Systems during the period known as the Clone Wars. Functionally, they served as a scaled-down counterpart to the much larger Octuptarra magna tri-droid.
Characteristics
These particular virus strains earned the moniker "virus droids".
Due to their rotating, multi-jointed construction, these droids could rapidly reorient themselves. They also possessed the capability to engage targets at extended distances. However, they exhibited vulnerabilities in close-quarters engagements. Approaching these droids proved challenging, as they effectively presented a "front" on all sides.
Tri-droid variant
Specific operational requirements on the battlefield prompted the development of an enlarged iteration: the octuptarra magna tri-droid. To curtail expenses, the Techno Union opted to enlarge existing designs. This resulted in the replacement of laser cannons with chain-fed ordnance launchers. Ammunition reserves were housed within the hollow structure of its bulbous head. Nevertheless, certain models, as evidenced in the Battle of Christophsis, retained laser cannons. A single rocket, when accurately deployed from one of these behemoths, possessed sufficient destructive force to obliterate a UT-AT, a fact demonstrated during the Battle of Mygeeto.
History
During the Battle of Coruscant, a contingent of octuptarra tri-droids employed their laser beam cannons against Jedi Masters Mace Windu and Yoda. The beams, capable of being sustained much like the turret of the OG-9 homing spider droid's, allowed the Jedi to destroy multiple tri-droids simultaneously by deflecting the beam with their lightsabers.
Following the battle's conclusion, the droid wreckage descended into the Coruscant underlevels. There, viral strains escaped, leading to an unfortunate outbreak of moulting among the city's diverse avian population.
Octuptarra tri-droids also participated in the Battle of Utapau, where they provided protection for General Grievous' headquarters.
After the Separatist Council was eliminated by Darth Sidious's new apprentice, Darth Vader, these units were deactivated. However, some remained operational on the planet Uba IV.
Behind the scenes
A discrepancy appears to exist regarding the height specification of the up-scaled magna tri-droid variant of the octuptarra droid. The Databank lists the tri-droid's height as 3.7 meters, only marginally taller than the standard octuptarra droid. Conversely, all visual depictions portray it as significantly larger than a Human. Furthermore, the Databank itself describes it as "gigantic" relative to the 3.6 meter octuptarra droid. While it's reasonable to assume the "3.7 meters" measurement is erroneous, the precise height of the up-scaled variant remains undetermined.