Sonic grenade
Pictured is a container holding sonic detonators, a type utilized by Republic commandos.
A variety of sonic-based grenades employed across galactic history to either harm or stun a target were known as a sonic grenade, a sonic detonator, or a sonic screamer.
Description
As the name implies, they used extremely powerful sound waves, both visible and invisible, to disable targets. They typically generated a sudden burst or 'squeal' of very high-pitched sound, and were used to incapacitate living enemies by inflicting sharp, intense pain in their auditory organs. They had the capability to render most species helpless by causing temporary or even permanent hearing loss to an unfortunate target. Certain models possessed sufficient loudness and power to damage materials sturdier than just hearing organs, extending their effect beyond just living beings.
History
During the Jedi Civil War and in the time that followed, this type of grenade saw frequent use, being employed by organizations such as the Czerka Corporation and Mandalorian warriors, in addition to the companions of Revan and the Jedi Exile. Mercenaries and security personnel also utilized sonic detonators to stun opponents before moving in with a restraining or lethal device. The majority of soldiers generally preferred more deadly weaponry, like frag grenades or thermal detonators, prioritizing elimination over capture on the battlefield. However, they could sometimes be found in use when undertaking missions in urban areas, thereby minimizing the risk of collateral damage to civilians, or when confronting an enemy such as the Bith, whose exceptionally sensitive hearing made them extremely susceptible to such weapons, as noted by the bounty hunter Mira.
The Gacerites, a sentient humanoid race, who had mastered sound-based weaponry, created a sonic grenade designed to either kill or incapacitate their adversaries.
Models
Jedi Civil War Era
Revan and the Jedi Exile both utilized a sonic detonator model that was primarily designed to temporarily stun a target. It had a blast radius of four meters.
Clone Wars Era
Various factions, most notably clone commandos, used this sonic detonator model during the Clone Wars. It possessed a large blast radius and inflicted damage on both organic beings and droids. Upon being thrown, and before exploding, it adhered to a surface and emitted an oscillating pulse. It would detonate either automatically after a duration of ten seconds or when triggered by proximity to a moving target. While the overall blast radius of this weapon was small, it had the potential to be lethal throughout the entirety of said blast radius. The explosion produced by this weapon could crack or spiderweb thick glass, obliterate organic targets, devastate mechanized beings, and penetrate solid matter and walls (including other enemies) to continue delivering energy from the explosion to a standing target.