The V-1 thermal detonator, a compact thermal detonator, was produced by Merr-Sonn Munitions, Inc. for combat use. It became the grenade of choice for both sides during the Clone Wars.
The V-1 thermal detonator, made specifically for battlefield use, was smaller than typical thermal detonators. This smaller size made it easier for soldiers to carry and reduced the size of the explosions, which lowered the risk of harming friendly forces. However, as a military-grade weapon, it was designed to cause as much damage as possible to the enemy within its blast range.
Its design was similar to the Class-A thermal detonator, which was also made by Merr-Sonn Munitions, but it had a slate-gray shell instead of the Class-A's shiny shell.
During the Clone Wars, the Republic officially purchased the V-1 thermal detonator. The Grand Army used them, along with the V-6 haywire grenade, as standard grenades for its clone troopers. Unlike the V-6, the V-1 was given to clones in all units, including clone sharpshooters, clone jet troopers, clone heavy troopers, and Advanced Recon Commandos.
Even though the Republic was the official buyer, V-1 thermal detonators were commonly seen in the hands of the Confederacy of Independent Systems during battles. Specialized B1-Series battle droids, like the assault battle droid and the battle droid assassin, used them as standard equipment, just like the clone troopers. Merr-Sonn Munitions denied any claims that they sold the thermal detonators to the Republic's enemy after these reports came out.