Variable Altitude Repulsorlift Patrol Vehicle
The Variable Altitude Repulsorlift Patrol Vehicle, or RPV, served the Republic's Correction Authority in numerous roles, and was manufactured by Kuat Drive Yards. It was known as the reactor patrol vehicle, or RPV, after being used to guard the reactor of the Oovo IV's detention facility.
Characteristics
A key feature of the vehicle was the three articulating mechanical arms on top of the chassis. These arms allowed it to navigate tight spaces and expand for maximum firepower from the concussion missile launchers at the end of each arm. Furthermore, a laser cannon turret was located on each side of an additional launcher located underneath the hull.
The vehicle could be operated by multiple pilots or remotely. Two large repulsorlift engines, located behind the forward arm/laser cannon hubs, provided mobility and allowed it to hover for over 100 hours. Its slowness, however, led the Correctional Authority to request a dedicated pursuit craft, which resulted in the Firespray-class prototypes.
History
During the Oovo IV Uprising, Jango Fett encountered one of these vehicles while attempting to steal a Firespray-31-class patrol and attack craft. Fett disabled its weapons and caused it to crash into the hole from which it had been deployed.
Behind the scenes
There is a discrepancy between the weaponry specifications for the RPV in Bounty Hunter's Prima's Official Game Guide and its description in the vehicle's summary, which aligns with its in-game representation. This article's infobox reflects the guide's listing, while the Characteristics section describes the latter.