Designated as YVH 1, or alternatively known as the Yuuzhan Vong Hunter One combat droid, this battle droid was conceived by Tendrando Arms as a specialized unit designed for effective engagement against Yuuzhan Vong warriors.
Standing at almost two meters in height, the YVH 1 droid was constructed around a robust, humanoid-style skeletal frame. It was shielded by multi-layered, self-repairing black-gray laminanium armor. This armor bore a resemblance to the vonduun crab armor utilized by Yuuzhan Vong fighters. The droid's skull-like head, coupled with radiant red photoreceptors and exposed circuitry, amplified its Vong-like aesthetic, leading to the nickname "Yuuzhandroids". This appearance was intentionally crafted to undermine the morale and provoke the Yuuzhan Vong warriors. The war cries were programmed to incite madness in the Vong. YVH units received specific instructions to maximize enemy casualties while minimizing friendly losses, often using the phrase "maximum efficiency" as a form of mutual commendation for this skill.
The droids featured sophisticated programming for search and identification, capable of seeing through ooglith masquers to differentiate civilians from Yuuzhan Vong. This programming proved invaluable in exposing Yuuzhan Vong sleeper agents and covert instigators. Upon identifying a target, the YVH 1 could engage with its right arm's adaptable-output blaster cannon or the weapon affixed to its interchangeable left arm, frequently a heavy laser cannon, sonic rifle, or projectile launcher. The droid was also capable of physical assaults, with servos strong enough to easily crush light armor. There were specialized YVH 1 droid variants created, including camouflage-adaptive droids, aquatic models, and miniaturized versions integrated into the shells of MSE-series droids for espionage purposes. Furthermore, some versions could employ baradium pellets, which inflicted significant damage to Yorik coral. The inclusion of laminanium was an optional feature, but it significantly improved the combat resilience of the war droids. This armor could withstand a coralskipper's plasma cannon blast and regenerate the damage in under 24 hours, although the laminanium ingot and the droid's power pack would require replacement afterward.
Following a string of successes, later YVH 1 droids underwent modifications to incorporate a vocoder package. This package replicated Lando Calrissian's voice, delivering war cries, taunts, and insults in Yuuzhan Vong. Lando, the founder of Tendrando Arms, took particular pride in the taunts that declared the YVH 1 as superior warriors to the Yuuzhan Vong. This was a particularly potent insult, given the Yuuzhan Vong's deep-seated animosity toward machines and automatons.
The droids' Vong-like appearance, strategic taunts, unique programming, and remarkable combat prowess combined to make the YVH 1 a walking affront and a significant demoralizing factor for the Yuuzhan Vong. The Yuuzhan Vong's intense aversion to technology made the creation of these droids a highly effective and inventive method of undermining their morale.
The initial YVH 1, its prototype designated YVH 1-1A, was conceived by Lando Calrissian and manufactured by Tendrando Arms. It was activated in 27 ABY, two years after the [Yuuzhan Vong War](/article/yuuzhan_vong_war] commenced. This prototype was showcased in a weapons demonstration on Coruscant. Attendees included Chief of State Borsk Fey'lya, General Garm Bel Iblis, and Wedge Antilles, along with Leia Solo and Han Solo. During the demonstration, the droid detected Yuuzhan Vong infiltrators. Despite its weapon systems being deactivated, it assisted in neutralizing the enemy agents before they could assassinate Chief of State Fey'lya. This event secured the droid's production, leading to its deployment in the war against the Yuuzhan Vong invaders.
YVH 1 droids served the New Republic and its successor, the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances, in numerous conflicts. Their inaugural mission was the Mission to Myrkr, where they supported the Jedi Myrkr strike team in infiltrating a worldship that was breeding the Voxyn. Beyond this mission, YVH 1 droids participated in the Battle of Coruscant, the occupation of Borleias, and the Battle of Yuuzhan'tar.
Following the war, YVHs were repurposed as bodyguards or heavy assault units. Lando gifted a customized YVH 1, named Nanna, to the Skywalkers as Ben's personal protector, and another to the Solos. Tendrando Arms also developed a series of specialized YVH 1 droids, known as YVH 5-S Bugcrunchers, for use against the Dark Nest.
YVH droids were also employed by Corellian officials around 40 ABY, including Thrackan Sal-Solo and Aidel Saxan during Operation Roundabout. Sal-Solo's droids attempted to assassinate Jacen Solo aboard Centerpoint Station, while Saxan's droids served as decoys in an attempt to eliminate Jaina Solo, Zekk, the Falleen Jedi Thann Mithric, and the Bothan Jedi Kolir Hu'lya.
During an investigation of the Ducha AlGray's Hapan estate, Jaina Solo and Zekk were ambushed by two YVH 1 droids under the Ducha's control. However, even these formidable droids were unable to overcome the Jedi pair.
The YVH 1 also served as the foundation for SD-XX, Jacen Solo's security droid.
Despite descriptions in the New Jedi Order novels and beyond depicting the YVH's photoreceptors as red, all official visual representations of the droid portray these photoreceptors as yellow. This inconsistency remains unaddressed.