RD-54 (Hyperspace Mapping Droid)

RD-54

History: RD-54 served initially toward the end of the Old Republic era and throughout the entirety of the High Republic Era. They were essential companions during the Great Hyperspace Rush. The mapping of hyperspace routes was a tedious and labor-intensive endeavor, the efficiency and rate of which improved more than tenfold.

Hyperspace Mapping: RD-54s were designed to produce detailed maps of real and hyperspace, taken in real-time as travel was carried out. The majority of all hyperspace lanes mapped after the end of the Old Republic era were mapped in detail by the small but capable cadre of RD-54s. They were optimally placed on the outside of ships, similar to R2 units when mapping or surveying. Given the extensive distances and large volumes of data involved in mapping duties, the RD-54 was outfitted with extra long-range transmitters to allow for the transmission of data and maps before the RD-54 could return physically.

Equipment: RD-54 is outfitted with two highly accurate stereo telescopes, as well as four secondary lenses. Each “eye” has the ability to detect light in part of the electromagnetic spectrum. When combined, the multitude of eyes provides data on nearly the entirety of the EM spectrum, which is combined with gravimetric readings as measured in situ to fully map star systems and hyperspace routes. RD-54 was equipped with a much more powerful computer and processor than was typically found on droids due to the complex nature of the data that the RD-54 was tasked with. This computer was highly capable, although because of the level of complexity, it was not known for fast responses.

Ironically, the RD-54 was known for improving hyperspace and normal space travel times dramatically but was otherwise considered to be a bit slower in response than other droids. This is because RD-54 was always processing much larger volumes of data than its peers. It was, however, also known to be able to provide much “deeper” or more comprehensive responses and processing. Essentially, while not a fast thinker, RD-54 was a very deep thinker.

Due to the highly specialized nature of RD-54’s optics, they were equipped with protective domes that were retracted only while mapping or surveying. Domes were typically only retracted when in space or in extra-clean environments that were devoid of dust and other contaminants which could damage the surfaces of their optics. While their optics could function without the dome retracted, they were much more acute when the dome was retracted, as the domes naturally filtered out some spectrums of light, specifically reducing visibility in the infrared and UV spectrums, respectively.

Navigation: In addition to mapping, RD-54s provided extremely efficient navigation to those ships lucky enough to have one present. Every RD-54 carried complete, highly detailed maps of everywhere they had traveled, especially in areas they had personally mapped. They were able to provide optimal routes that often took advantage of unmapped portions of hyperspace by inferring dangers and navigational points based on existing data.

RD-54 displays maps of varying detail as required on the computer interface on the front of its casing. From here, humans and other species can examine the routes being proposed and/or mapped. RD-54 can also display this information onto ship computers and use data from ship-based sensors to augment and improve extant hyperspace maps contained in internal memory via the universal computer interface. Ship control can be turned over to RD-54 as needed in non-combat situations for efficient and rapid transit between systems.

Surveillance: Given their high degree of intelligence as well as top-tier visual acuity, RD-54s were later repurposed for surveillance and other specialty missions in which either higher than average processing or visual acuity was required. They were able to observe from much greater distances than normal and provide much more detailed observations.

Other Info: RD-54s carried only a basic set of tools, which included first and foremost a Universal Computer Interface, as well as torches, manipulators, and saws. The RD-54 also has bays on the lower left and right that could have specialty, mission-specific tools installed as needed.

Personal Note:

The first movie I remember ever seeing in theaters was Return of the Jedi. As such, this series is special to me (as it is to most people)!

I created this droid with the goal of making something similar to R2D2 in size and utility but with a more specialized nature and a completely unique but still familiar aesthetic. I want RD-54 to look as if he is an original creation from the same time and possibly people as the original R2 droids.

I find the eras before the Empire to be the most intriguing and underexplored in the Star Wars universe, and I have personally always wanted to learn more about how hyperspace lanes were mapped during these times. What was needed, who did the work, etc.? So, I decided to provide my own contribution. Hopefully, my contribution will become canon, although I doubt I will be so lucky. Regardless, I am very proud of my design, and regardless of whether I am considered for any part of the contest or not, I have had a lot of fun designing this.

The environment used for the pictures is a completely original design I created. No part of any of this design is imported, and every part of it is an original creation. The assets required in the contest are included in the hyperspace map being displayed on RD-54’s “chest.” The map shown there is as accurate as I could get from the lore, and all lettering used is a translation from English for each of the labeled planets.

There are still parts of RD-54 that I wish I could elaborate on, but since neither my time nor this contest is infinite, I had to stop somewhere. I hope you like what I made, whoever is reading this.

Thank you.