Droid Army
The Separatist Droid Army, otherwise referred to as the CIS droid army, served as the ground forces for the Confederacy of Independent Systems' military during the course of the Clone Wars. Primarily constructed by the workers of Baktoid Combat Automata, the droid army was the largest of its kind in galactic history. The army was led by Kaleesh cyborg General Grievous, who held the title of Supreme Martial Commander of the Separatist Droid Armies, while also being commanded by Separatist leader Count Dooku. The Separatist Droid Army was more numerous than the Grand Army of the Galactic Republic. In addition, the droid army received additional reinforcements throughout the war.
B1-Series Battle Droids: B1-series battle droids were humanoid fourth-class battle droids measuring 1.93 meters tall. The humanoid physiques of the B1 model were specifically commissioned by the Trade Federation for practical reasons. The humanoid form allowed B1s to operate existing machinery, vehicles, and weapons originally designed for organic operators and pilots, saving the Federation unnecessary production costs and retrofitting. B1s could pilot Single Trooper Aerial Platforms, Armored Assault Tanks, Multi-Troop Transports, and Federation battleships, among other vessels. B1 battle droids' limited programming meant they were not always effective at these types of jobs, however. The B1-series battle droid was flimsily designed and easy to destroy and was only truly successful in substantial overwhelming numbers. Early versions of the model also required the use of a Central Control Computer, but despite these weaknesses, they saw extensive service as the mainline soldier of the Trade Federation's mechanized droid army. The droids became the main soldiers of the new Separatist Droid Army. The forces of the army used newer reworked B1s. These B1 models did not have a reliance on a central command signal, and so these newer models did not require a control ship. They were capable of independent thought; however, it was limited. On Geonosis, the droid army clashed with the Galactic Republic's new army of clone troopers for the first time. This battle launched the galactic conflict known as the Clone Wars. The B1 battle droids and the other models of combat droids used by the Confederacy fought the forces of the Republic on many worlds for the duration of the long conflict.
B2-Series Super Battle Droids: B2 super battle droids were advanced battle droids. Although one model of the B2-series was only equipped with wrist blasters on their right forearms, another was outfitted with wrist blasters on both forearms. Super battle droids were much stronger than their predecessors, and like the updated B1s used by the Confederacy, they did not require a command system to operate, which gave the droids limited independence. Another improvement was their thick armor casing, which contained their fragile sensors. However, B2s were designed with simple processors, limiting their ability to formulate strategies. As a result, they relied on organic commanders or tactical droids in order to effectively operate. The B2 was much stronger than the B1s, with enough strength to lift a clone trooper off the ground.
MagnaGuards: The IG-100 MagnaGuard was a fearsome bodyguard droid and type of battle droid. They were a favorite of General Grievous, who used them as his bodyguards during the Clone Wars, though they were also known to accompany other high-ranking Separatist personnel including Count Dooku. MagnaGuards were equipped with electro-staffs that could be used against Jedi lightsabers and were capable of continuing a fight even with the loss of one or multiple limbs or even their heads. They were worthy competitors even to the most skilled Jedi; one was even able to back Obi-Wan Kenobi into a corner. While formidable opponents in close quarters, they were also capable of using blasters and were often seen wearing cloaks. MagnaGuards usually fought in pairs of two, one to occupy the Jedi's lightsaber and one to attack from the unguarded flanks or behind. The presence of MagnaGuards indicated that high-ranking commanders were present, and gave the droids automatic authority over other battle droids deployed.
AQ-Series Battle Droids: More commonly known as Aqua droids. they were made with amphibious deployments in mind. The aqua droid was created by adapting the B2-series super battle droid for underwater warfare. Despite being incredibly mobile underwater, the droids marched in a slow lumbering pattern similar to super battle droids while operating on land, which made them targets for enemy snipers. To defend itself, the aqua droid was equipped with a single retractable laser cannon positioned on its right wrist and could also use its bulky arms to execute sufficient damage against enemy vehicles, such as Kamino submarines, underwater.
BX-Series Droid Commandos: BX-series commando droids were advanced, smarter, sturdier versions of B1-series battle droids. They were programmed with improved combat tactics and battlefield awareness and equipped with glowing white photoreceptors. Designed for infiltration and action behind enemy lines, they were also used to perform security, bodyguard, and enforcer duties for certain high-ranking Separatists. Ruthless, lethal, and adaptive, these droids were the bane of Republic clone troopers and in multiple squads could change the tide of the battlefield. They were able to put even a Jedi on the back foot and were a match for some of the most skilled clones. However, their hefty price tag prevented them from being mass-produced.
Droideka: Droidekas were a type of battle droid used by the Trade Federation during the Invasion of Naboo and, later, by the Confederacy of Independent Systems during the Clone Wars. Droidekas were dangerous and deadly, designed to exterminate their adversaries with extreme prejudice. They could transform their shape by curling into a ball and moving up to 75 kilometers per hour across a surface, or stand on three legs and utilize a shield generator while firing at a target.
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