R2 - series astromech droid The R2 - series astromech droid was a model of astromech droid produced by Industrial Automaton , boasting a level of success that was never equaled in Industrial Automaton ' s long history . A combination of excellent design , high - quality marketing , and good timing made this astromech droid one of the most sought after droids in history , and one of the few vintage astromech series still in active production decades after it was first designed , including the prototype R2 - 0 . The line was so successful that the Galactic Empire would later take credit for the design . The average cost for an R2 unit was about 4245 Republic Credits . Functions . Like its forerunners , the R2 astromech was designed to work in and around space vessels as a diagnostic and repair unit . But unlike the clunky R1 - series , this rounded , waist - high droid was made specifically to fit in military starfighter astromech slots . This was a radical departure , as previously all such droids had been dedicated government models . The droid was equally popular with Galactic Republic fighter jocks as it was with the general public . When plugged into a T - 65 X - wing starfighter , Eta - 2 " Actis " - class interceptor , or similar starfighter , the R2 monitored flight performance , pinpointed and corrected technical problems , and performed power management , optimizing shipboard systems . The unit could store up to ten sets of hyperspace vector coordinates in its astrogation buffer , and many had the intelligence and experience to perform engine startup and pre - flight taxiing . The R2 operated flawlessly in the vacuum of interstellar space . R2 units were equipped with a holographic recording mode . Components . The center of the droids ' success could be attributed to its Intellex IV computer , which featured 700 different spacecraft configurations . Its sensor package was equally impressive , with a full - spectrum transceiver and electromagnetic , heat , motion , and life form indicator s . The droid also had a fully maneuverable video sensor , deployed from its domed head , allowing it to inspect enclosed spaces or peer over obstacles . The droid ' s outer shell concealed an array of tools beneath its streamlined durasteel exterior . Each R2 came equipped from the factory with two manipulator arms , an electric arc welder , circular saw , computer scomp link arm , VicksVisc holographic recorder / projector unit , internal cargo compartment , and a general - use fire extinguisher . IA , taking a page from Corellian ship - builders , made the droids easy to upgrade and modify . The company offered a variety of after - market packages , but industrious owners also managed to equip R2s with such eclectic items and accessories as underwater propellers , laser pointers , jet thrusters , remote sensor limpets , and inflatable life rafts . This adaptability made the R2 units particularly popular among tech - heads , who often would have running competitions over who could outfit the most eclectic droid . IA spent a great deal of time in the design of the R2 ' s personality matrix . The droid was obliging , quick witted , and sincere . If the droid was not subjected to periodic memory wipes , it could develop a headstrong , self - reliant disposition . Many owners , however , actually preferred a droid willing to offer candid second opinions . Starfighter pilots tended to develop a strong bond with their astromech droids , often flying all their missions with one particular droid , and strongly objected to the memory wipes their counterparts were given on a regular basis in some units . R2 - D2 . The most notable R2 - series astromech droid was R2 - D2 . He participated in numerous battles during both the Clone Wars and the Galactic Civil War . It was Artoo who helped deliver the Death Star plans to the Rebellion , allowing their victory at the Battle of Yavin , and a message from Princess Leia to Obi - Wan Kenobi , which caused Luke Skywalker to leave Tatooine and go on to become a Jedi Knight . Ever since the droid came to the public ' s attention shortly after the destruction of the first Death Star , despite having played a major part in many previous events , sales showed their highest increase since the launch of the series . IA resisted the urge to feature Artoo - Detoo ' s heroics in its HoloNet advertisements released after the fall of the Galactic Empire for fear of alienating New Republic leaders .