Questions about EU tech

Hey I have some questions about EU tech.First how are the R7-series of astromech droids different from the other astromech shape and functions please.Second what is quantom armor aand how strong is it.My third question is what is a duel phase lightsaber.Thanks to all who help.

 

Not sure on the specifics of R7s other than that they have a differently-shaped torso than R2 or R5 droids.

Quantum armor is layered molecular armor that is virtually impervious to weapons fire.

Dual-phase lightsabers include an extra focusing crystal so that the blade can be extended twice or thrice as far as usual. This blade is thinner and weaker, but is very useful in surprise attacks.

 

The R7's shape isn't really that far removed from the R2. the little projector housing on the dome is triangular, rather than square, and they were designed from the ground up to work with the E-Wing starfighter. They can also hold more sets of jump coordinates.

 

If you can get your hands on the Essential Guide to Droids, it will give you a better understanding of the difference. R7s were originally designed for use with the E-wing, and could not be used with any other fighter due to interface problems. Anakin, however, was using an R7 with his XJ X-wing during BP. Don't recall if it said he modified the droid for use with the XJ X-wing, if later model R7s were redesigned slightly to work with other fighters, or if the XJ model X-wing was designed to work with virtually any astromech unit.

 

R7's have the same shape as R2's, however they lack all the mechanical manipulators and other hidden tools, instead having a computer interface made for the E-wing and XJ X-wing. They also have one triangular radar eye, rather than several circular ones. Overall they appear much sleaker and less "surface detailed" than an R2 unit. The proper successor to the R2 is the R6, which shares the versatility and pleasant & loyal behavior, and is distinguished by a flower pot head similar to an R5, rather than a dome.

Dual phase sabre is one with variable length. Also if you give Splinter of the Mind's Eye validity, then lightsabres can also be adjusted to have very small blades as well, on the order of a few centimeters in length.

Dual phase sabres or at least double length/half power sabres are used in a few lightsabre mods for the Jedi Knight computer game...