Viper probe droid

A Viper probe droid, also known as an Imperial probe droid, is a fictional robot featured in the Star Wars multimedia franchise. It first appeared in the 1980 film Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.

Description
The Viper probe droid was a non-humanoid robot employed by the First Galactic Empire. It consisted of a metallic hub-body and thorax, and a rotating head mount. Five extender legs enabled it to move more effectively across rough terrain, but it was also powered by its own short-range thrust system. The Viper droids are not particularly durable and can be destroyed easily.

History
In 3 ABY, the Galactic Empire sent thousands of Viper probe droids across the galaxy in search of any elements of the Alliance to Restore the Republic, including fleet movement and base of operations. One such probe was launched from an Imperial Star Destroyer in the Hoth system and landed on the icy planet of Hoth. It emerged from the frozen environs and began scanning pertinent data relating to the area. It traveled across the bleak tundra until it came near Echo Base, which is where the Rebels had established their base. It began transmitting information to the Imperial fleet just as the Rebels became aware of its presence.

General Han Solo and his partner Chewbacca went out to intercept the probe. Chewbacca distracted it by howling from behind a small oucropping of rock, giving Solo the chance to attack it. He fired only one shot, but it was sufficient enough to destroy the probe.

When Solo reported back in to the Alliance leaders, it was determined that Hoth was no longer safe, and evacuation procedures commenced.