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|image=<gallery>
 
|image=<gallery>
 
Vader 7.jpg|Series 7
 
Vader 7.jpg|Series 7
VaderEX2.jpg|Extreme 2
+
Vader EX2.png|Extreme 2
Vader.jpg|6
+
Vader.png|Series 6
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
|series=6-7, Extreme 2
 
|series=6-7, Extreme 2
 
|team=[[Team Vader]]
 
|team=[[Team Vader]]
|team_members=Paul Rose<br/><small>(Series 6)</small><br>Simon Latham<br/>Phillip Calthorpe
+
|team_members=Paul Rose<br/><small>(Series 6, Extreme 2)</small><br>Simon Latham<br/>Phillip Calthorpe
  +
|from=Colchester, Essex
 
|weight=96kg
 
|weight=96kg
 
|dimensions=0.6m x 1.02m x 0.97m
 
|dimensions=0.6m x 1.02m x 0.97m
 
|clearance=15mm
 
|clearance=15mm
 
|speed=8mph
 
|speed=8mph
|power=2 X 800W Electric Motors
+
|power=2x 15Ah Micro Keil batteries
  +
|drive=2x 800w electric motors
 
|weapons=Vertical Spinning Disc
 
|weapons=Vertical Spinning Disc
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{quote|...looks like it could spell danger for any robot, with that massive spinning disc that towers over smaller bots, and a wide body that has virtually no weaknesses ... the Force may be strong with this one...|Robot Wars: The Official Magazine<ref>[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/robotwars/images/7/75/RWOM2p28-29.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20160915070525]</ref>}}
 
{{quote|...looks like it could spell danger for any robot, with that massive spinning disc that towers over smaller bots, and a wide body that has virtually no weaknesses ... the Force may be strong with this one...|Robot Wars: The Official Magazine<ref>[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/robotwars/images/7/75/RWOM2p28-29.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20160915070525]</ref>}}
'''Vader''' was a heavyweight robot that competed in Series 6-7 and Extreme Series 2 of ''[[Robot Wars]]''.
+
'''Vader''' was a heavyweight robot that competed in Series 6-7 of ''[[Robot Wars]]'', and the second series of ''Extreme''. It was most successful in the Sixth Wars, reaching a Heat Final where it was eliminated by the [[Seeding|seeded]] [[Wild Thing]], but fell in the first round of the Seventh Wars to [[M2]] and [[Tiberius|Tiberius 3]].
 
Vader was created by [[Team Vader]], named after the cyborg Sith Lord ''Darth Vader'' from the ''Star Wars'' movies. Similarly, the team's other entry, [[IG-88]], was named after a droid bounty hunter from the same films. IG-88 was entered in the main competition of Series 7 alongside Vader.
 
   
 
==Design==
 
==Design==
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Vader was a reverse wedge-shaped robot, clad in 8mm transparent polycarbonate sheet armour which was quite resistant to most weapons, despite being thinner to the average thickness of that particular armour. It had been shaved down to fit the weight restrictions which made it especially vulnerable to axes and it could not self-right.
 
Vader was a reverse wedge-shaped robot, clad in 8mm transparent polycarbonate sheet armour which was quite resistant to most weapons, despite being thinner to the average thickness of that particular armour. It had been shaved down to fit the weight restrictions which made it especially vulnerable to axes and it could not self-right.
   
  +
[[File:Vader s7 pits.jpg|thumb|Vader in the pits during Series 7]]
It had a large, 20kg vertical spinning disc at the front in a similar design to [[259]], which could spin at 850RPM. Additionally, at the base of its wedge were two ramming spikes and scoop. It was able to cause major damage with this arsenal, helping it to reach the Heat Final of Series 6, losing to [[Wild Thing]]. The Series 7 model had a lighter disc at 10kg, and an improved weapon motor along with thicker armour, now 12mm polycarbonate.
+
It had a large, 16kg vertical spinning disc at the front in a similar design to [[259]], which could spin at 850rpm in Series 6, allowing it to inflict 1.6Kw of power onto to other robots. Additionally, at the base of its wedge were two ramming spikes and scoop. The Series 7 model had a lighter disc at 10kg (the 16kg spinning disc had been irreparably damaged during Extreme 2), and an improved weapon motor along with thicker armour, now 12mm polycarbonate. The weapon motor for Series 7 was estimated to be operating the new disc at around 1,300rpm.
 
{{quote|The biggest weakness we have is against flippers, because our machine isn't particularly low at the front.|Paul Rose confesses Vader's weaknesses}}
 
{{quote|The biggest weakness we have is against flippers, because our machine isn't particularly low at the front.|Paul Rose confesses Vader's weaknesses}}
  +
  +
===Etymology===
  +
Vader was named after [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darth_Vader Darth Vader], one of the main antagonists of the ''Star Wars'' series of movies. This was a running theme for all entries from Team Vader, as their robot [[IG-88]] was also named after a character from the same franchise.
  +
  +
==The Team==
  +
{{Main|Team Vader}}
  +
[[FIle:Team vader.JPG|thumb|Vader with its team in Extreme 2]]
  +
Vader was entered by Team Vader, which was captained by Paul Rose in Series 6 and Extreme 2, the lead builder of the robot. However in the Seventh Wars, Paul Rose had entered the series as the captain of his new robot [[IG-88]], so as a result, Simon Latham took over the captaining role for Series 7. Nevertheless, the three team members Paul Rose, Simon Latham and Phillip Calthorpe were present in all of Vader's appearances.
   
 
== Qualification ==
 
== Qualification ==
 
[[File:VaderS5.jpg|thumb|left|Vader at the Series 5 qualifiers]]
 
[[File:VaderS5.jpg|thumb|left|Vader at the Series 5 qualifiers]]
 
[[File:Vader vs dome.JPG|thumb|Vader fighting Dome in its qualifier]]
 
[[File:Vader vs dome.JPG|thumb|Vader fighting Dome in its qualifier]]
Vader previously attempted to enter Series 5, but failed to qualify. In its qualifier, it fought [[Dome]] and began quite well, causing considerable damage and even disabling Dome's weapon. However, due to its extremely low ground clearance, it got trapped on the raised floor section of the pit and lost mobility, therefore giving Dome the win. Vader went on to successfully qualify for Series 6.
+
Vader previously attempted to enter Series 5, but failed to qualify. In its qualifier, it fought [[Dome]] and began quite well, causing considerable damage and even disabling Dome's weapon. However, due to its extremely low ground clearance, it got trapped on the raised floor section of the pit and lost mobility, therefore giving Dome the win.
  +
  +
Although very little is known about the team's Series 6 qualifier, Vader is known to have faced a robot from "The West Thames College Team", dominating the college team thanks to their unfortunate drive problems, causing them much damage and winning the match to qualify. It is unknown if any other robots where present in this match.
   
 
For Series 7, Team Vader built a new machine, [[IG-88]], and originally did not plan to enter the series with Vader. However, as IG-88 borrowed no parts from Vader, new captain Simon Latham decided to enter the qualifiers with Vader, while the usual Team Vader captain Paul Rose qualified with IG-88. Vader won its qualifier battle in dominant fashion, and was entered into Series 7 by Simon Latham. Paul Rose was still named on the robot's statistics board.
 
For Series 7, Team Vader built a new machine, [[IG-88]], and originally did not plan to enter the series with Vader. However, as IG-88 borrowed no parts from Vader, new captain Simon Latham decided to enter the qualifiers with Vader, while the usual Team Vader captain Paul Rose qualified with IG-88. Vader won its qualifier battle in dominant fashion, and was entered into Series 7 by Simon Latham. Paul Rose was still named on the robot's statistics board.
   
 
[[File:Vader S7.png|thumb|Official Series 7 photo]]
 
{{quote|...I entered Vader separately to Paul Rose who entered IG-88. Whilst I was involved in assisting with the build of IG-88, I never appeared with the machine or was listed on the entry forms. My entry of Vader was a fairly late decision as I was at a loose end and the machine was just sitting in the garage, and then surprisingly during the qualifying "auditions" it was unbelievably dominant in it's heat.|Simon Latham on Facebook<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/roamingrobots/permalink/10156141411404022/?comment_id=10156142052314022&reply_comment_id=10156149239054022&notif_id=1535823915106146&notif_t=group_comment_mention]</ref>}}
 
{{quote|...I entered Vader separately to Paul Rose who entered IG-88. Whilst I was involved in assisting with the build of IG-88, I never appeared with the machine or was listed on the entry forms. My entry of Vader was a fairly late decision as I was at a loose end and the machine was just sitting in the garage, and then surprisingly during the qualifying "auditions" it was unbelievably dominant in it's heat.|Simon Latham on Facebook<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/roamingrobots/permalink/10156141411404022/?comment_id=10156142052314022&reply_comment_id=10156149239054022&notif_id=1535823915106146&notif_t=group_comment_mention]</ref>}}
   
 
==Robot History==
 
==Robot History==
 
===Series 6===
 
===Series 6===
  +
In the first round melee, Vader was against new robots [[UFO]], [[The Stag]] and 9th seeds [[Wild Thing]].
 
[[File:The Stag Vader.jpg|thumb|left|Vader rips a wheel from The Stag]]
 
[[File:The Stag Vader.jpg|thumb|left|Vader rips a wheel from The Stag]]
[[File:Wild Thing vs Vader vs UFO.jpg|thumb|Vader attacks Wild Thing in the first round.]]
+
[[File:Wild Thing vs Vader vs UFO.jpg|thumb|Vader attacks Wild Thing in the first round]]
In the first round melee, Vader was against new robots [[UFO]], [[The Stag]] and 9th seeds [[Wild Thing|Wild Thing 2]]. Vader was tentative in the opening stages, getting its weapon up to spinning speed. The Stag was grappling with Wild Thing 2, however a clever slice from Vader's weapon cut off one of The Stag's tyres, leaving it spinning around in circles. The vertical spinner also bent The Stag's front pincers. With The Stag effectively immobilised, UFO activated the pit release button, but got stuck with its front pincers until Vader knocked it free. However, as the battle progressed, Vader's disc stopped spinning.
+
Vader was tentative in the opening stages, getting its weapon up to spinning speed. The Stag was grappling with Wild Thing, however a clever slice from Vader's weapon cut off one of The Stag's tyres, leaving it spinning around in circles. The vertical spinner also bent The Stag's front pincers. With The Stag effectively immobilised, UFO activated the pit release button, but got stuck with its front pincers until Vader knocked it free. However, as the battle progressed, Vader's disc stopped spinning.
   
[[File:Wild Thing vs Vader R1.jpg|thumb|Vader loses the use of its disc in the closing seconds]]
 
 
{{quote|Has Vader's disc stopped spinning? Now what has happened here to the weaponry of Vader? It has stopped spinning. It is 20kg in weight, but that doesn't mean one jot if its not spinning at all!|Jonathan Pearce}}
 
{{quote|Has Vader's disc stopped spinning? Now what has happened here to the weaponry of Vader? It has stopped spinning. It is 20kg in weight, but that doesn't mean one jot if its not spinning at all!|Jonathan Pearce}}
  +
UFO, Wild Thing and Vader spent a while locked together against the arena side wall, but it was evident that Wild Thing's blade was stuck in the armour of Vader. The judges opted in favour of Vader and Wild Thing 2.
 
  +
[[File:Vader vs Wild Thing.jpg|thumb|left|Vader and Wild Thing duel near the flame pit]]
 
[[File:Wild Thing vs Vader R1.jpg|thumb|Vader stops spinning its disc in the closing seconds]]
 
UFO, Wild Thing and Vader spent a while locked together against the arena side wall near the flame pit, but it was evident that Wild Thing's blade was stuck in the armour of Vader. The judges opted in favour of Vader and Wild Thing.
  +
  +
Simon Latham has since confirmed that the disc was in fact still functioning at the end of the fight, and was powered down to conserve battery when required, as with the disc motor turned on constantly the run time of the machine was estimated to be very close to the 5 minute time limit and they didn't want it running flat during a bout.
  +
  +
Vader advanced to the second round, where it faced the experienced [[Aggrobot|Aggrobot 3]], seen by the team as an easier draw than the alternative opponent, which could have been [[259]].
 
{{dialogue a-b|Philippa Forrester|But Aggrobot, not worried?|Paul Rose|Well it's much less worrying than the other one we could have gone up against.|Pre-Aggrobot battle, Team Vader was much relieved at not having to fight 259 in Round 2}}
 
{{dialogue a-b|Philippa Forrester|But Aggrobot, not worried?|Paul Rose|Well it's much less worrying than the other one we could have gone up against.|Pre-Aggrobot battle, Team Vader was much relieved at not having to fight 259 in Round 2}}
[[File:Vader vs Aggrobot.jpg|thumb|left|One hit immobilises Aggrobot.]]
+
[[File:Vader vs Aggrobot.jpg|thumb|left|One hit from Vader immobilises Aggrobot 3]]
Vader's second round battle against the experienced [[Aggrobot|Aggrobot 3]] was much less complicated, requiring one hit on Aggrobot 3 to immobilise it - the blow knocked Aggrobot into the air and it flew several feet. Vader attacked several more times before the House Robots took over.
+
The battle was extremely straightforward for Vader, only requiring one hit on Aggrobot 3 to immobilise it - the blow knocked Aggrobot 3 into the air and it flew several feet. Vader attacked with its disc several more times before the House Robots took over, and Vader safely qualified for the Heat Final.
{{quote|I would say it was very carefully aimed blow, but I think I'd be lying if I said that.|Paul Rose after the Aggrobot fight}}
+
{{quote|I would say it was very carefully aimed blow, but I think I'd be lying if I said that.|Paul Rose after the Aggrobot 3 fight}}
  +
  +
In the Heat Final, Vader fought Wild Thing for a second time, after the ninth seed had eliminated 259, the team's biggest fear in the heat.
 
[[File:Wild Thing vs Vader.jpg|thumb|Vader attacks Wild Thing]]
 
[[File:Wild Thing vs Vader.jpg|thumb|Vader attacks Wild Thing]]
Vader met Wild Thing 2 again in the Heat Final, where this time, Vader's disc got stuck in the armour of Wild Thing. Eventually, the House Robots helped to free the pair, but Vader looked to have stopped moving for a little while, but got going again immediately before Wild Thing's disc got trapped in the shell of Vader, in the exact fashion as it did in the first round.
+
This time, Vader's disc got stuck in the armour of Wild Thing, after colliding with its armour side-on. Eventually, the House Robots helped to free the pair, but Vader looked to have stopped moving for a little while, but got going again immediately before Wild Thing's disc got trapped in the shell of Vader, in the exact fashion as it did in the first round.
[[File:Wild Thing stuck.jpg|thumb|left|Wild Thing's blade stuck in Vader's Armour]]
+
[[File:Wild Thing stuck.jpg|thumb|left|Wild Thing's blade stuck in Vader's armour]]
  +
[[File:Wild Thing vs Vader HF.jpg|thumb|Vader and Wild Thing fail to separate]]
 
The seeds used this to its advantage this time, though, pushing Vader into Shunt's CPZ. A powerful axe blow stopped the spinning weapon of Vader in an instant, but the stoppage was temporary. Shunt's scoop lifted up Vader, but didn't manage to flip it. A retreating Vader pushed the pit release button, but failed to get its foe down. The judges put Wild Thing 2 in the series Semi-Finals.
 
The seeds used this to its advantage this time, though, pushing Vader into Shunt's CPZ. A powerful axe blow stopped the spinning weapon of Vader in an instant, but the stoppage was temporary. Shunt's scoop lifted up Vader, but didn't manage to flip it. A retreating Vader pushed the pit release button, but failed to get its foe down. The judges put Wild Thing 2 in the series Semi-Finals.
 
{{quote|We wanted destructability, boo-hoo they stuck like glue!|Jonathan Pearce}}
 
{{quote|We wanted destructability, boo-hoo they stuck like glue!|Jonathan Pearce}}
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===Extreme 2===
 
===Extreme 2===
 
{{quote|The Dark Lord cometh...|Jonathan Pearce's formidable introduction}}
 
{{quote|The Dark Lord cometh...|Jonathan Pearce's formidable introduction}}
Vader joined the ranks of aspiring roboteers hoping to challenge Tornado for the Challenge belt. Vader met [[Terrorhurtz]], [[Iron-Awe|Iron-Awe 2]] and [[Barber-Ous|Barber-Ous 2]] in Round 1.
+
Vader joined the ranks of aspiring roboteers hoping to challenge [[Tornado]] for the Challenge belt. Vader met [[Terrorhurtz]], [[Iron-Awe|Iron-Awe 2]] and [[Barber-Ous|Barber-Ous 2]] in Round 1.
 
{{quote|Hit and hope.|Paul Rose's "tactics"}}
 
{{quote|Hit and hope.|Paul Rose's "tactics"}}
[[File:Ex2ChallengeBeltRound1.2.1.jpg|thumb|left|Vader attacks Iron-Awe]]
+
[[File:Ex2ChallengeBeltRound1.2.1.jpg|thumb|left|Vader attacks Iron-Awe 2]]
 
[[File:Vader out.jpg|thumb|Vader sits outside the arena]]
 
[[File:Vader out.jpg|thumb|Vader sits outside the arena]]
 
Terrorhurtz rapidly began reigning axe blows on Vader but was saved from taking much damage by Iron-Awe 2, who flipped Terrorhurtz on its side before it came down. Iron-Awe 2 was squeezed between the vertical spinners of Vader and Barber-Ous 2, and got flipped over, but self righted speedily. Vader was then hacked by the axes of Terrorhurtz and Shunt and this appeared to be too much for the pyramid shaped machine. Shunt's axe eventually hit a blow directly inside the void beside the spinning disk of Vader, causing Vader's cutting blade to bend and impale itself into the framework of itself. After Refbot counted Vader out of the competition, Matilda's flywheel tossed Vader out of the arena.
 
Terrorhurtz rapidly began reigning axe blows on Vader but was saved from taking much damage by Iron-Awe 2, who flipped Terrorhurtz on its side before it came down. Iron-Awe 2 was squeezed between the vertical spinners of Vader and Barber-Ous 2, and got flipped over, but self righted speedily. Vader was then hacked by the axes of Terrorhurtz and Shunt and this appeared to be too much for the pyramid shaped machine. Shunt's axe eventually hit a blow directly inside the void beside the spinning disk of Vader, causing Vader's cutting blade to bend and impale itself into the framework of itself. After Refbot counted Vader out of the competition, Matilda's flywheel tossed Vader out of the arena.
   
 
===Series 7===
 
===Series 7===
  +
The first battle of the Seventh Wars saw Vader battle with veterans [[Tiberius|Tiberius 3]] and [[Shell Shock (Series 7)|Shell Shock]] along with newcomers [[M2]].
[[File:Vader OotA.png|thumb|M2 flips Vader out of the arena.]]
 
  +
The first battle of the Seventh Wars saw Vader battle with veterans [[Tiberius|Tiberius 3]] and [[Shell Shock (Series 7)|Shell Shock]] along with newcomers [[M2]]. The new robot started aggressively, getting underneath Vader and flipping it, but not turning it over. Vader's spinning disc made a huge gash in the side of Shell Shock, but M2 then flipped Vader into the air twice, although it managed to land on its wheels both times. M2 then flipped Shell Shock onto its side, while Vader sat motionless by the arena wall after its remote control receiver became unresponsive. After M2 flipped Shell Shock out of the arena, Vader then suffered the same fate at the hands of M2, becoming the first of the previous year's Heat Finalists to fall in the first round. Not shown during the episode was that after landing in the camera run, the relay controlling Vader's weapon motor became jammed on and had to be disabled by the removal of the safety link from the machine.
 
  +
[[File:M2 vs Vader.jpg|thumb|left|Vader is thrown into the air by M2]]
  +
[[File:Vader OotA.png|thumb|M2 flips Vader out of the arena]]
 
The new robot started aggressively, getting underneath Vader and flipping it, but not turning it over. Vader's spinning disc made a huge gash in the side of Shell Shock, but M2 then flipped Vader into the air twice, although it managed to land on its wheels both times. M2 then flipped Shell Shock onto its side, while Vader sat motionless by the arena wall after its remote control receiver became unresponsive. After M2 flipped Shell Shock out of the arena, Vader then suffered the same fate at the hands of M2, becoming the first of the previous year's Heat Finalists to fall in the first round. Not shown during the episode was that after landing in the camera run, the relay controlling Vader's weapon motor became jammed on and had to be disabled by the removal of the safety link from the machine.
  +
  +
After the match it was discovered that the receiver batteries had flown loose of their housing during one of the flips.
   
 
{{quote|I upgraded the weapon motor to a 1.2kw one and used parallel truck relays for series 7 and that was where the problems started (when one of the weapon relays welded closed whilst in the arena at series 7 filming after being flipped onto the camera run, resulting in the link having to be pulled whilst the vertical disc was running full tilt!)|Simon Latham on Facebook<ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/roamingrobots/permalink/10156141411404022/?comment_id=10156142052314022&reply_comment_id=10156149239054022&notif_id=1535823915106146&notif_t=group_comment_mention</ref>}}
 
{{quote|I upgraded the weapon motor to a 1.2kw one and used parallel truck relays for series 7 and that was where the problems started (when one of the weapon relays welded closed whilst in the arena at series 7 filming after being flipped onto the camera run, resulting in the link having to be pulled whilst the vertical disc was running full tilt!)|Simon Latham on Facebook<ref>https://www.facebook.com/groups/roamingrobots/permalink/10156141411404022/?comment_id=10156142052314022&reply_comment_id=10156149239054022&notif_id=1535823915106146&notif_t=group_comment_mention</ref>}}
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{{Show|Series 6}}
 
{{Show|Series 6}}
 
{{Competition|The Sixth Wars - UK Championship|Heat Final}}
 
{{Competition|The Sixth Wars - UK Championship|Heat Final}}
{{Battle|[[Robot Wars: The Sixth Wars/Heat E|Heat E]], Round 1|[[The Stag]], [[UFO]], [[Wild Thing]] ''(9)''|Qualified}}
+
{{Battle|[[Robot Wars: The Sixth Wars/Heat E|Heat E, Round 1]]|[[The Stag]], [[UFO]], [[Wild Thing]] ''(9)''|Qualified}}
{{Battle|Heat E, Round 2|[[Aggrobot|Aggrobot 3]]|Won}}
+
{{Battle|[[Robot Wars: The Sixth Wars/Heat E|Heat E, Round 2]]|[[Aggrobot|Aggrobot 3]]|Won}}
{{Battle|Heat E, Final|[[Wild Thing]] ''(9)''|Lost}}
+
{{Battle|[[Robot Wars: The Sixth Wars/Heat E|Heat E, Final]]|[[Wild Thing]] ''(9)''|Lost}}
 
{{Show|Extreme Series 2}}
 
{{Show|Extreme Series 2}}
 
{{Competition|[[Robot Wars Extreme: Series 2/Challenge Belt|Challenge Belt]]|Round 1}}
 
{{Competition|[[Robot Wars Extreme: Series 2/Challenge Belt|Challenge Belt]]|Round 1}}
{{Battle|Round 1|[[Barber-Ous|Barber-Ous 2]], [[Iron-Awe|Iron-Awe 2]], [[Terrorhurtz]]|Eliminated}}
+
{{Battle|[[Robot Wars Extreme: Series 2/Challenge Belt|Round 1]]|[[Barber-Ous|Barber-Ous 2]], [[Iron-Awe|Iron-Awe 2]], [[Terrorhurtz]]|Eliminated}}
 
{{Show|Series 7}}
 
{{Show|Series 7}}
 
{{Competition|The Seventh Wars - UK Championship|Heat, Round 1}}
 
{{Competition|The Seventh Wars - UK Championship|Heat, Round 1}}
{{Battle|[[Robot Wars: The Seventh Wars/Heat A|Heat A]], Round 1|[[M2]], [[Shell Shock (Series 7)|Shell Shock]], [[Tiberius|Tiberius 3]]|Eliminated}}
+
{{Battle|[[Robot Wars: The Seventh Wars/Heat A|Heat A, Round 1]]|[[M2]], [[Shell Shock (Series 7)|Shell Shock]], [[Tiberius|Tiberius 3]]|Eliminated}}
 
|}
 
|}
   
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<gallery type="slideshow">
 
<gallery type="slideshow">
 
Vader S5.jpg|The Vader that failed to qualify for Series 5
 
Vader S5.jpg|The Vader that failed to qualify for Series 5
  +
vaderanddome qualifiers.gif|Vader and Dome prepare for their qualifier
 
vadernodisc.jpg|Vader, with its disc replaced with a scoop at a live event
 
vadernodisc.jpg|Vader, with its disc replaced with a scoop at a live event
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
{{Series Record EX|Vader|Did not enter|Did not enter|Did not enter|Did not enter|''Failed to qualify''|'''Heat Final'''|'''Heat, Round 1'''<br>Entered with [[IG-88]]|Did not enter|Did not enter|Did not enter|Did not enter|'''Entered'''}}
+
{{Series Record EX|Vader|Did not enter|Did not enter|Did not enter|Did not enter|''Failed to qualify''|'''Heat Final'''|'''Heat, Round 1'''<br>Entered with [[IG-88]]|Did not enter|Did not enter|Did not enter|Did not enter|'''Challenge Belt, Round 1'''}}
   
 
==Outside Robot Wars==
 
==Outside Robot Wars==

Revision as of 10:22, 11 July 2019

"...looks like it could spell danger for any robot, with that massive spinning disc that towers over smaller bots, and a wide body that has virtually no weaknesses ... the Force may be strong with this one..."
— Robot Wars: The Official Magazine[1]

Vader was a heavyweight robot that competed in Series 6-7 of Robot Wars, and the second series of Extreme. It was most successful in the Sixth Wars, reaching a Heat Final where it was eliminated by the seeded Wild Thing, but fell in the first round of the Seventh Wars to M2 and Tiberius 3.

Design

"If I had a penny for every time a bloke said to me "I've got a magnificent weapon", I would be rich by now!"
— Philippa Forrester meeting Vader
Vaderconstruction

Vader during construction

Vader was a reverse wedge-shaped robot, clad in 8mm transparent polycarbonate sheet armour which was quite resistant to most weapons, despite being thinner to the average thickness of that particular armour. It had been shaved down to fit the weight restrictions which made it especially vulnerable to axes and it could not self-right.

Vader s7 pits

Vader in the pits during Series 7

It had a large, 16kg vertical spinning disc at the front in a similar design to 259, which could spin at 850rpm in Series 6, allowing it to inflict 1.6Kw of power onto to other robots. Additionally, at the base of its wedge were two ramming spikes and scoop. The Series 7 model had a lighter disc at 10kg (the 16kg spinning disc had been irreparably damaged during Extreme 2), and an improved weapon motor along with thicker armour, now 12mm polycarbonate. The weapon motor for Series 7 was estimated to be operating the new disc at around 1,300rpm.

"The biggest weakness we have is against flippers, because our machine isn't particularly low at the front."
— Paul Rose confesses Vader's weaknesses

Etymology

Vader was named after Darth Vader, one of the main antagonists of the Star Wars series of movies. This was a running theme for all entries from Team Vader, as their robot IG-88 was also named after a character from the same franchise.

The Team

Main article: Team Vader
Team vader

Vader with its team in Extreme 2

Vader was entered by Team Vader, which was captained by Paul Rose in Series 6 and Extreme 2, the lead builder of the robot. However in the Seventh Wars, Paul Rose had entered the series as the captain of his new robot IG-88, so as a result, Simon Latham took over the captaining role for Series 7. Nevertheless, the three team members Paul Rose, Simon Latham and Phillip Calthorpe were present in all of Vader's appearances.

Qualification

VaderS5

Vader at the Series 5 qualifiers

Vader vs dome

Vader fighting Dome in its qualifier

Vader previously attempted to enter Series 5, but failed to qualify. In its qualifier, it fought Dome and began quite well, causing considerable damage and even disabling Dome's weapon. However, due to its extremely low ground clearance, it got trapped on the raised floor section of the pit and lost mobility, therefore giving Dome the win.

Although very little is known about the team's Series 6 qualifier, Vader is known to have faced a robot from "The West Thames College Team", dominating the college team thanks to their unfortunate drive problems, causing them much damage and winning the match to qualify. It is unknown if any other robots where present in this match.

For Series 7, Team Vader built a new machine, IG-88, and originally did not plan to enter the series with Vader. However, as IG-88 borrowed no parts from Vader, new captain Simon Latham decided to enter the qualifiers with Vader, while the usual Team Vader captain Paul Rose qualified with IG-88. Vader won its qualifier battle in dominant fashion, and was entered into Series 7 by Simon Latham. Paul Rose was still named on the robot's statistics board.

Vader S7

Official Series 7 photo

"...I entered Vader separately to Paul Rose who entered IG-88. Whilst I was involved in assisting with the build of IG-88, I never appeared with the machine or was listed on the entry forms. My entry of Vader was a fairly late decision as I was at a loose end and the machine was just sitting in the garage, and then surprisingly during the qualifying "auditions" it was unbelievably dominant in it's heat."
— Simon Latham on Facebook[2]

Robot History

Series 6

In the first round melee, Vader was against new robots UFO, The Stag and 9th seeds Wild Thing.

The Stag Vader

Vader rips a wheel from The Stag

Wild Thing vs Vader vs UFO

Vader attacks Wild Thing in the first round

Vader was tentative in the opening stages, getting its weapon up to spinning speed. The Stag was grappling with Wild Thing, however a clever slice from Vader's weapon cut off one of The Stag's tyres, leaving it spinning around in circles. The vertical spinner also bent The Stag's front pincers. With The Stag effectively immobilised, UFO activated the pit release button, but got stuck with its front pincers until Vader knocked it free. However, as the battle progressed, Vader's disc stopped spinning.

"Has Vader's disc stopped spinning? Now what has happened here to the weaponry of Vader? It has stopped spinning. It is 20kg in weight, but that doesn't mean one jot if its not spinning at all!"
— Jonathan Pearce
Vader vs Wild Thing

Vader and Wild Thing duel near the flame pit

Wild Thing vs Vader R1

Vader stops spinning its disc in the closing seconds

UFO, Wild Thing and Vader spent a while locked together against the arena side wall near the flame pit, but it was evident that Wild Thing's blade was stuck in the armour of Vader. The judges opted in favour of Vader and Wild Thing.

Simon Latham has since confirmed that the disc was in fact still functioning at the end of the fight, and was powered down to conserve battery when required, as with the disc motor turned on constantly the run time of the machine was estimated to be very close to the 5 minute time limit and they didn't want it running flat during a bout.

Vader advanced to the second round, where it faced the experienced Aggrobot 3, seen by the team as an easier draw than the alternative opponent, which could have been 259.

Philippa Forrester: "But Aggrobot, not worried?"
Paul Rose: "Well it's much less worrying than the other one we could have gone up against."
— Pre-Aggrobot battle, Team Vader was much relieved at not having to fight 259 in Round 2
Vader vs Aggrobot

One hit from Vader immobilises Aggrobot 3

The battle was extremely straightforward for Vader, only requiring one hit on Aggrobot 3 to immobilise it - the blow knocked Aggrobot 3 into the air and it flew several feet. Vader attacked with its disc several more times before the House Robots took over, and Vader safely qualified for the Heat Final.

"I would say it was very carefully aimed blow, but I think I'd be lying if I said that."
— Paul Rose after the Aggrobot 3 fight

In the Heat Final, Vader fought Wild Thing for a second time, after the ninth seed had eliminated 259, the team's biggest fear in the heat.

Wild Thing vs Vader

Vader attacks Wild Thing

This time, Vader's disc got stuck in the armour of Wild Thing, after colliding with its armour side-on. Eventually, the House Robots helped to free the pair, but Vader looked to have stopped moving for a little while, but got going again immediately before Wild Thing's disc got trapped in the shell of Vader, in the exact fashion as it did in the first round.

Wild Thing stuck

Wild Thing's blade stuck in Vader's armour

Wild Thing vs Vader HF

Vader and Wild Thing fail to separate

The seeds used this to its advantage this time, though, pushing Vader into Shunt's CPZ. A powerful axe blow stopped the spinning weapon of Vader in an instant, but the stoppage was temporary. Shunt's scoop lifted up Vader, but didn't manage to flip it. A retreating Vader pushed the pit release button, but failed to get its foe down. The judges put Wild Thing 2 in the series Semi-Finals.

"We wanted destructability, boo-hoo they stuck like glue!"
— Jonathan Pearce

Extreme 2

"The Dark Lord cometh..."
— Jonathan Pearce's formidable introduction

Vader joined the ranks of aspiring roboteers hoping to challenge Tornado for the Challenge belt. Vader met Terrorhurtz, Iron-Awe 2 and Barber-Ous 2 in Round 1.

"Hit and hope."
— Paul Rose's "tactics"
Ex2ChallengeBeltRound1.2

Vader attacks Iron-Awe 2

Vader out

Vader sits outside the arena

Terrorhurtz rapidly began reigning axe blows on Vader but was saved from taking much damage by Iron-Awe 2, who flipped Terrorhurtz on its side before it came down. Iron-Awe 2 was squeezed between the vertical spinners of Vader and Barber-Ous 2, and got flipped over, but self righted speedily. Vader was then hacked by the axes of Terrorhurtz and Shunt and this appeared to be too much for the pyramid shaped machine. Shunt's axe eventually hit a blow directly inside the void beside the spinning disk of Vader, causing Vader's cutting blade to bend and impale itself into the framework of itself. After Refbot counted Vader out of the competition, Matilda's flywheel tossed Vader out of the arena.

Series 7

The first battle of the Seventh Wars saw Vader battle with veterans Tiberius 3 and Shell Shock along with newcomers M2.

M2 vs Vader

Vader is thrown into the air by M2

Vader OotA

M2 flips Vader out of the arena

The new robot started aggressively, getting underneath Vader and flipping it, but not turning it over. Vader's spinning disc made a huge gash in the side of Shell Shock, but M2 then flipped Vader into the air twice, although it managed to land on its wheels both times. M2 then flipped Shell Shock onto its side, while Vader sat motionless by the arena wall after its remote control receiver became unresponsive. After M2 flipped Shell Shock out of the arena, Vader then suffered the same fate at the hands of M2, becoming the first of the previous year's Heat Finalists to fall in the first round. Not shown during the episode was that after landing in the camera run, the relay controlling Vader's weapon motor became jammed on and had to be disabled by the removal of the safety link from the machine.

After the match it was discovered that the receiver batteries had flown loose of their housing during one of the flips.

"I upgraded the weapon motor to a 1.2kw one and used parallel truck relays for series 7 and that was where the problems started (when one of the weapon relays welded closed whilst in the arena at series 7 filming after being flipped onto the camera run, resulting in the link having to be pulled whilst the vertical disc was running full tilt!)"
— Simon Latham on Facebook[3]

Results

VADER - RESULTS
Series 6
The Sixth Wars - UK Championship
Heat Final
Heat E, Round 1 vs. The Stag, UFO, Wild Thing (9) Qualified
Heat E, Round 2 vs. Aggrobot 3 Won
Heat E, Final vs. Wild Thing (9) Lost
Extreme Series 2
Challenge Belt
Round 1
Round 1 vs. Barber-Ous 2, Iron-Awe 2, Terrorhurtz Eliminated
Series 7
The Seventh Wars - UK Championship
Heat, Round 1
Heat A, Round 1 vs. M2, Shell Shock, Tiberius 3 Eliminated

Wins/Losses

  • Wins: 2
  • Losses: 3

Series Record

Main Series Vader Series Record
The First Wars Did not enter
The Second Wars Did not enter
The Third Wars Did not enter
The Fourth Wars Did not enter
The Fifth Wars Failed to qualify
The Sixth Wars Heat Final
The Seventh Wars Heat, Round 1
Entered with IG-88
Series 8 Did not enter
Series 9 Did not enter
Series 10 Did not enter
Robot Wars Extreme Appearances
Series 1 Did not enter
Series 2 Challenge Belt, Round 1

Outside Robot Wars

Vader with scoop

Vader armed with a scoop at the Debenham Robot Rumble 2002

Vader appeared at the Debenham Robot Rumble 2002, using curved scoops in place of a flywheel due to a ban on spinning weaponry. Vader defeated GBH 2, Behemoth, Lambsy, Knuckles, Velocirippa and The Grim Reaper, but lost in a melee to Dantomkia and Bigger Brother, and was also flipped by Wolverine.

Vader also appeared in an event at Neward Kit Car Show in 2002, again using the curved scoop.

References

External Links