UEF Battloids of the 2nd Robotech War

[Rabid Southern Cross Fan]

Ok,

on we go, this time looking at the various Battloids used by The Army of the Southern Cross and GMP in the 2nd Robotech War. First we look at the Salamander Mainforce Battloid, sort of the Southern Cross analogue to the Macross Spartan. My take on the Heavy Combat Modification is a modified version of the Assault Battloid armour from Return of the Masters (Revised), excepting where noted.

Salamander Main Force Battloid
The Salamander is the main infantry battle mecha of the UEF Army. Deployed shortly after the introduction of the CER-12 Satyr, the Salamander became the symbol of the Southern Cross from its roll-out in 2015 until the defeat of the UEF at the hands of the Invid in 2031. It served the Army of the Southern Cross on Earth and across the galaxy with those forces chopped to the Pioneer Mission in both dedicated mechanized and mixed infantry/battloid units.

At the time of its introduction, there was a great deal of debate within the Army’s upper echelons of exactly why a Battloid mecha should be acquired. The Destroids, having shown some capability as artillery platforms, were still viewed as being a superior choice, however much they lacked mobility. It was felt that the heavy weapons carried by them would offset any deficiencies. In an effort to drive home that mobility equaled a greater chance of survivability, several mock engagements were created to test Salamanders (and other Battloids) against Tomahawk and Spartan Destroids. The fact that the Battloid’s superior mobility and speed gave it more than enough to edge out the Destroids led to their general adoption.

Built for speed, agility as well as decent armor protection, the Salamander represents the balance between all the various competing battle doctrines. Not as fast as the Cyclops nor as armed as the Basilisk or Unicorn, it is nevertheless the best suited Battloid for front line combat. With a powerful jump pack and fast land speed, the Salamander can quickly engage enemies at close ranges (with point-blank missiles) or at longer ranges with its gun pod.

With the need to go into numerous restricted terrains, not the least of which is urban, the Battloids’ humanoid form aids it greatly. The ability to negotiate slopes as well as use its hands means the Salamander can go places no earlier Destroid could begin to attempt. This allows the driver to hide better inside buildings, dig fighting positions and lie prone, giving the mecha a decided advantage in ambush situations. Most importantly, though few tend to think about it, the knee joints and legs musculature allow it to get into the kneeling position, meaning it can assume the various traditional firing positions used by riflemen the world over. To aid it in urban terrain, the Salamander also has rubberized soles to lessen the shock of running on asphalt/concrete as well as help provide better traction.

Unlike many other mecha, there is more than a slight difference between the Officer’s, NCO’s and Enlisted models beyond simple cosmetic alterations to the head. Both the NCO and Officer’s models can coordinate communications and sensor readings, as well as being able to monitor the information from the Enlisted models (pilot vital info, etc). The Officer’s model also includes a split headlight (2 high intensity/infrared lamps instead of 1).

Statistics
Designation: MBR-13 (A - Officer, B - NCO, C - Enlisted)
Crew: 1 driver
Height: 6.1m
Breadth: 2.8m
Depth: 2.4m
Weight: 14 tons fully loaded
Powerplant: MT 844 Fusion Reactor; 8 Protoculture cells provides the fusion reactor with enough generating power to last 3 months under combat conditions.
Air supply: In situations where the driver must stay for an extended period of time in the Battloid, it has the equivalent of a 2 week air capacity due to recycling.
Cargo capacity: A small arms/stores locker is located in the mecha, allowing the driver to cache items that could be necessary on a mission. This usually includes: 2 weeks freeze-dried rations, 5 gal. water (kept cooled by refrigeration unit), 5 signal flares, waterproof matches, small high intensity flashlight, emergency blanket, 30m of cord, combat/survival knife as well as a Wolverine Assault Rifle, Weasel auto-pistol, 3 magazines for each and 6 Cobalt and/or Frag Grenades.
Black Market Value: If recovered for the Anti-Unification League, a Salamander is generally some 750,000 Merchant Republic Credits intact or 250,000 if it is damaged. Given the nature of the world economy, the AUL rarely pays in hard currency but instead in barter (weapons, ammunition, land etc).

Performance
Max walking speed: 128kph
Jump Jets: Assisted leaping up to 75m high or long.

Armament Loadout
2 x 1 light lasers (mounted in the head)
24 x 76mm point-blank missiles (2 launchers, 12 per)
1 x beam gun pod

Armament
1.) Head Lasers (2): Time tested and true, these are an improved copy of the older ROV-laser systems made famous by the VF-1 Valkyrie during the 1st Robotech War. The main internal armament of the Salamander, these laser cannons provide the Battloid a significant punch. They can fire rapid pulses or a long stream, capable of burning through an object.

2.) Shoulder mounted 76mm Mongoose point-blank missile launchers (2): Though it does not carry quite the ordnance of either the older Tomahawk or Spartan Destroids, the Salamander nevertheless does sport some. Since short-range missiles would be too big, and rocket-propelled grenades too small, point-blank missiles were the perfect choice. Capable of being used in restricted terrain with far fewer consequences, these weapons give the Salamander a decidedly lethal advantage.
Note: These are the exact same type of missiles carried by the Alpha fighter.

3.) EPR-14 Nightstalker 36mm Beam Gun pod: Like all other humanoid mecha with arms in the UEF’s arsenal, the Salamander is issued a gun pod as part of its standard equipment. In the years just before the 2nd Robotech War, that model was the Nightstalker. An improvement over the older EPR-10 Manticore or the EPR-11 Artemis, the Nighstalker was shown to be quite powerful and gave the Salamander a decided edge in an engagement. It is considered the heaviest gun pod issued to Battloids before the start of the 2nd Robotech War.

Addendum
Heavy Combat Armor Modification
Much like the old Grenade Box Protector for the VF-1 Valkyrie, the Salamander can have additional weapons systems and jettisonable armour added to its frame when heavy combat is anticipated. This adds x4 190mm Hammerhead SRMs to the forearms (x2 per), x1 heavy particle beam cannon (over the left shoulder), x16 190mm Hammerhead SRMs (over the righjt shoulder, x8 in the pod plus 1 reload) and x16 76mm Mongoose Point-blank missiles to the legs (x8 per). In addition, a pair of heavy duty jumpjets are added to the shoulder blades to compensate for land and outer space operations (they arepart of the back weapons pods). Both the over-the-shoulder weapons (beam cannon and missile pod) can remain vertical or level to a 90 degree angle (the missile pod has to move back vertical to reload though).

Edit: Oops, forgot the pics!

Salamander Officer's Model Sketch

Salamander Enlisted Model Sketch

Salamander 01

Salamander Battloid 02

Salamander Battloid 03

Salamander 04

EPR-14 Nightstalker Beam Cannon

[Rabid Southern Cross Fan]

Onwards to the Garm Security Battloid....

Garm Security Battloid
With the GMP’s elevation to that of Service Branch, thought had to be given for their Operations Directorate. They would need ground forces capable of rapid reaction and to conduct operations to secure the various locations around the planet. Security for the various UEG bases as well as anti-riot capabilities were all considered necessary. While the Salamander Mainforce Battloid could have been acquired, it was determined that a new model that could be both piloted and a drone version were needed. The Garm was the result of the piloted requirement.

Not as heavily armed as one of the MBR-series Battloids, the Garm instead relies on good armor protection and high mobility to survive. Their land speed allows them to keep pace with the other Battloids, namely the Salamander and Triton. However, again due to budget cutting measures, the mecha does not have a set of jump jets to aid it. The Garm does utilize the UEF standard low mass
composite laminar to protect the frame as well as the molecularly bonded ablative armor on its forearm shields.

Due to its envisioned mission profile as that of a Security Battloid, the Garm has almost no internal armaments. A pair of tried and true head lasers make up the only structural weapons systems. A specially designed gunpod, the Gugnir helps to offset this deficiency. However, as time would tell, the Garm was put more and more into frontline combat situations especially when they
provided ground security for operations involving The Army of the Southern Cross Recon units. While able to hold its own, the Garm generally was outgunned by its more powerful Bioroid opponents.

After its general adoption by the GMP, a second, smaller model was ordered. This mecha, the Golem, resembles its larger cousin. However, it is a Drone AI mecha designed specifically for Enforcement instead of Security. Sadly, its capacity is somewhat lackluster and few Golems have been adopted. Those models acquired are mainly kept in reserve.

Statistics
Designation: SBR-19 and QSR-19
Crew: 1 driver
Height: 7.1m (Garm)/ 4.9m (Golem)
Breadth: 3.1m (Garm)/2.3m (Golem)
Depth: 2.5m (Garm)/1.3m (Golem)
Weight: 10 tons (dry) (Garm)/7.3 tons (dry) (Golem)
Powerplant: MT 844 Fusion Reactor; 8 Protoculture cells provides the fusion reactor with enough generating power to last 3 months under combat conditions.
Air supply: In situations where the driver must stay for an extended period of time in the Battloid, it has the equivalent of a 2 week air capacity due to recycling.
Cargo capacity: A small arms/stores locker is located in the mecha, allowing the driver to cache items that could be necessary on a mission. This usually includes: 2 weeks freeze-dried rations, 3 gal. water (kept cooled by refrigeration unit), 5 signal flares, matches, small high intensity flashlight, emergency blanket, 30m of cord, combat/survival knife as well as a Wolverine Assault Rifle,
9mm Weasel auto-pistol, 3 magazines for each and 6 Cobalt and/or Frag Grenades.
Black Market Value: If recovered for the Anti-Unification League, a Garm is generally some 500,000 Merchant Republic Credits intact or 150,000 if it is damaged. No known copies of the Golem ever fell into AUL hands as the unit was relatively rare. Given the nature of the world economy, the AUL rarely pays in hard currency but instead in barter (weapons, ammunition, land etc).

Performance
Max walking speed: 128kph

Armament Loadout
2 x light lasers in the head
1 x beam cannon gun pod

Armament
1.) Head Lasers (2): Time tested and true, these are an improved copy of the older ROV-laser systems made famous by the VF-1 Valkyrie during the 1st Robotech War. Considered to be the main weapon of the Garm, these blasters give it enough punch to carry the fight to any enemy encountered. They can fire rapid pulses or a long stream, capable of burning through an object.

2.) EPR-13 Gugnir Beam Cannon Gun Pod: Due to the GMP’s procurement requirements for the Garm, a specially designed gun pod had to be created. Given that the Garm might be engaging high tech bandits, who often times carry AUL-type heavy armaments, the weapon had to be immensely powerful. The result was a success and the Gugnir entered production alongside the Garm.

Garm Battloid 01

Garm Battloid 02

Golem Security Bot 01

Golem Security Bot 02

Golem/Garm Sketch (front)

Golem/Garm Sketch 02 (back)

[taalismn]

looking good!

[Rabid Southern Cross Fan]

Ok, now we come to the lesser shown Battloids. First off is the Triton, which along with the Salamander and Garm, was in the closing animation of every episode of Robotech. Note to those with the 1st Edition RPG, this mecha was improperly identified as the EBSIS Juggernaut. The Deep Submergence Variant acquired by the Navy's Sea Squad Frogmen, of course, seemed like a logical choice. I can't remember, but Nathan Babcock may have suggested a similar idea a number of years ago.

Triton Main Force Battloid
With the Zentraedi Malcontent Uprisings taking place mostly in the dense jungles of the Amazon basin, the Congo and Southeast Asia, the UEF needed a battloid suited for Riverine warfare. The result was the Triton, a hard charging mecha capable of negotiating the difficult terrain. The Triton proved very effective at the kinds of hit-and-run assaults that allowed the UEF to turn the tables on the Zentraedi.

Like the Salamander Battloid, the Triton has to balance armor, armament, speed and mobility without over relying on just one, especially heavy armor plating. It was important as the Triton was often deployed underwater to walk upstream to effect an ambush. This kept the Battloid from sinking into the river bottom. Like its contemporaries, it uses the advanced low mass composite laminar found on second generation mecha. Ablative armor guards the shields of the mecha to allow the driver to parry incoming energy blasts. In terms of firepower, it is certainly considered to be one of the heavier hitting models due to its reliance on both grenades, head lasers and forearm blasters.

The Army of the Southern Cross mostly fields this mecha with its Marsh troops, though there are numerous other garrisons that utilize it. A number of units along with their specialized troops were chopped to the Pioneer Mission and served across the galaxy on worlds where their expertise and skill was necessary. Like many of the mecha of the UEF, the Triton was pitted against the Robotech Masters and later the Invid, foes that proved tough.

The United Earth Navy acquired a number of these mecha and modified them to be used in conjunction with their Sea Squad Frogmen and Kraken Dive Powered Armor units. They reinforced the chassis to survive greater depths, deleted the grenade launcher and modified the gun pod, forearm beam cannons and head lasers to be blue-green lasers. Other than these changes, its basically the same mecha.
Statistics
Designation and Variants: MBR-17 and DSR-17
Crew: 1 driver
Weight: 13.2 tons (dry)
Height: 6.2m
Breadth: 3m
Depth: 2.6m
Powerplant: MT 844 Fusion Reactor; 8 Protoculture cells provides the fusion reactor with enough generating power to last months under combat conditions.
Air supply: In situations where the driver must stay for an extended period of time in the Battloid, it has the equivalent of a 2 week air capacity due to recycling.
Cargo capacity: A small arms/stores locker is located in the mecha, allowing the driver to cache items that could be necessary on a mission. This usually includes: 2 weeks freeze-dried rations, 3 gal. water (kept cooled by refrigeration unit), 5 signal flares, matches, small high intensity flashlight, emergency blanket, 30m of cord, combat/survival knife as well as a Wolverine Assault Rifle, Weasel auto-pistol, 3 magazines for each and 6 Cobalt and/or Frag Grenades.
Black Market Value: If recovered for the Anti-Unification League, the Triton is generally worth some 750,000 Merchant Republic credits intact or 250,000 if it is damaged. Given the nature of the world economy, the AUL rarely pays in hard currency but instead in barter (weapons, ammunition, land etc).

Performance
Max walking speed: 130kph
Jump Jets: Assisted leaps up to 50m high or long.

Armament Loadout
2 x light lasers (mounted in the head)
2 x 25mm grenade launchers mounted in the forearms (60 grenades per)
2 x beam cannons mounted in the forearms
1 x beam gun pod

Armament
1.) Head Lasers (2): Time tested and true, these are an improved copy of the older ROV-laser systems made famous by the VF-1 Valkyrie during the 1st Robotech War. Considered to be the main weapon of the Triton, these blasters give it enough punch to carry the fight to any enemy encountered. They can fire rapid pulses or a long stream, capable of burning through an object.

2.) Forearm mounted 25mm Grenade Launchers (2): Mounted to the inside edge of each of the arm shield housings, the Triton has a single 25mm grenade launcher. A removable magazine containing sixty grenades is located above the launcher assembly and can be switched out if needed (and a spare is available).

3.) Forearm mounted Beam Cannons (2): Mounted to the outside edge of each of the arm shield housings, the Triton has a a single-barrel heavy beam cannon. This gives the Triton a good selection of weapons that can be used in combat.

4.) EPR-12 Gorgon 34mm Beam Gun pod: Specifically designed to withstand the rigors of constant exposure to both fresh and saltwater, the Gorgon is the gun pod normally issued to the Triton. Comparable in power to the EPR-11 carried by the Spartas, this weapon is more than capable in combat.

Triton Lineart

Triton 01

[taalismn]

Yeah, baby, yeah, squids and SEALs need mecha too!

[Chris0013]

Addendum
Heavy Combat Armor Modification
Much like the old Grenade Box Protector for the VF-1 Valkyrie, the Salamander can have additional weapons systems and jettisonable armour added to its frame when heavy combat is anticipated. This adds x4 190mm Hammerhead SRMs to the forearms (x2 per), x1 heavy particle beam cannon (over the left shoulder), x16 190mm Hammerhead SRMs (over the righjt shoulder, x8 in the pod plus 1 reload) and x16 76mm Mongoose Point-blank missiles to the legs (x8 per). In addition, a pair of heavy duty jumpjets are added to the shoulder blades to compensate for land and outer space operations (they arepart of the back weapons pods). Both the over-the-shoulder weapons (beam cannon and missile pod) can remain vertical or level to a 90 degree angle (the missile pod has to move back vertical to reload though).

Now all we need is an artist type to give us a good picture of this....cause me likey

[Arnie100]

Yeah...I'd like to see this, too! A question, RSCF, are Southern Cross energy gun pods capable of burst fire or are they semi-automatic only? Another question, did the Southern Cross have Cylcones other than the Garland series (those are canon) and will you be introducing them at a later date?

[Chris0013]

The SC also has semi-transformable Harguns. The bike transformed into the body of the mecha but it had to drive up into a van to have arms and legs attached

[Rabid Southern Cross Fan]

A question, RSCF, are Southern Cross energy gun pods capable of burst fire or are they semi-automatic only?

Judge for yourself whether or not they do.

Another question, did the Southern Cross have Cylcones other than the Garland series (those are canon) and will you be introducing them at a later date?

I see no reason to believe the ASC, as the ground forces component of the UEF (and, naturally, the REF) did not have access to them. Its not like they didnt have access to governmental procurement.

[taalismn]

A question, RSCF, are Southern Cross energy gun pods capable of burst fire or are they semi-automatic only?

Judge for yourself whether or not they do.

Another question, did the Southern Cross have Cylcones other than the Garland series (those are canon) and will you be introducing them at a later date?

I see no reason to believe the ASC, as the ground forces component of the UEF (and, naturally, the REF) did not have access to them. Its not like they didnt have access to governmental procurement.

So it's either a matter of technological teething problems or politics that kept the non-Garland Cyclones from seeing wider usage in ASC service....

[Rabid Southern Cross Fan]

So it's either a matter of technological teething problems or politics that kept the non-Garland Cyclones from seeing wider usage in ASC service....

Again, since the Army of the Southern Cross is the Army, and apparently are issued to units in Deep Space, why would they not be available on Earth? They don't compete with the REF for procurement dollars since the REF is not a Service Branch but a Combatant Command. It would be like saying Central Command gets Stryker LAVs, but Stateside Army units don't. Besides, if its any Service Branch the ASC competes with its the Air/Space Force (capital ships ARE expensive after all ).

Despite what some other people who regularly post state, it makes no sense whatsoever that the ASC and REF are coequal service branches. Its an archaic and bureaucratically unwieldy system. It in no way represents modern organizational thought ala the US military.

Edit: And again, to reiterate, we DO see Cyclone and Alpha toys in a shop thats been shutdown since the day before The Invid Invasion courtesy of Frostbite. Why would pilots on Earth not be given survival bikes/Cyclones, but units chopped to The Pioneer Mission?

[taalismn]

So it's either a matter of technological teething problems or politics that kept the non-Garland Cyclones from seeing wider usage in ASC service....

Edit: And again, to reiterate, we DO see Cyclone and Alpha toys in a shop thats been shutdown since the day before The Invid Invasion courtesy of Frostbite. Why would pilots on Earth not be given survival bikes/Cyclones, but units chopped to The Pioneer Mission?

Toy shop...hobbyists...
IMO, the ASC had access to the early model Cyclones, but they didn't really play a significant role in the 2nd Robotech War(the boarding actions where they might have proven invaluable being rare), and while the UEEF had a fair amount of communication with the Earth that allowed for the Alpha and Cyclone designs to be deployed by both, there was still a fair amount of divergence, not simply out of functionality, but also out of what can be termed politics(local favoritism of certain corporations, for instance, for government contracts... )...Survival Cyclones and (special) police units would be the most likely to exist of the early-model units in ASC employ, but as pilots were effectively bailing out over 'friendly' territory, and the police had Battloids, they didn't see much widespread use...However, among mechaphiles and the vehicularly-inclined, word got 'round...

[Rabid Southern Cross Fan]

and while the UEEF had a fair amount of communication with the Earth that allowed for the Alpha and Cyclone designs to be deployed by both, there was still a fair amount of divergence, not simply out of functionality, but also out of what can be termed politics(local favoritism of certain corporations, for instance, for government contracts... )

But you're still thinking of the REF as a Service Branch. It wasn't. Both Robotech and The Sentinels are fairly specific that the ASC is a Service Branch but the REF is a multi-service Combatant Command (it has both Army and Air/Space units). The procurement dollars for developing the Cyclone would have to come from the UEG. The Robotech Factory Satellite(s) are governmental property. Running them costs government resources (protoculture, money etc). The idea the Alpha or Cyclones are not on Earth because the REF developed them is absurd (sorry, but its true). They are not an entity unto themselves with no control. The Joint Chiefs of Staff are said to be on Earth in Final Nightmare.

The only thing we can say for certain is that communications between the REF and the UEF broke down in eps. #37, not that the REF and UEF never communicated. All those soldiers deployed out in Deep Space still would need regular mail from home, care packages etc. Sure, it takes on the order of months to deliver, but so what?

[Rabid Southern Cross Fan]

So are you going to rethink your model when the Masters Era sourcebook reaffirms the HG line that the Southern Cross armies are entirely separate to the UEEF forces?

No, because the Tv series says it isn't.

In this Revised Continuity, where many elements of the Sentinels is being retired, the Southern Cross armies are a separate entity to the UEEF forces.

Personally, I could care less what mush-for-brains Tommy Yune thinks about organizational structures. I would no more ask him about that than I would ask a 4-year to explain quantum physics. He is about as knowledgeable of how military bureaucracies function and run vis-a-vis procurement as a monkey. Just because he may say the REF and ASC are separate and coequal service branches does not make it true when the Tv series says otherwise.

[jedi078]

IMHO……

A lot of the stuff we see the REF has but the ASC does not (Cyclone, Beta, Garfish, Horizon etc etc etc) was built after Earth was occupied by the Invid. Granted a few of these did participate in the tail end of the 2nd RT war (Garfish for example) but they were after all reinforcements sent from the REF.

[Arnie100]

I'd personally like to see a book on the Pioneer Mission myself! Now back on to the topic, more battloids, please, RSCF!

[Rabid Southern Cross Fan]

Now back on to the topic, more battloids, please, RSCF!

Hehe, twist my arm why dontcha. Now, for those that feel they must post in this thread, YES, I KNOW THE OSM NAME IS MONOCLE! I DON'T CARE. Cyclops fits the naming scheme ALOT better since almost all the mecha of The Army of the Southern Cross were named for mythical creatures. One oddity of this mecha is that appears to have a driver's ingress/egress hatch in the chest, much like the Mobile Suits of Gundam.

Cyclops Aerial Reconnaissance Battloid
Developed during the early stages of the Malcontent Uprisings due to the need for high mobility for threat response, the Cyclops has one of the fastest land speeds of all UEF ground mecha. Given the need for battlefield intelligence, the Cyclops also fulfills the necessary role of mechanized forward observation.

The Cyclops is the lightest armed and armored Battloid in the UEF’s arsenal. Given the need for reduced weight, it utilizes the same lightweight alloys that the VF-1 Valkyrie, VF-7 Sylphide and VF-8 Logan are built with. This also eases maintenance as well as reducing procurement cost since spare armor plate is relatively easy to come by.

Instead of reliance on heavy internal weaponry, like its near cousin the Garm, the Cyclops instead relies on the tried and true updated ROV-Laser systems built into the head. The trade off is a large double exhaust jump jet pack capable of propelling the mecha. Additional thrusters are built into the hips and legs to assist in both jumping and flying. Naturally, the Cyclops is many times inserted via airborne drop, much like the Spartas.

Acquired in significant numbers since the end of The Malcontent Uprisings, the Cyclops served with Army units both on Earth and with those chopped to The Pioneer Mission. It is second only to the Spartas Hovertank in terms of rapid response.

Also known as: Monocle, Recon Battloid
Statistics
Designation: ARR-15 (A - Officer, B - NCO & C - Enlisted)
Crew: 1 pilot
Weight: 14.8 tons (dry)
Height: 6.1m
Breadth: 3.0m
Depth: 1m
Powerplant: MT 844 Fusion Reactor; 6 Protoculture cells provides the fusion reactor with enough generating power to last 3 months under combat conditions.
Air supply: In situations where the driver must stay for an extended period of time in the Battloid, it has the equivalent of a 2 week air capacity due to recycling.
Cargo capacity: A small arms/stores locker is located in the mecha, allowing the driver to cache items that could be necessary on a mission. This usually includes: 2 weeks freeze-dried rations, 5 gal. water (kept cooled by refrigeration unit), 5 signal flares, waterproof matches, small high intensity flashlight, emergency space blanket, 30m of cord, combat/survival knife as well as a Wolverine Assault Rifle, Weasel auto-pistol, 3 magazines for each and 6 Cobalt and/or Frag Grenades.
Black Market Value: If recovered for the Anti-Unification League, a Cyclops is generally some 750,000 Merchant Republic Credits intact or 250,000 if it is damaged. Given the nature of the world economy, the AUL rarely pays in hard currency but instead in barter (weapons, ammunition, land etc).

Performance
Max walking speed: 144kph
Max flight speed at all altitudes: 200kph
Jump Jets: Assisted leaping up to 150m high or long

Armament Loadout
2 x light lasers in the head
1 x beam cannon gun pod

Armament
1.) Light Lasers (2): Time tested and true, these are an improved copy of the older ROV-laser systems made famous by the VF-1 Valkyrie during the 1st Robotech War. Considered to be the main weapon of the Cyclops, these blasters give it enough punch to carry the fight to any enemy encountered. They can fire rapid pulses or a long stream, capable of burning through an object.

2.) EPR-10 Manticore 32mm Beam Gun Pod: Once considered the mainstay particle beam rifle of all Battloids, the older Manticore remained in service as the issued beam rifle of several Battloids through the 2nd Robotech War. Considered light by many, it nevertheless was capable of doing significant damage to enemies.

Cyclops Lineart 01

Cyclops Lineart 02

Cyclops 01

Cyclops 02

Cyclops 03

Cyclops 04

Cyclops 05

Cyclops 06

[Rabid Southern Cross Fan]

Ok, this is the final Battloid actually seen in Robotech and only then its a foot/leg in Catastrophe. I would LOVE to see one of the artists like Apollo Okamura do a rendering of a Dryad in the jungle bashing a full size Zentraedi Malcontent with the sharpened serated edge of the excavating spade!

Dryad Construction-Engineering Battloid
The Excaliber Project saw the creation of the Tomahawk-series Destroids and the direct spin-off of the Defender and Phalanx models. The main competitor of the Tomahawk was the more humanoid Spartan, the direct descendent of the later Battloids fielded in the post-Macross era. Given the fact that restricted terrain was oftentimes impassable by most Destroids, the human form of the Battloids based on the Spartan was a more natural choice.

With rogue Zentraedi swarming through jungles across the planet, the UEF needed a combat engineering mecha that could survive the rigors of a rain forest environment. Deployed in large numbers to the Zentraedi Control Zone, the Dryad was the first brand new mecha that the fledgling Task Force Southern Cross was issued. Though some of them perished in combat under the thick jungle canopy they showed that human ingenuity could adapt and overcome any enemy. In a short time the UEF ordered more units and follow-up designs to combat the Malcontents on their own turf.

The primary function of the Dryad is logging and salvage duty. To that end, several hard points are scattered about the torso and forearms. These allow for the attachment of such tools as plasma cutters, chainsaws and even a machinegun if combat is anticipated.

Because its intended operation is heavy duty contstruction and engineering, the Dryad has one of the highest robotic strengths of any Battloid. The metal cables that serve as the musculature and run the length of the mecha's arm, back and legs had to increased in number as well as reinforced. This stands it in good as it must be able to rappel, climb and tear through obstacles.

With the end of the Malcontent Uprisings, those units that didn’t leave with the Pioneer Mission were permanently assigned to the Forest Division. There they served as heavy construction units for the Army Corps of Engineers though many took part in the ground final battle of the 2nd Robotech War. During The Invid Occupation this unit remained in limited production by various AUL-backed city-states and was a favorite of high-tech bandits.

Statistics
Designation: CER-11
Crew: 1 driver
Height: 5.4m
Breadth: 2.7m
Depth: 2.4m
Weight: 9.3 tons (dry)
Powerplant: MT 844 Fusion Reactor; 8 Protoculture cells provides the fusion reactor with enough generating power to last months under combat conditions.
Air supply: In situations where the driver must stay for an extended period of time in the Battloid, it has the equivalent of a 2 week air capacity due to recycling.
Cargo capacity: A small arms/stores locker is located in the mecha, allowing the driver to cache items that could be necessary on a mission. This usually includes: 2 weeks freeze-dried rations, 5 gal. water (kept cooled by refrigeration unit), 5 signal flares, matches, small high intensity flashlight, emergency space blanket, 30m of cord, combat/survival knife as well as a Wolverine Assault Rifle, Weasel auto-pistol, 3 magazines for each, 6 Cobalt and/or Frag Grenades and 4 Cobalt Limpet Mines.
Black Market Value: If recovered for the Anti-Unification League, a Dryad is generally some 500,000 Merchant Republic Credits intact or 150,000 if it is damaged. Given the nature of the world economy, the AUL rarely pays in hard currency but instead in barter (weapons, ammunition, land etc).

Performance
Max walking speed: 100kph
Jump Jets: Assisted leaps up to 50m high or long.

Armament Loadout
2 x 1 light lasers (mounted in the head)
1 x beam gun pod
3 x 1 hard points

Armament
1.) Head Lasers (2): Time tested and true, these are an improved copy of the older ROV-laser systems made famous by the VF-1 Valkyrie during the 1st Robotech War. Considered to be the main weapon of the Dryad, these blasters give it enough punch to carry the fight to any enemy encountered. Naturally, they are very useful in logging situations as they can cut trees much faster and more efficiently than a chainsaw. They can fire rapid pulses or a long stream, capable of burning through an object.

2.) Forearm Hard Points (2): Since the Dryad was mostly to be used for construction and engineering, it was decided that multiple tools would be needed. The easiest solution was to utilize the forearms where each tool could be added or removed when the job called for it. If combat is anticipated, the standard attachment is a single-barreled beam cannon. Alternately, plasma cutters, chainsaws or arc welders can be used. On some non-UEF models, a 12.7mm machinegun is used instead of the high-powered beam cannon for combat.

3.) Lower Torso Hard point (1): Upon the lower torso is a hard point to attach a winch and 200m of high tensile strength cable.

4.) EPR-10 Manticore 32mm Beam Gun Pod: Once considered the mainstay particle beam rifle of all Battloids, the older Manticore remained in service as the issued beam rifle of several Battloids through the 2nd Robotech War. Considered light by many, it nevertheless was capable of doing significant damage to enemies.

Optional Tools
1.) Tri-Folding Excavating Spade: An entrenching tool 3.8m in length is sometimes carried by Dryads. A fighting position for another Battloid can be dug with this, among other uses, or it can be used as a melee weapon in a pinch. Due to its sharp serrated edges, it can also be used as an improvised axe or saw. When not needed, this tool is folded down into a third of its full size and can be placed in a scabbard magnetically attached to the Dryad’s hip.

Dryad 01

Dryad Lineart 01

This next one is interesting because the head and groin/leg are shaped different than the drawing from the For Anime and Hobby Fans as well as the model from This is Animation Special #10. It could possibly represent an Officer's or Enlisted model, not sure.
Dryad Lineart 02

Just found this the other day, a set of stickers with some of the mecha from Southern Cross on them. Funny, I would have thought the main body of the Dryad would be green with the legs and highlights being yellow. Apparently not.
Sticker with CDF Falcon Interceptor, CER-Dryad Battloid and APA-Fenris Powered Armour

Finally, the model from This is Animation Special #10 and My Anime July '84. Notice the color scheme from the My Anime is yellow-orangish instead of yellow like the sticker and screen capture.
TIAS #10 Dryad Model
My Anime Dryad Model

[taalismn]

[ The procurement dollars for developing the Cyclone would have to come from the UEG. The Robotech Factory Satellite(s) are governmental property. Running them costs government resources (protoculture, money etc). The idea the Alpha or Cyclones are not on Earth because the REF developed them is absurd (sorry, but its true). They are not an entity unto themselves with no control. The Joint Chiefs of Staff are said to be on Earth in Final Nightmare. ?

So the assumption is that as a strategic technology, Robotechnology and all manufactories thereof, are nationalized? Okay, that would make the GMP's original stated purpose of monitoring and controlling Robotechnology a lot easier, and certainly the Rain of Death wiped out a lot of the big milindustcomplex corporations...But I just don't see it holding entirely true...somewhere along the line, some bean-counter is going to figure that it's cheaper to let out competitive bids on designs and you'll have competitions(heck, even in the old Soviet you had some competition between design bureaus), and 'let out' the technology to companies(with the GMP watching over their shoulders).
The JCs might design that certain hardware is more appropriate for the offworld forces(like assigning amphibious 'buffalos' to the forces in the Pacific, but giving the forces in Europe bridging equipment), and may deem it cheaper and more expedient to have certain designs built offworld while other hardware is built at home...

Of course, it becomes a moot point once the Invid blast the Earth...

So I'd see the VR-030(definitely, and any earlier models) and maybe some of the VR-030 series being found on Earth during the Southern Cross period, but the later models, VR-40 and beyond being the result of independent UEF development, and such examples come back with the UEF reinforcements sent to Earth before the Invid hit(i.e., Lunk's buddy was likely so re-equipped...though I'd have to review the footage of his blasting to determine what model he was wearing)


Likewise, the evidence is there of earlier VAFs on Earth...as we see the VAF-6I, H, and Z appearing in the series...BUT, intresting monkeywrench...SCott's Alpha, courtesy of Lunk, is a blue command model with all the trimmings...Either the ASC had the means to produce the VAF-6I, or the Alpha was again part of the pre-Invasion UEF relief effort...since there's no evidence to suggest that Scott's either flying an earlier model for the duration of the show, or swapped it for a newer model at the remains of Point K)

Okay...back to Battloids...Now, do you think that the UEF had Southern CRoss-style Battloids along with them? If we're still accepting StrikeForce as useful source material, certainly the UEF would be follish not to carry a few of the small, highly versatile Battloids along...they're light(relatively), compact, and economical...and would fit more easily inside Tristars and other early model UEF vessels...Somewhere along the line, though, the decision is made to get large again with the Condor Battloid project(and the MOSPEDA destroids, if we ever see them made RPG material), but I'd definitely expect to see the basic infantry Battloids(and, as you so note, units like the Dryad) as part of the near-colonies and maybe as second- and third-echelon work and civil defense battalions in the colonies.

I really gotta find a better way to spend time on a Sunday...

[Rabid Southern Cross Fan]

So the assumption is that as a strategic technology, Robotechnology and all manufactories thereof, are nationalized? Okay, that would make the GMP's original stated purpose of monitoring and controlling Robotechnology a lot easier, and certainly the Rain of Death wiped out a lot of the big milindustcomplex corporations...But I just don't see it holding entirely true...somewhere along the line, some bean-counter is going to figure that it's cheaper to let out competitive bids on designs and you'll have competitions(heck, even in the old Soviet you had some competition between design bureaus), and 'let out' the technology to companies(with the GMP watching over their shoulders).

No, no, no. Not nationalized. There would still be military-industrial corporations producing these mecha. Much of the Factory Satellite is likely sold to the corporations, who in turn rebuilt the place to be able to produce mecha and such. Thats why I said that its absurd to believe the REF have mecha, ships and so on that are not based on Earth. The bureaucracy necessary to function is ON Earth.

Okay...back to Battloids...Now, do you think that the UEF had Southern CRoss-style Battloids along with them?

Go back and re-read the 'fluff' text of most of the Battloids. I most certainly think there were units of them that deployed with The Pioneer Mission. After all, The Army of the Southern Cross is the ground forces component of the REF, since its a Service Branch while the REF is a multi-service combatant command.

[taalismn]

Go back and re-read the 'fluff' text of most of the Battloids. I most certainly think there were units of them that deployed with The Pioneer Mission. After all, The Army of the Southern Cross is the ground forces component of the REF, since its a Service Branch while the REF is a multi-service combatant command.

Oops...sorry..caught the last one, but hadn't noticed the previous...my bad...


Hmmm...Sea Squad and TRiton Battloids hiding under Europa's icy crust....that has possibilities....

[Defender_X]

Following HGs train of thought, the UEEF could have been considered a defacto seperate branch post 2nd Robotech War. And the lack of EF equipment, correct me if I'm wrong, could be due to different philosophies at the time. By the Invid Invasion, The ASC looked like it was adding UEEF systems to fill in the gaps and replace systems that didn't perform up to snuff. And I would be adding in ASC battloids to the EF for added flexibility in my game.

[taalismn]

Following HGs train of thought, the UEEF could have been considered a defacto seperate branch post 2nd Robotech War. And the lack of EF equipment, correct me if I'm wrong, could be due to different philosophies at the time. By the Invid Invasion, The ASC looked like it was adding UEEF systems to fill in the gaps and replace systems that didn't perform up to snuff. And I would be adding in ASC battloids to the EF for added flexibility in my game.

All speed to the SC Sourcebook, then!

[Rabid Southern Cross Fan]

Following HGs train of thought, the UEEF could have been considered a defacto seperate branch post 2nd Robotech War.

Actually, after the fall of the UEG in The Invid Invasion, the REF is the defacto UEF. It goes from being a multi-service combat command to being the whole shebang.

[Chris0013]

From what I am hearing here it pretty much sounds like the UEEF is a military dicatorship with no civilian oversite or control. A benign dicatorship maybe but still a dictator ship.

And I can't beleive that there would be no plan in place if the centralized government on earth got wiped out. I mean the whole colony thing comes about becasue the majority of the human population is wiped out by a single alien attach.

But there should be some sort of civilian authority over the UEEF. Even if the Government on Earth falls there are still colonies. They would possibly set up some sort or govenrnment body to make sure things run smoothely.

or...

And I know it is only in the novels but there was a civilian council that the military did answer to. In the event of a complete colapse of the government on earth I beleive the council would fill the temporary gap until a new government system coule be established.

[ShadowLogan]

Edit: And again, to reiterate, we DO see Cyclone and Alpha toys in a shop thats been shutdown since the day before The Invid Invasion courtesy of Frostbite. Why would pilots on Earth not be given survival bikes/Cyclones, but units chopped to The Pioneer Mission?

Two independent points in regard to Cyclone/survival units:

Cost benifit ratio? Which theater would likely see more of a need for a survival mecha? The ones operating at Earth, where Rescuers likely have a better chance of getting to a down pilot quickly or the ones behind enemy lines on some far off planet? Earth likely would go for a cheaper more traditional setup. Giving a downed pilot a mecha on an alien world could allow them to avoid capture.

Scott does say the Cyclone is new when unpacks it from his Alpha. What if the inclusion of a mecha for survival purposes did not occur until after TRM? I'm not saying the Cyclones would not exist in TRM, but rather the role was assumed later (w/21st MD if we just use the 85episodes).

Of these two I think both have valid points. Granted the 2nd one falls apart slightly with regard to the new comics, but the basic point remains: When did survival mecha become standard equipment.

As for the Alpha. Commercial Model/Toys might have been available even before selection, but that does not mean it was in service (going by the more recent comics). This could also mean the Alpha was not in service with all Braches/Commands.

Actually, after the fall of the UEG in The Invid Invasion, the REF is the defacto UEF. It goes from being a multi-service combat command to being the whole shebang.

As of late I've been wondering if each Terran controled World has their own "local" military and government agencies by TRM, but they are at the "State" Level and not "Federal" Level of an Interstellar Govt that also has its own Military (REF command being part of it).

If this is the case that would make the UEG at Earth more like a State Govt. of a larger entity. The ASC would then be a National Gaurd/State Militia or "State Defense Force" seperate from the regular "federal" military of the Interstellar Govt.

(i.e., Lunk's buddy was likely so re-equipped...though I'd have to review the footage of his blasting to determine what model he was wearing)

Nader Jr. was using a VR-041 type unit. He fired off all his chest missiles in one shot, he was also equipped with the "CADS" (no blades deployed though).

[Rabid Southern Cross Fan]

Ok, now we come to my favourite of the 'unseen' Battloids, the Cities Defense Unit's Unicorn. Once again, I know this is speculative. Kindly do not waste my time telling me so. Also, eventhough the OSM lists it as a mecha exclusive to the CDU, I think that all the various Battloids would be available for use by any of the various troops of the ASC. So, you should find units of the Tactical Corps fielding mecha not 'normally' ascribed to them. I decided thst using the standard 25mm grenades would make sense (note, I went back and edited the Triton doc to reflect this).

Unicorn Main Force Battloid
Early in the Malcontent Uprisings, there was a call for a heavily armed Battloid capable of negotiating both the restrictive terrain of a city but also able to go out into the jungles and bring the fight to the Zentraedi. The Unicorn proved just how effective Battloids could be against various enemies and so was adopted by the Army of the Southern Cross.

Mounting a significant armament loadout, the Unicorn can go toe-to-toe with the heaviest of weapons platforms. With its good land speed and jump jet capability, it could be considered a worthy successor to the Spartan Destroid made famous by the men and women on the SDF-01. Its main long range offensive punch comes from its thirty-six 76mm Mongoose point-blank missiles stored in a pair of surface launchers mounted in the chest. A pair of tried and true head lasers as well as a pair of 25mm grenade launchers make up the rest of the internal armament, both mounted in the head. Only the Basilisk carries a more fearsome warload.

Armor-wise, the Unicorn is protected by the UEF standard low mass composite laminar as most second generation mecha. Molecularly bonded ablative armor on its forearm shields allow the drivder to parry any type of incoming energy blast. A modest glacis sloping on the chest, mostly over the reinforced missile pods, helps to deflect incoming slugthrower rounds.

To aid the Unicorn in the city as well as to prevent significant damage to the roadways, thick rubberized soles are attached to the bottoms of the feet. This not only reduces the amount of stress on the mecha’s frame but also decreases the noise generated by a Unicorn walking across asphalt.

Cityscapes, with their narrow mazes of concrete, steel and glass, present a number of challenges for any mecha. The reason most of the Battloids have jump jet capability is to aid them in negotiating this especially difficult environment. They allow the driver to change direction at a moments notice, moving hundreds of meters in a matter of seconds. More than one enemy was caught by surprise when a Unicorn came bounding over a building to land behind them and deliver a quick blast.

Acquired in large numbers, this mecha served with The Army of the Southern Cross across the planet. Many of those units deployed with The Pioneer Mission served as the last line of defense on many colony worlds as well as airfields and other bases. Much like the Dryad, this Battloid was sought after both by high-tech bandits as well as freedom fighters on Invid Occupied Earth.

Statistics
Designation: MBR-14
Crew: 1 driver
Weight: 15.2 tons (dry), 16.1 tons (fully loaded)
Height: 6.0m
Breadth: 2.0m
Depth: 2.4m
Powerplant: MT 844 Fusion Reactor; 8 Protoculture cells provides the fusion reactor with enough generating power to last 3 months under combat conditions.
Air supply: In situations where the driver must stay for an extended period of time in the Battloid, it has the equivalent of a 2 week air capacity due to recycling.
Cargo capacity: A small arms/stores locker is located in the mecha, allowing the driver to cache items that could be necessary on a mission. This usually includes: 2 weeks freeze-dried rations, 3 gal. water (kept cooled by refrigeration unit), 5 signal flares, matches, small high intensity flashlight, emergency blanket, 30m of cord, combat/survival knife as well as a Wolverine Assault Rifle, Weasel auto-pistol, 3 magazines for each and 6 Cobalt and/or Frag Grenades.
Black Market Value: If recovered for the Anti-Unification League, a Unicorn is generally some 1,000,000 Merchant Republic Credits intact or 350,000 if it is in damaged condition. Given the nature of the world economy, the AUL rarely pays in hard currency but instead in barter (weapons, ammunition, land etc).

Performance
Max walking speed: 100kph
Jump Jets: Assisted leaping up to 50m high or long.

Armament Loadout
2 x light lasers in the head
36 x 76mm point-blank missiles in two single shot surface launchers in the chest
2 x 25mm grenade launchers in the head (30 rounds per)
1 x beam cannon gun pod

Armament
1.) Head Lasers (2): Time tested and true, these are an improved copy of the older ROV-laser systems made famous by the VF-1 Valkyrie during the 1st Robotech War. Considered to be the main weapon of the Unicorn, these blasters give it enough punch to carry the fight to any enemy encountered. Naturally, they are very useful in logging situations as they can cut trees much faster and more efficiently than a chainsaw. They can fire rapid pulses or a long stream, capable of burning through an object.

2.) 76mm Mongoose point-blank missiles launchers (2): Giving the Unicorn its long range offensive punch, these two pods contain a large amount of ordnance. Since short-range missiles are generally considered wasteful in the kinds of restricted terrain the Unicorn fights in (cities often times), the standard Mongoose point-blank missile was chosen. Depending upon the mission, different types of warheads are used.

3.) 25mm Grenade Launchers (2): Useful for dealing with crowd control situations, these two grenade launchers can fire many different types of ordnance. The grenades are the same type as can be loaded in the under-barrel mounted grenade launcher of the Wolverine Assault Rifle. Each launcher can be reloaded in the field by switching out the spent magazine for a fresh one, usually involving the retractable utility arms. Each magazine can hold 30 rounds.

4.) EPR-10 Manticore 32mm Beam Gun pod: Once considered the mainstay particle beam rifle of all Battloids, the older Manticore remained in service as the issued beam rifle of several Battloids through the 2nd Robotech War. Considered light by many, it nevertheless was capable of doing significant damage to enemies.

Unicorn Lineart 01

Unicorn Lineart 02

[Chris0013]

Me wanty the Fenris....Me wanty the Fenris!!!!! WAAAAAAAGGHHHH!!!

seriously...Thanks for the kewl write ups and the pics.

[Rabid Southern Cross Fan]

Me wanty the Fenris....Me wanty the Fenris!!!!! WAAAAAAAGGHHHH!!!

Hehe, the Fenris and Kraken will be in a separate thread since they are powered armour. Maybe later today I'll post them. Will have to see.

[Chris0013]

kewlness

[taalismn]

Power armor...because you can never have enough power or armor...

[Chris0013]

Are you going to do a write up for the Heavy Assault Battloid from Return of the Masters??

I see it and the Super Logan as UEF Marine mecha.

[Chris0013]

Are you going to post write ups on the desert and mountain squad battloids?

[Rabid Southern Cross Fan]

Are you going to post write ups on the desert and mountain squad battloids?

Probably middle of next week. I'm at DragonCon right now and a little bit occupied (as well as a little tired and have consumed a small amount of alchohol).

[Arnie100]

Have fun, dude!

[Rabid Southern Cross Fan]

Ok,

after having time to get my brain back in working order I'll take on the next Battloid.

Basilisk Main Force Battloid

Desert terrains always prove to be logistically challenging from the standpoint of motorized warfare. Sand gets everywhere and can wreak havoc on vehicles. With this in mind, the United Earth Army needed a mecha that would survive the rigors of such an environment. Fitting the bill was the Basilisk Battloid, adopted during the Malcontent Uprisings. It proved more than effective to those mecha armed insurgents in Argentina, the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa.

More heavily armed and armored than the MBR-Salamander, the Basilisk carries a significant spread of weapons only slightly less than that of the MBR-Spartan Destroid. Unlike the older Destroid, all non-missile weapons on the mecha are energy based, reducing the turn-around time and increasing the length of time the driver and Battloid can stay in combat. Four head lasers are mounted in the head, giving the mecha a unique look. A pair of heavy duty beam cannons in the forearms provide the main punch instead of a carried gunpod. Finally, an impressive x64 point-blank missiles allow the driver to unleash a cloud of ordinance.

Armor-wise, the Basilisk utilizes the same low-mass composite laminar that covers most UEF mecha in the post-Macross time period. Like other Battloids, it has a pair of arm shields composed of molecularly bonded ablative alloy which shrugs off almost all energy-based attacks. Glacis sloping on the chest protects the mecha from many projectile-based weapons.

Acquired in large numbers by The Army of the Southern Cross, the Basilisk saw action from the time of The Malcontent Uprisings all the way through The Invid Invasion. It served with a few units of Desert Troops chopped to The Pioneer Mission across the galaxy on those planets with desert environs. It also remained a much sought after mecha by both the Resistance and AUL-backed High Tech Bandits on Invid Occupied Earth.

Statistics
Designation: MBR-16
Crew: 1 driver
Height: 6.1m
Breadth: 2.8m
Depth: 2.7m
Weight: 15.2 tons (dry) 16.1 tons (fully loaded)
Powerplant: MT 844 Fusion Reactor; 10 Protoculture cells provides the fusion reactor with enough generating power to last 3 months under combat conditions.
Air supply: In situations where the driver must stay for an extended period of time in the Battloid, it has the equivalent of a 2 week air capacity due to recycling.
Cargo capacity: A small arms/stores locker is located in the mecha, allowing the driver to cache items that could be necessary on a mission. This usually includes: 2 weeks freeze-dried rations, 3 gal. water (kept cooled by refrigeration unit), 5 signal flares, matches, small high intensity flashlight, emergency blanket, 30m of cord, combat/survival knife as well as a Wolverine Assault Rifle, 9mm Weasel auto-pistol, 3 magazines for each and 6 Cobalt and/or Frag Grenades.
Black Market Value: If recovered for the Anti-Unification League, the Basilisk is worth some 2 million Merchant Republic credits intact or 500,000 if it is damaged. Given the nature of the world economy, the AUL rarely pays in hard currency but instead in barter (weapons, ammunition, land etc).

Performance
Max walking speed: 100kph
Jump Jet Assisted Leaps: 50m high and long.

Armament Loadout
4 x light lasers in the head
2 x heavy beam cannons in the forearms
18 x 78mm point-blank missiles mounted in the shoulders
48 x 78mm point-blank range missiles mounted in the chest

Armament
1.) High Powered Head Lasers (4): Time tested and true, these are an improved copy of the older ROV-laser systems made famous by the VF-1 Valkyrie during the 1st Robotech War. Giving the mecha its distinctive look, these four weapons are mounted in the head. They allow the Basilisk driver to deliver a terrific blast in combat. They can be fired individually, two, three or all four at once. They can fire rapid pulses or a long stream, capable of burning through an object.

2.) Heavy Forearm Beam Cannons (2): These twin particle beams are considered to be the main weapons of the Basilisk, negating its need for a carried gun pod. The are identical in many ways to the beam cannons mounted by both the Ajax and Sylphide Veritechs.

3.)Shoulder mounted 78mm Mongoose Point-Blank Missile Pods (2): A pair of point-blank missile pods are mounted in the shoulders, which flip up to reveal x9 mini-missiles in each. Instead, x3 190mm Hammerhead missiles can be substituted.

4.)Chest mounted 78mm Mongoose Point-Blank Missile Pod (2): Carrying an impressive amount of ordinance, the Basilisk driver can launch upwards of x24 Mongoose 78mm mini-missiles in a single volley. There is a set of reloads behind these, bringing the total to 48. Instead, x16 190mm Hammerhead missiles can be substituted (x8 in the pod, with a x1 reload).

Optional Armaments
1.) EPR-10 Manticore or EPR-13 Nightstalker Beam Rifle: See Cyclops and Salamander entries.

Basilisk Lineart

Basilisk Model (b&w)

[taalismn]

Excellent...plus its AC is top of the line(when it works)...great for stowing a beer or a dozen behind the seat where they can't be readily seen(but easily reached)...

I wonder what other features could be incorporated for desert survival(I'd give it a larger water reservoir, and maybe some sort of water recapture system(maybe even a way of scavenging water from the air---after all, the US Army was looking at ways of scavenging reusable water from the exhaust of Humvees)?...High Pressure gas/compressed air jets for clearing the joints of sand and grit...? Portable camouflage/sunshade as part of the carried gear...

[Chris0013]

Been waiting for the Basilisk. Quick questions though...are the 78 mm Mongooses (mongeese?????) mini missiles or full size??

[Rabid Southern Cross Fan]

Been waiting for the Basilisk. Quick questions though...are the 78 mm Mongooses (mongeese?????) mini missiles or full size??

They're supposed to be the same missiles as mounted in the head of the Alpha. I call them point-blank missiles because they really should not be the same as the 60mm recoilless rifle rounds fired by the RL-6 or the HEAP mini-missiles utilized by the GR-97, GR-103 or the missile launcher sidecar.

[Chris0013]

I just gotta say it....I wish the head missiles were written off and an animation goof.

[Aramanthus]

Very nice RSCF! I think the new addiation fits nicely! Please keep them coming!

[taalismn]

I just gotta say it....I wish the head missiles were written off and an animation goof.

Agreed...and substitute lasers instead...I LIKE the Glare of Death...
Oh well...that's what field mods are for...

[Aramanthus]

That is the prupose of the field mechanic!