The Explorer, original code EAL-02, was used by the NEO from its introduction in 0075 (when it replaced the EAL-01. the first EA in existence) to its gradual replacement by the more advanced EAL-04 Pathfinder. The machines still in service were gradually transfered to the Martian Exploration Coalition, although a few ended up as the first exo-armors of the Martian Colonial Authority.
The Explorer was originally a Near Earth Orbital design which the NEO designed for Martian exploration in the late 0080s. It is representative of the first true exo-armors and as such is not very sophisticated.
Eventually, the Martian Colonial Authority began producing a homegrown copy which was almost identical to the original NEO design. The name was retained, but the identification code was changed to MEAL-02, the M standing for Martian. The machine has not changed much over the years. Except for the Martian-build computers and communication systems, everything is pretty much the same as it was when the Explorer served with the NEOMF. The armament is still of Orbital manufacture, although a few units sport home-grown designs instead of the JAW railgun (this happens mostly with NEO exo-armors, which use the Ares RJ-3 railgun - a pale copy of the original weapon).
VARIATIONS
Since the Martians have so few exo-armors, they have been forced to adapt them to various operational duties. The most common variant is the Desert Fox, a ground version of the standard Explorer equipped with air filters and slightly larger feet for better efficiency in the desert dust. It is used as heavy support for the LandMate troopers on the battlefield.
SERVICE RECORD
As the Explorer serves in both Martian and NEO armies, it was inevitable that a confrontation between two exo-armors of this model would occur. In 0094, a group of NEO soldiers, out on a wargame operation, "accidentally" crossed theborder and found their way into the MCA's territory. As defending troops approached, the NEO's lone Explorer "mistook" them for their game adversary and opened fire. As the fight took dangerous proportions, an MCA Explorer was sent as reinforcement. The resulting fight lasted nearly three hours as the opponents were evenly matched. The Federation pilot finally made an error and his battered machine was vaporized when its reactor went critical. As the heat of the incident died down, formal apologies were exchanged and the first and only Explorer vs Explorer confrontation was relegated to a dark corner of Martian history.
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