Like the Explorer, the Defender was originally a NEO Exo-Armor Work-design sold to the Martian governments. The initial project was started at the same time as the Explorer project, which may account for the visual similarities of the two machines.
In the summer of 2173, the military asked for two new classes of exo-armor to replace the EAL-01, which was fast becoming obsolete. One would be the next "light" EA, while the other would be the first of a new "medium" class, better suited to more dangerous missions. As time went by, both engineering teams endedup borrowing a lot from each other in an attempt to speed up the design process. Thus, the planned rocket bays were replaced by Explorer-style missile canisters when a reliable loader couldn't be miniaturized enough to fit in the Defender's leg units.
The Defender is early flights proved the overall soundness of the design. It served in the JAF for the same period of time as its smaller brethren Explorer, and was also sold to the Free Republic after its tour of duty in the Jovian forces. At first, the Federation couldn't get their hands on the new unit, much to their despair, until a commando team successfully stole the plans and some test data from the Martian Metals plant in Republic territory in 2191. Soon after, Ares Corporation became the second manufacturer of the MEAM-01.
Variations
Like the Explorer, the Defender is the basis for several operational variants, many of them related to combat in the dust of the Martian Desert. The best known versions are the Camel and the Rifleman.
Like the Explorer, the Defender is the basis for several operational variants, many of them related to combat in the dust of the Martian Desert. The best known versions are the Camel and the Rifleman.
The Camel places the emphasis on desert survivability. As such, it is equipped with air filters and extra reserves, as well as a reliable and rugged massdriver. The missile canisters are replaced by disposable packs of short range rockets strapped to the side of the legs.
The Rifleman is primarily a long-range support machine. Sporting a large backpack-mounted railgun, it is not equipped with the desert protection system of its brethrens and must be carefully monitored by a nearby tech crew during a battle. This is usually only a minor annoyance since it is generally used far from the actual battlezone.
Service Record
Like the Explorer, the Defender has been involved in a number of minor conflicts along the borders. To date, no Defender has been lost in combat by either side.
Rumors abound that the Federation will possibly replace their Defenders with the new CEA-05 Wyvern (which, ironically, is based on the Jovian design) in the coming year, but they have not been confirmed yet.
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