Exo-Armors - The New BattleMechs

For simplicity's sake, UCEX adopts the Jovian Chronicles "Exo-Armor" giant robots as it's standard BattleMechs. This is for twofold reasons, the first being that they are allready fully drawn up and have ready play-sheets. The second is that Dreampod 9's simple mech designs are easy to understand without a full reading of Mekton Zeta/Mekton Zeta Plus and easy for players to adapt. The Exo-Armors are broken down into three groups, The Earth's, the Orbital's and Others. While the main description and basic images are provided here, the Mech-Sheets are downloadable form the GameMaster's section of the UC3K Forum.

When humans first went into space, the enormous costs and the technological limits of the time made manned space missions rare. Almost every task in space, be it civilian or military in nature, was handled by computers.

This changed with the invention of the fusion engine in 2007. Suddenly, rockets became immensely more powerful, and the first true reusable spacecraft designs were put in service. This significantly increased the number of space constructs, and by extension human beings, in orbit at any given time.

Military strategists soon discovered that although a high-speed pebble or a laser was fine to destroy an enemy installation, capturing it intact was another business altogether. No spacecraft could come close enough without being vaporized, and a space suited man just didn't have the autonomy nor the stealth to succeed either. Thus, the development of the first LandMates.

The LandMates were hybrid child of the standard space suit and the orbital construction pod. Slightly larger than a fully equipped man, it was a powered frame carrying the necessary fuel, weapons, and ECM systems required for its missions. Although a space fighter was more powerful and had a longer range (not to mention the ability to reenter the atmosphere), none could equal the LandMate in flexibility. After several highly successful missions, LandMates were included in the arsenal of every nation on Earth. Ground versions of the LandMate also appeared, serving with conventional forces in a variety of tactical roles. Even the civilians used LandMate technology in construction, fire-fighting, and so on.

As time went by, the general level of technology improved, and with it the sciences of war. New weapons were more powerful, armor tougher, electronics more sophisticated. To keep up, the engineers had to enlarge the LandMates, fitting them with advanced ECM to disguise their increasing size. A threshold was reached in the 2150s, when technicians of the Principality of Near Earth Orbitals chose to go one step further and build the famous "giant robot" of science-fiction.

The linear frame used to mimic the movements of the pilot was simplified and detached from the suit itself. It was then placed in a pressurized cockpit, which occupied the center chest cavity of what was now referred to as "exo-armor". This cockpit was then heavily armored and made into a self-sufficient escape pod. The fusion reactor was placed closer to the center of mass of the machine, with back-up units on either side of the torso.

The sensor equipment was originally supposed to be disseminated over the limbs and torso for maximum coverage. Computer simulations showed, however, that the pilot could not process the information fast enough. A set of cameras and other sensory devices were then placed in a turret atop the cockpit, roughly were a human head would be. This turret was then slaved to the move­ment of the helmet of the pilot, helping him relate to the machine he was piloting. In short, the pilot "became" the machine he was driving through the motions of his control apparatus. An artificial intelligence system, serving as co-pilot, would handle the rest of the sensory information as well as the actual flight calculation, freeing the pilot for more useful tasks.

As the exo-armor was nearing completion, technicians began looking for a suitable name. Many nicknames were proposed, not all of them flattering. Finally, one junior technician remarked that the machine looked like a medieval knight in armor. A supervisor replied that it was rather naked as far as armor go, and proposed "Hoplite", from an antique Greek soldier, as name. For lack of a better denomination, the nickname stuck.

After months of testing, the first prototype was ready to be shown to the Agora on July 23, 2162. It still lacked several important sub-systems, but it could at least walk and fly. The representatives were extremely impressed by the performances of the machine, and approved a plan to equip the NEO with sixty EAL-01 Hoplite exo-armors within the next five years. The rest, as they say, is history.

The EXO-ARMORS (short for exo-skeleton, armored) are the ultimate evolution of the personal combat space suit of the early twenty-first century. Originally no larger than a man, they increased in size until some of the biggest were nothing less than small ships. This was necessary in order to carry the enormous amount of fuel, armament, and electronics necessary to accomplish their assigned mission. Spacefighters remain in use, but their lack of maneuverability (compared to exo-armors) confines them to patrol, strike and fire-support roles.

A vehicle is called an exo-armor when its control system is a linear frame (see below). Exo-armors are usually classified in five categories: exo-suit, light, medium, heavy, and exo-ship. The classification chart gives a general outline of the actual classification system.

The exo-armors are typical Mekton designs. Most of the systems described in the Mekton Zeta and Mekton Zeta Plus books can be used, with a few exceptions (see below). There is no limit to the amount of space efficiency that can be used, but you cannot reduce the weight of an exo-armor by more than 25% of the weight before efficiency (base weight) because of the limits of Universal Century technology. A few rule modifications were used in designing the exo-armors found in this book (see Powerplant and flight System below).

TECHBOOK SYSTEMS NOT AVAILABLE IN THE UNIVERSAL CENTURY EX SETTING:
Cloaking (all foms), Gravitic Propulsion, Reactive Shields, Combiners, Gravity Lens, Techno-organics, Combiner Weapons, Refined Armor Beta AND Gamma, Teleporters, Energy Absorbers, Reflector Systems.

The linear frame is the main control element of the exo-armor. It looks like an industrial exoskeleton and completely supports the pilot; it also reproduces his every movement. The exo-armor'sonboard drive computer then interprets the motions and moves the armor's limbs accordingly, firing apogee motors as needed to compensate. This gives the exo-armor an uncanny maneuverability aswell as a strangely human grace. Additionally, a trained pilot can actually use his body motions to shift the exo-armor's center of mass around and change the exo's position without expendingpropellant. Veteran pilots are thus often able to stay much longer in battle. All this gives the exoarmor a definite advantage over the classic spacefighter (which has to fire verniers wheneveraltering its course).

The frame also protects the pilot from shock and strong gee forces, reorienting itself in the cockpit as needed. Because of these particularities, some special training is required to operate an exo-armor. Space flight is controlled via special joysticks located near the hand controls (see illustrations). Again, some training is necessary to fully control the armor, even ifthe computer can provide verbal and visual assistance. All relevant information (IFE targeting, velocity, etc) is displayed in the special virtual reality helmet worn by the pilot. The head and the main sensors are slaved to the motions of the helmet, adding to the "humanity" of the exo-armor.

CXE-01 DRAGONSTRIKER

As the work of Doctor Agram Peyarje progressed, it became clear that his "cyberlinkage" could be used to control a machine with incredible efficiency. The Council thus deemed Dr. Peyarje conscripted and put him to work on a practical version of his equipment which would be used on the highly secret Dragonstriker Program.

The result of this program, the Dragonstriker. is a oneof-a-kind experimental model designed for maximum performance, long-range heavy assault and combat. Fast, thickly armored and armed like a cruiser, it does deserve its name. Aside from being me ofthe most powerful spacefighting machines ever built, the Dragonstriker is also the first to be equipped with the CAT system. which boosts the performance of the pilot by reducing the control interface response time.

The highly advanced CAT system is installed in a Gcockpii instead of a linear frame to counter the tremendous G-load inherent to heavy combat. This Gcockpii has no actual articulations (aside from manipulator controls) and relies instead on the sensor pick-up of the CAT to move the exoarmor's limbs. The Dragonstriker is also equipped with the Maximum SweepTM high-resolution digital optical relay, giving the pilot a nearly wrap-around field of vision as well as providing him with visual cues to increase his awareness.

To maximize the use of the CAT/Max Sweepmsystem, the armament carried by the Dragonstriker is equal in firepower to what most small cruisers are using. The main punch is provided by four continuous-firing beam cannons, located on either side of the exo-armor's main booster unit. Although very powerful, they are a bit inaccurate and are better used on slow-moving targets. For extreme situation, four low-yield Mk 35 fusion warhead missiles are mounted on the shoulder units.

For fighting against smaller opponents such as exo-armors, four linked 30 mm vulcan cannons are mounted in the chest area, just above and on both side of the cockpit. Another two 30 mm cannons are mounted on the head, facing the rear to prevent any rear-arc attack. Additional protection is assured by a pair of shoulder-mounted laser turrets for anti-missile use. Finally, a pair of highintensity laser cannons are mounted in the booster pointing to enable strafing attacks. The Dragonstriker isn't helpless in hand-to-hand combat either, as the tips of its fingers are equipped with reinforced claws able to tear through the toughest armor.

The whole project is shrouded in the greatest secrecy, although some rumors have started to filter out. Only one prototype was built because of the enormous cost of the design.

NAME: ..........................DRAGONSTRIKER
PRODUCTION CODE: ..........CXE-01
MANUFACTURER: .............VENUS AEROCORP / LAC
USE: ............................EXPERIMENTAL HEAVY ASSAULT EXO-ARMOR
CONTROL SYSTEM: ...........COCKPIT W/CAT
HEIGHT:........................24.1 M
WEIGHT:.......................109.8 TONS
POWERPLANT:.................12752 KW
MAIN THRUSTERS:..............13
APOGEE MOTORS:..............20

ARMAMENT:
4 HEAVY BEAM CANNONS,
5 30 MM VULCAN GUNS.
2 MEDIUM LASER CANNONS.
4 MK 35 FUSION MISSILES,
2 ANTI-MISSILE TURRETS,
2 CLAW-TIPPED HANDS.

EQUIPMENT:
CAT SYSTEM, ESCAPE POD, DETACHABLE BOOSTER

Variations

Since the Dragonstriker is a one-of-a-kind prototype, no variations were ever built. There were afew proposals for a mass-produced long range bomber version, which would have added more missiles at the expense of both the heavy beam guns and the costly CAT control system, but it is unlikely that such a costly design will ever see the light of day even if the Dragonstriker performs up to CEGAs expectations.

Service Record
The Dragonstriker has not been used yet. Since the whole project is highly secret, the military authorities prefer to keep it hidden until absolutEly needed.

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EAM - 03 Retaliator

The Retaliator is the standard medium interception Exo-Armor (battlemech) of the Earth Federation. Many of the actual Earth Federation Exo-Armor designs are based on this machine, as its reliability has been proved many times over (although it isn't entirely flawless: see below). Well-armed and fast for its size, it can take on opponents bigger than itself and still come out on top. The Retaliator is commonly found in strike teams along with Pathfinders because of its high speed and heavy armament. What this machine is lacking is armor. To ensure speed and maneuverability similar to that of light Exo-Armors while still carrying heavy armament, compromises had to be made. The extra mass needed for weapons and thrusters came off the limbs armor, much to the dismay of the pilots assigned to the machine. To save further mass, the engineers tried to reduce the size of the thrusters by using a new plasma injector cone with pre-heating. It worked, up to a point: because the verniers have to operate at near maximum level for extended periods of time, they overheat easily, which can cause a shutdown (or, even worse, an explosion, in extreme case). Green pilots often burn out the thruster array on their first sortie with a Retaliator, despite warning from the tech crew. The Retaliator is equipped with the powerful JAW-I railgun, a proven modular design able to send a Lexan shell with metal sabot straigth through several inches of composite armor. Because of the rapid wear of the gun's rails, no more than fifteen shots can be fired before replacing the parts. Several pilots have attempted to fire once more, only to have the weapon jam and explode. However, it never happened before the sixteenth shot. The engineers are still at work on this strange problem

Variations
There have been few modifications to the basic Retaliator frame over the years, mainly because building a Pathfinder variant for a given operational role is much cheaper. To date, only two versions exist, the Retaliator HA and C models.

The Commander-type is nothing more than a standard Retaliator with extra communication and detection gear. It is undistinguishable from the standard EAM-03 save for the extra antennae. The Heavy Assault version, however, is often mistaken for the heavier Vindicator model. It adds nearly 5 tons of armor as well as more powerful missiles. The railgun is also replaced by an arm-mounted rocket launcher.

Service Record
Like the Pathfinder, the Retaliator has been mostly used against pirates in the Earth Federation system. A few were sent to assault strongholds in the Asteroid Belt in conjunction with units from the Free Colonies, which put both the standard and HA versions to test.

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EAX - C1 Prometheus

The Prometheus was originally intented to be the prototype of a new generation of battlemechs which would be more efficient, better armed and faster than their predecessors. As construction progressed, however, several experimental systems were added to the basic frame of the machine, making it a one-of-akind wonder, too costly to be reproduced. Although greatly ressembling the earlier Pathfinder and Retaliator, the Prometheus is a totally redesigned vehicle. The engineering team chose to put the emphasis on maneuverability and firstsight- first-kill capacity at any angle of attack. To maximize use of the weapons and flight systems, the cockpit uses a vectoring/self-correcting computer. With the recent addition of the highly experimental CAT control apparatus, the Prometheus essentially allows the pilot to perform most flighvfight operations without relying on slow manual controls, thus greatly improving the response time. Use of the new G-cockpit help negates the violent inertial stress associated with the high maneuvering capacity of the EAX-C1.

The impressive weaponry includes two experimental plasma interfaces. These can change the function of their emitter arrays to serve either as a beam cannon or a non-limited plasma lance. If successful, these are expected to become standard issues on future Earth Federation officer units.

Variations
The Prometheus is unique in its ability to use a large "suit" of extra armor called the "Storm Attacker" configuration. It was added to the project's requirements after intelligence reported that the feasibility of large (80t tons) Battle Mech was being studied by OLYMPUS engineers. Instead of redesigning the whole unit to counterattack this new development, the Skunk Work team chose to equip the Prometheus with additional bolt-on armament. Missile launchers were mounted on the main body in large armored housings, while a pair of powerful beam cannons provided the main punch. Large claw-arms extend out of the missile units for close combat -plasma lances would have been preferred, but the energy requirements proved too great. A particle scattering gun was mounted instead. Although the bulk of the extra weapon systems would normally affect the Prometheus' performances, it is not so. Additional boosters virtually negate the mass, even improving the acceleration rate when used. If those thrusters are put out of commission, all weapon housings can be jettisoned in seconds, leaving the Prometheus undamaged and unburdened.

Service Record
Being an experimental unit, the Prometheus is not expected to see combat. Computer simulations have clearly shown that in the hands of a capable pilot, nothing can resist its sheer firepower and speed. Still, the military high command refuses to commit it to any kind of operation, deeming it "too valuable to use"

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EAH - 01 Vindicator

The Vindicator is currently the most powerful mass-produced battlemech in the solar system. Because of its high cost, it is usually assigned to proven pilots or squadron commanders only. The massive armament and armor give the Vindicator a tremendous advantage in combat. The Vindicator program was started only two years ago, in U.C. 2178, as a direct result of the introduction of the Wyvern by the N.E.O.. The Earth Federation's generals felt that since the Wyvern was nearly the equal of the Retaliator in combat, they needed an even more powerful unit to stay in the forefront of the arm race. The Vindicator is such a machine. Although a bit slow, its massive light missile batteries (located on the side of its legs) can easily overwhelm most close defense systems. The heavy warheads carried on the shoulders and in the backpack can even be used to destroy or severely cripple small ships or damage large ones. A pair of Jovian Optics anti-missile turrets guard the exo against return fire. Its most impressive weapon, however, is the combination mass-driverlaser mounted on the right arm. The presence of a non-ammunition based weapon extends the combat endurance of the Vindicator, enabling it to get rid of small threats while saving the precious massdriver ammunition for more important targets. If the Vindicator had only those qualities, it would indeed be king of the battlefield. Unfortunately, the development was rushed, leaving serious flaws in some of the systems. For example, due to a powerplant sensor malfunction, an overheat warning sounds every time the pilot pushes his machine above the normal operating parameters. Veterans are now used to the problem, simply disabling the sensor and relying on their "gut instinct" instead. The Vindicator is also painfully slow compared to other, smaller machines.

Variations
Since the Vindicator is a relatively new design, no variants were built as of U.C. 2180. There are plans for a commander-type version, but production is not expected to begin until late U.C. 2185. If the machine proves successful in service, it will probably be adapted to a variety of operational roles such as interception, heavy assault and hunter/killer.

Service Record
No Vindicator has seen true combat yet, although computer simulations and mock battles clearly established the superiority of the design. The Federation's high command is considering sending a few Vindicators to the Belt to help clear the way for the commercial ships. If these operations are a success, the Vindicator will probably be widely used by the Federation in the near future, albeit in a slightly weaker and less expensive mass-produced version

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EAL-04 Pathfinder

The Pathfinder is one of the oldest battlemechs in the Earth Federation military arsenal. A development of the ill-fated EAL-03, the Pathfinder was found to be a rugged if simplistic design, easy to field and maintain. It is now the standard light BattleMech of the Earth Federation and is used mostly for patrols, although its heavy armor and speed make it a useful member of a combat team. Most newcomers are assigned a Pathfinder since the operating interface and onboard computer are very user-friendly. Armament is light because frontline combat was not the primary design requirement. The Pathfinder carries a Jovian Optic 652A particle cannon to deal with any threat it might encounter.

The cannon is mounted on a modular rack on the right arm, which enables the technicians to easily replace it with another weapon (although this is rarely done). As with other Earth Federation weapon designs, it is made up of modular sections for easy repair and upgrade capacities. In case of unexpectedly strong opposition, two medium missiles are mounted on the left shoulder; two plasma lances are also available for close-in fighting, stored in thigh flip-open compartments. Long range sensors are standard issue on all models. An interesting characteristic is the blast shield, which can be lowered to protect the main sensor array in case of a massive explosion nearby. A medium-range radar and EWAC system is mounted on the right shoulder to enable the Pathfinder to find any intruder using either standard radio communication or a search radar near its patrol trajectory. The EWAC array is replaced on the Pathfinder4 (Strike) by a cluster missile launcher for raid and light assault purposes

Variations
The Pathfinder has been used as the basis for several specialized battlemechs. In addition to the aforementioned S version, the Pathfinder B, LRS and ML are also commonly seen in the Earth Federation arsenal. The B version is the bomber, carrying several heavy warheads to use against large, slow moving targets. It is equipped with large shoulder pods to accommodate some extra thrusters and the missiles. The ML is very similar in appearance, but has mine-laying equipment instead of missile launchers. Few of these have been built. The Long Range Support version is also quite rare, chiefly because it is expensive to produce. It replaces the EWAC array and the twin missiles with shoulder-mounted beam cannons

Service Record
The Pathfinder is the Earth Federation battlemech that has seen the most combat use to date. This is because its scouting missions often bring it in contact with pirates and illegal scavengers, which will oppose the Federation forces with small ships and dated spacefighters

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CEA-05 WYVERN

As the Retaliator was gradually introduced in the JAF's front line units, the CEGACouncil decided they needed a new, more modern exo-armor design to face it. Althoughefficient, the most recent updates of the Syreen were hopelessly outclassed, so the research was oriented in a new direction.

First, arrangements were made with the Martian Federation to buy two of their old Defenders. These were moved with great secrecy to the LAC base in the Tycho Crater to be deassembled and studied. Then, using the basic frame as a guide, the engineers set out to create an exo-armor which could stand against current Jovian designs and win.

The head unit was completely redesigned, scrapping the front and lateral sensor arrays of the Defender and replacing them with a single large plate. Although this somewhat limited the field of vision of the pilot, it was easier to maintain and made room for an anti-missile system as well as two massdrivers for close combat. The armor plate covering the neck unit was retained for additional protection.

It was decided that a large railgun would provide the main firepower, even if the ammunition supply would be limited. Unfortunetly, the hip missiles had to bedropped to clear some tonnage. The legmounted missile canisters were retainedbut the light rockets were replaced by more powerful ones. A pair of medium missiles completed the armament.

Variations

Although the Wyvem is a recent design, several variations are already into production in an effort to modernize the Armed Forces as fast as possible. The most commonly seen modfication is the CEA45R. which replaces the railgun with a large rocket canister for massive bombardment capacities.

It is unclear whether the CEGA plans to make the Wyvern their standard exo-armor, but it is likely that it will not replace the faithful Syreen and Gnome for at least a few years.

Service Record

The Wyem has not seen true combat yet, but wargarnes with Venusian HDF troops have proved the soundness of the overall design. Its only major flaw is the lack of an energy-based main weapon system, which greatly limits the operational range of the unit.

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MEAL-02 Explorer

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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MEAM-01 Defender

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.

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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CEA-01 Syreen

As the NEO began their civil war with Earth, the newly-formed Earth Federation was amazed by the new war machines they saw. They were a little worried as well. The Syreen was hastily designed to be a stopgap measure to the recent colonial advances in exo-armor technology. Using an old OTV (Orbital Transfer Vehicule) model, the Earth Federation technicians built a legless and crude craft capable of defending itself in hand-to-hand combat as well as carrying anti-ship missiles.

Although actual models use a custom designed booster, the original prototypes of 0079 were built around decommisioned OTVs. This caused endless problems (as well as one explosion) before the project leaders finally decided to build new chassis for the vehicles. Because of the original nature of its propulsion system, the Syreen is capable of high acceleration, but suffers from poor range and maneuverability.

The latter was improved by the recent addition of vectoring plates to the main nozzle. These plates need constant attention however, and many technicians complain they are spending too much time on them.

After several successful simulated ambushes in the Asteroid Belt, the vehicle was dubbed Syreen for its appearance and its ability to lure opponents into a well-prepared trap using its ECM pod. The pod was too costly to use on all EA, so it was later decided that only the officer variant would carry it on the production model. The most amazing piece of equipment is surely the Active Close Defense Laser System (ACDLS for short),a computer-guided, variable range laser array composed of four independently focusing lenses. These serve as the Syreen's main ranged weapon, except when an opponent approaches the Syreen within 25 meters: the computer then automatically takes over and fires at the new threat. This is beginning to cause problems as Syreens routinely open fire on friendiy units, acting on misread IFF signals.

Variations

Being a jury-rigged machine built only to be replaced by more advanced designs, the Syreen was never adapted to other operational roles. Apart from the Commander type, which carries an ECM pod on the back of its head, no variationswere constructed. All Syreens share the ability to use the SOBU-1 rocket booster to launch from a ground facility to low orbit. The ACDLS is covered and cannotbe used while the booster is attached, however; the pilot must first jettison his SOBU to fire.

Service Record

The first incident involving Syreens occured during the testing period when a small pirate cruiser mistook the Earth Federation team for prospectors. The pirates were quite surprised when what they thought to be mineral-gathering shuttles turned out to be a pack of dangerous combat vessels. Needless to say, the cruiser was vaporized after only a few seconds of combat. After the Syreen officially entered service, things calmed down. Other than police and patrol duty, the machine never sees much action nowadays.

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EAT-02 Mentor Mk III

The Mentor was born out of the need for a true exo-armor training system. Since the introduction of the exo-armor in 0063, training the new pilots had been done in a standard simulator — something that just couldn't give the "feel" of the real thing.

In 0070, the EARTH FEDERATION gave a special contract to Anaheim Electronics: they were to develop a machine that could fulfill the double role of trainer/ twin seat heavy combat unit. The Mentor was the result of two years of hard work, the main difficulty was working out a way to place two people with the necessary double cockpit/life support systems without making the machine too bulky and slow. The cockpit of the MkI was equipped with two seats, one behind the other (student in front, instructor in back). It was rather uncomfortable for the instructor, who had his movements hampered by the student's seat. The MkII, introduced in 2181, had the same problem but to a lesser extent. This was possible through a better, more ergonomic design.

In 0090, the Mentor design was once again upgraded but this time to a greater extent. The new MkIII kept the legs, arms, back-pack and head units of the MKII, but its body configuration changed considerably. Now both crewmen had a full cockpit with 360º protection. This was due to the advances in both life-support and micro-electronics, which allowed the Mentor to have two cockpits without the machine gaining any weight or dimensions. The cockpit of the student is in front and the instructor's is a little higher, just under the back of the neck of the machine.

Since the Mentor is a training unit, its armament is not very heavy. It is composed of one PL-3 Plasma Lance in each thigh, one simulator-type cannon w/mock lens and a small laser point turret on each shoulder. Of course, the forearm modular weapons available to the Pathfinder series are also available to the Mentor.

NAME.....................MENTOR MKIII
PRODUCTION CODE.....EAT-02 MKIII
MANUFACTURER:.......ANAHEIM ELECTRONICS
USE:......................TRAINING/DOUBLE SEAT COMBAT UNIT
CONTROL SYSTEM:.....LINEAR FRAME X2 (1 STUDENT, 1 INSTRUCTOR)
HEIGHT:..................16.3 M
WEIGHT:..................25.3 TONS (EMPTY), 34 TONS (TRAINING)
POWER PLANT:.........1490 KW
MAIN THRUSTERS:......10
APOGEE MOTORS: ......15
ARMAMENT:..............PL3 PLASMA LANCE X2, JOVIAN OPTICS 122B LASER CANNON X1 , LASER POINT TURRET X2
EQUIPMENT:............SURVIVAL POD X2, BOOSTER UNIT
(OPT.), MR-65 EWAC SYSTEM
(OPT.), SPARE FUEL TANKS X2

• VARIATIONS

A long range support version of the Mentor exist. Named EAT/LRS-02 Sensei, it is equipped with two backpack-mounted heavy particle beam cannons and heavier armor. The right shoulder's laser point turret is replaced by a long range visual target acquisition array. In the Sensei, the instructor is replaced by a gunner/system operator. This machine has not seen combat yet.

• SERVICE RECORD

The Mentor has been used with great success since its conception in 0070. It is one of the oldest designs of exo-armor in service, but is still loved by everyone who's been taught in it, if only because it always gets you home, whatever happens. This legend started in 0075, when a heavily damaged Mentor MKI got back to base on its own after a serious accident, thus saving the two pilots.