Cyclone Augmentation: VRFA-1A "Icarus"

Prerequisites for use of this mecha:

The "Icarus" is a modular design that provides flight capability to missions which don't allow for large mecha. Space and atmosphere mobility is possible and it even has armor strong enough to resist the incredible heat of entry into an atmosphere for use as an escape module or for missions launched from space.

The VRFA-1A is designed to be the ultimate air combat system for the REF Cyclone Rider. In motorcycle mode, it offers high mobility, maneuverability, and speed. The flying cyclone can fly lower than would be safe for a larger veritech, and still maintain high speeds.

In battloid mode, the VRFA-1A has most of the same advantages that the standard cyclones have, but it also allows the pilot total, unlimited flight.

The "Icarus" Cyclone System simply shuts down when protoculture is not an available power source so the cyclone can use combustible fuel. This prevents the "Icarus" from being a risk in low resource situations.

An additional fully powered protoculture cell is used to power the "Icarus" and will last about a month. Flight will use up the energy at two times the normal rate.

Model Type: VRFA-1A "Icarus" Cyclone System

Class: Military Operation Soldier Protection Emergency Aviation Hover Unit

Crew: One

M.D.C. for CVR-4: 60

M.D.C. by Location (Hovercraft Mode):

M.D.C. by Location (Battloid Mode):

* Destroying the wings reduces the cyclone in Motorcycle Mode to the altitude limits of Battloid Mode.

** Depleting the M.D.C. of the main body will shut the mecha down completely, rendering it useless. An emergency release system allows the person inside to shed the immobilized armor. The CVR-4 Armor has a built-in parachute that will automatically deploy at the appropriate altitude. Remember, the wearer of the cyclone armor is also wearing ride armor for additional protection. Note: The Light Cyclone has 50 MDC less than the Battler Cyclone even with the "Icarus" Cyclone System.

Speed:

Height:

Width:

Length:

Weight:

Cargo: Has all of the available cargo options of the Battler or Light cyclone. No additional storage is provided.

Weapon Systems

These are in addition to any standard armaments.

1. EP-44 24mm Pulse Beam Cannon (EP-44)

The EP-44 is a more advanced, long range version of the EP-40. In place of the other types of forearm shield weapon systems available, the Icarus Cyclone System is fitted with two EP-44 cannons that are primarily for anti-aircraft but especially in Battloid are suitable for use against most targets.

These weapons are powered by the cyclone's own power supply.

Primary Purpose: Air-to-Air Assault

Secondary Purpose: Preventative Defense

Range: 4 miles in Motorcycle Mode; 2600ft in Battloid Mode

Mega-Damage: 6D6 M.D.

Number of Attacks Per Melee: Equal to combined hand to hand attacks.

Weight: 20lbs. each (11.4kg)

Special Bonus: Adds +2 to strike in Motorcycle Mode in flight.

Note: This weapon system is designed specifically for this mecha. The forearm weapon systems of the other cyclones are replaced by the forearm thruster/cannon pack to allow the Icarus to fly properly. Using the EP-44 with any of the other cyclones the way they are intended to be used would result in the pilot suffering severe injury, and likely death.

4. Hand to Hand Combat: Rather than use weapons the cyclone can engage in hand to hand combat. Punch does 1D4 M.D., kick does 1D4 M.D., leap kick does 2D4 M.D., body flip/throw does 1D4 M.D., and body block/tackle does 1D4 M.D. The cyclone also has a physical strength (P.S.) equal to a P.S. 40 ( +25 SDC damage bonus).

Optional Weapon Systems

1. GR-112 Mini-Missle Launcher (2 or 4)

This new missle system is an add on for the Phoenix Cyclone and the Icarus Cyclone System for missions which require a little extra firepower. In both Motorcycle and Battloid Modes they are located on the side of the rear rocket boosters (in Battloid Mode this would be the thighs). Both launchers hold four standard mini-missles.

Primary Purpose: Assault

Secondary Purpose: Anti-Aircraft (air-to-air missles)

Missle Type: Mini-missles designed for the cyclone mecha and a handful of special bazooka-like rifles. Any of the available types of missles can be utilized (except plasma), usually high explosive or fragmentation is standard issue.

Mega-Damage: Varies with type of missle.

Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of 2, 4, or 8. The number of missle volleys which can be fired per melee is equal to the pilot's combined number of hand to hand attacks. Remember, each volley counts as one attack.

Range: Varies with each missle type, but is always around one mile (1.6km).

Payload: Each missle launcher holds four (4) each, for a total of eight (8).

Note: It is not suggested to use a hand-held firearm while travelling at high speeds in hovercraft mode because of the amount of control needed to fly the craft. This can be extremely dangerous.

Unavailable Cyclone Weapon Systems

The following weapon systems are specifically not compatible with the Icarus System that would otherwise be available to a cyclone:

HAND TO HAND BONUSES FROM ICARUS COMBAT TRAINING

Damage:

The cyclone also has a physical strength (P.S.) equal to a P.S. 40/30 ( +25/15 SDC damage bonus).

Remember, these bonuses are in addition to the pilot's own hand to hand training and attribute bonuses, but apply only when piloting a VR-052 or VR-038-LT with the Icarus Cyclone System attached. These mecha combat bonuses do not apply to the pilot's physical abilities when outside the mecha.

Note: Changing modes counts as one attack/action that melee round.