New Cyclone: VR-096 Phoenix Cyclone

Prerequisites for use of this mecha:

The Phoenix is a new innovation designed to provide hover capable, modular cyclones for missions which have terrain that is unsuitable for cyclones. Space mobility is possible though limited.

The VR-096 is designed to be the ultimate restricted terrain combat system for the REF foot soldier. In hover mode, it offers high mobility, maneuverability, and speed. The hovercraft can fly lower than would be safe for a larger veritech, and maintain high speeds.

In battloid mode, the Phoenix has all the same advantages as the other cyclones and allows hovering at slow speeds.

To maximize the versatility of the Phoenix Cyclone, the mecha can operate on both protoculture and a combustible fuel commonly found among the Sentinels (the same fuel that powers the Perytonian Assault Hover Cycle). However, the limitation of combustible fuel does not allow for the energy required to power the force fields on both the lance and shield (only one can be used at a time, usually the shield). The combustible fuel is included as a back-up system to be used when the protoculture energy cells are running low or are not available.

Two fully powered protoculture cells will last the Phoenix about three months.

Model Type: VR-096 (Phoenix)

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):

* When the lance and/or shield are turned on the forearms can take an effectively unlimited amount of M.D.C. See CADS-4 for more information.

** Destroying the hover units reduces the maximum altitude in battloid mode by 100mph for each hover unit destroyed. If all four are destroyed the battloid is not capable of flight.

*** 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.

Speed:

Height:

Width:

Length:

Weight: 220lbs. (98kg)

Cargo: Has detachable cargo boxes (3) that can be connected to the rear of the bike like saddlebags and a trunk. The size of the trunk is 18"t x 20"w x 18"d and the saddlebags are 20"t x 12"w x 20"d. Maximum cargo weight limit in addition to the rider is 150lbs (66kg).

NOTE: The storage boxes drop off when the Phoenix changes into battloid. Valuables in the storage box must be retreived later or carried by hand. Storage box weight: 5lbs. (2kg) each empty.

Weapon Systems

1. GR-103 Mini-Missle Launcher (2):

This standard weapon is built into the VR-096 in addition to the VR-052 and VR-041 cyclones. In hovercraft mode, the two missle launchers are side by side in the nose of the hovercraft. In battloid mode, the missle launchers are divided, with one on each side of the chest/shoulder area. Both launchers hold six mini-missles (usually armor piercing).

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), but armor piercing is standard issue for the VR-096 Phoenix.

Mega- Damage: Varies with type of missle.

Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of 2, 4, 6, or all. 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 six (6) each, for a total of twelve (12).

2. Close Assault and Defense System (CADS-4)

The CADS-4 is the newest and most advanced short range combat system built for mecha. In place of the other types of forearm shield weapon systems available, the Phoenix Cyclone is fitted with two different and unique weapons, one primarily offensive, the other primarily defensive.

On one side is a 5ft. (1.6m) blade designed to serve primarily as a lance. This device is in response to the common strategy of aiming for the "sensor eye" of invid targets.

On the other side is an extendable circular shield with the same force field as the lance for the purpose of protecting the pilot during ramming maneuvers and blocking incoming attacks (though it can be used as a weapon).

These weapons are powered by the cyclone's own power supply and can not be removed without tools. Frequent use of the lance and shield will drain the protoculture cells twice as quickly (three times as quickly when used in conjunction with the propulsion system).

Primary Purpose: Head on Assault

Secondary Purpose: Hand to Hand Combat

Range: Within reach

Mega-Damage:

Lance: Slash -- 3D6 M.D., Punch -- 4D6, Ramming Punch (counts as TWO attacks) -- 4D6 + 1D6 for every 100mph (161kmph) the Phoenix is going. Maximum of 12D6 at full speed of Mach 1.2 (768mph). For purpose of large target areas such as pilot compartments and cockpits, the lance must inflict atleast 1/3 of the total current M.D.C. of the target area to pierce it. To judge whether the pilot was hit, roll percentile dice with a 50 % chance, subject to GM decision. If the pilot is missed and is not wearing environmental suit or armor they are dead.

Shield: Body Block -- 2D6 + 1D6 for every 200mph (322kmph) the Phoenix is going. Maximum of 6D6 at full speed of Mach 1.2 (768mph).

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

Weight: 25lbs. each (11.4kg)

M.D.C. Special: 50 when retracted, but a renewing force field provides the blades and forearms with unlimited M.D.C. when extended (this only protects the lance, shield, and forearms).

Special Bonus: Adds +2 to parry in hand to hand combat and even enables the character to attempt to parry/block energy blasts, but with absolutely no bonuses (natural, unmodified dice rolls only).

Note: This weapon system is designed specifically for this mecha. The forearm weapon systems of the other cyclones will not work with the Phoenix because it will not transform or fly properly. Using the CADS-4 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.

3. Gallant H-90 Multi-Weapon System

This weapon is issued as the sidearm.

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 for missions which require a little extra firepower. In both hovercraft and battloid mode they are located on the side of each hover unit. Both/all 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) or sixteen (16).

Note: No weapons that attach to the forearms in either mode can be used due to the transformation from battloid to hovercraft and back. In addition, 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.

HAND TO HAND BONUSES FROM PHOENIX COMBAT TRAINING

Damage:

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-096 Phoenix cyclone. 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.