VR-041 Saber Cyclone

The second production model Cyclone, the **VR-041 Sabre** is an infantry combat Veritech mecha used by the UEEF.

## Background

The VR-041 Cyclone was introduced shortly after the VR-038 model, and was quickly adopted into service as the UEEF's new standard infantry combat mecha. Based on the VR-020 preproduction model, the VR-041 featured far heavier armour than the VR-038, making it better suited to frontline combat. The biggest difference came in terms of weaponry. Unlike its predecessor, the VR-041 was equipped with a pair of built-in GR-103 missile launchers, giving it the ability to engage larger Invid types. This capability was further supplemented by the use of hand-held weapons, including new systems devised specifically for Cyclone use.

First issued to active-duty units in 2031, the VR-041A proved to be an instant success. The Mecha represented a massive leap forward in terms of capability for UEEF infantry forces, allowing them a far greater ability to engage with Invid forces. While serving as the mainline infantry combat mecha of the UEEF, the VR-041 partnered well with the VR-038 Scout model. While the VR-041-equipped units did the majority of the fighting, the VR-038 units would serve as recon and scout units to locate enemy forces.

Even then, the majority of the first production run were assigned to Johnathan Wolfe's relief forces dispatched to Earth, where it was expected that they would be engaged with the Robotech Masters. Instead, Wolfe found that while the Masters had been defeated, but at the cost of the near-destruction of the UEG and the Army of the Southern Cross. Furthermore, it became quickly clear that an Invid invasion of Earth was inevitable. Based on this information, the VR-041 Cyclones in Wolfe's forces were distributed for use in his planned guerrilla war, with most going to the forces at Point K or Soldiertown. However, some also were allocated to the Global Military Police, which had effectively become the last functional component of Earth's defence forces. Many of those Cyclones would go on to be used by resistance fighters during the occupation, and were effective weapons against the Invid.

The UEEF introduced the VR-041H model armed with the signature CADS-1 weapon system, giving soldiers a much-needed ability to fight back against Invid mecha in melee combat. This model was so effective that it completely displaced the basic VR-041A, leading to the series being nicknamed the 'Saber' Cyclone, a name that was adopted as official. This was followed by the VR-041R which carried a pair of GR-97 launchers in place of the CADS for greater anti-armour capabilities. A further derivative came in the form of the VR-041M field medic model, which replaced the GR-103 launchers with medical supplies and equipment, while retaining the CADS for use as rescue and extraction tools.

While successful, the VR-041 was not without its flaws. The main issue, ironically, stemmed from its biggest advantage, being the GR-103 missile launcher. While an effective weapon, the GR-103 was difficult to learn and use effectively; inexperienced soldiers could often end up heavily bruised from firing while not properly braced or from unexpected recoil. In addition, the GR-103 system was expensive to build and supply, and had caused production bottlenecks. Furthermore, the VR-041's sensory systems were seen as being lacking at best and merely adequate for its infantry combat role.

Despite these flaws, the VR-041 continued to be used as the UEEF's standard infantry mecha throughout the 2030s, as well as being used as a survival mecha for downed pilots. Large numbers were deployed with the first Earth Recapture Force, and while most of those were lost in orbit, a good number would end up on Earth and fall into the hands of resistance forces. The VR-041H with its unprecedented melee abilities proved to be an excellent weapon for resistance fighters
Following the destruction of the first recapture force, the UEEF launched an overhaul of the Cyclone series. The VR-041 was replaced as the standard infantry and pilot survival Mecha with the VR-052, which replaced the troublesome missile launchers with a more capable sensor suite. At the same time, the UEEF developed a special operations variant of the mecha, the VR-046 Dancer Cyclone.

However, the VR-041 was retained in service for specialty roles, including covert operations.
VR-041 Cyclones would continue to be used by the UEEF throughout the Third Robotech War. The Cyclone was fielded by a number of the special operations and recon teams that were inserted onto Earth during the second recapture mission. Likewise, it was extensively used by resistance fighters. Given the sheer numbers in service, as well as the design's lack of compromised Shadow technology, it is likely that it will continued to be employed for the foreseeable future.

## Capabilities

Heavier than the VR-038 Cyclone, the VR-041 set the standard in terms of armour protection, durability and performance for all models to follow. In cycle mode, it could achieve a maximum speed of 220 km/h on flat roads, and boasted excellent off-road capabilities. In Battloid mode, flight speed was 185 km/h, however that could only be sustained for a few minutes at a time. The VR-041 was less agile than the VR-038 and lacked its passive stealth abilities, however, this was considered to be an acceptable tradeoff for the greater level of armour protection and weapons capabilities.

The VR-041 was designed from the outset as a frontline infantry mecha. As a part of that goal, most models were equipped with two GR-103 missile launchers, giving the Cyclone exceptional firepower for its size. The Cyclone was considered to be more than a match for the Invid Scout and Soldier Power Armour, and fairly capable against the Invid Shock Trooper, although in the latter case the operator would need to rely on their mobility to avoid weapons fire. While a potent weapon, the GR-103 system also proved to be difficult to train and use, and caused operational issues in the field, leading it to being dropped from later Cyclones.

The signature weapon of the VR-041 were the CADS-1 vibroblades, a pair of retractable blades built into the forearm guards in Battloid mode and found on most models. While intended for frontline infantry combat, the silent nature of these weapons made them well-suited for covert operations work. Furthermore, they found additional use as a rescue tool on the VR-041M model. Finally, because they were not dependent on ammunition and powered by the Cyclone's internal power system, the weapon was a favourite of resistance fighters on Earth.

Like the VR-038, the VR-041 suffered from a weak sensor package, an issue shared with the derivative VR-046 model. The Saber Cyclone was equipped with passive targeting systems through infra-red and laser detection, but lacked any real tracking or target-scanning capabilities. Additional optics consisted of comparatively simple low-light and thermal systems. Like most other Cyclones, the Saber was equipped with a pop-up targeting reticule for use with gilded weapons such as the GR-103, however most hand-held secondary weapons could also be fired without depending on additional targeting.

The armor of the Cyclone-series is composed of an advanced titanium-steel alloy. The armor on the VR-041 stops all small arms fire, provides fair protection against heavier infantry weapons, such as a 12.7mm machinegun round, and poor resistance to light mecha-mounted weaponry, such as the Zentraedi 22.3mm HE autocannon round (though the pilot will be badly concussed). Field tests show that a Cyclone can sometimes withstand two or more blasts from Invid plasma guns. Vulnerable areas of the pilot are part of the upper arms, which are unarmored. The thighs and helmet are not protected by the Cyclone, but are covered by the CVR armor. Nuclear, biological, and chemical protection is limited to that provided by the CVR armor.

## Weapons and Equipment

The weapons fit of the Saber Cyclone would vary depending on the individual Equipment Package. Even then, it needs to be said that on Invid-occupied Earth, many makeshift and nonstandard configurations were developed by resistance fighters based on needs and available parts. As such, the information provided in this document should only be taken as a broad guideline and not representative of every known configuration.

(A, H, R)

* 2 **GR-103 Missile Launchers:** built into the Cyclone's chest. The launcher holds six 60mm x 150mm **Recluse** terminally laser and radar-guided rocket-propelled grenades in each side of the chest for a total of twelve. The missiles are armor piercing or high explosive, and have a range of 0.8 km.

(H, M)

* 2 **CADS-1 Ceramic Vibroblades:** long ceramic swords that extend from round shields mounted on the forearms (front wheel covers). The swords vibrate at an extremely high frequency and can cut through most armors. The shields are covered in an advanced Chobham armor for additional protection against slow-moving explosive rounds and Invid annihilation disks.

(M)

* 1 **M122MK field medical kit** mounted in the chest, containing numerous field-expedient medical supplies, including sterile blood-plasma substitutes, antibiotics, bandages, pressure bandages, burn treatments, and so forth.
* 1 **M132DK field medical diagnostic apparatus** mounted in the chest. System is capable of monitoring a wide array of body functions, and includes a defibrillator and miniature artificial blood circulation and oxygenation system.

(R)

* 2 **GR-97 Missile Launchers:** Dual 45mm x 260mm **Scorpion** mini-missile tube mounted on the forearm plates (front wheel covers). The two Scorpion missiles are laser-guided, have plasma warheads, and a range of 1.7 km.

Additionally, the Cyclone could also use conventional small arms as handheld weapons. The Gallant H-90 modular weapons system was the most commonly issued, although other weapons could be employed if needed. Furthermore, a variety of specialised hand-held weapons were devised for the Cyclone series; see Cyclone main file for more details.

## Equipment Packages

* **VR-041A:** Initial production model armed with GR-103 launchers. Most examples refitted to VR-041H standard.
* **VR-041H:** Standard infantry and special ops version armed with GR-103 and CADS-1.
* **VR-041M:** Field medic model equipped with advanced emergency medical systems and CADS-1 for use as rescue tool.
* **VR-041R:** Anti-armour model armed with GR-97 and GR-103 launchers.

## Configuration Options

### VR-041A - Early

A basic model armed only with internal missile launchers and optional hand weapons.

**Loadout**

* **GR-103 Mini-Missile Launcher System:** Mounted in the chest. See *H162* for more details. [H][H]
* May also mount one optional Arm weapon; see Cyclone main file for more details

### VR-041R - Anti-Armour

A heavy anti-armour configuration with a powerful missile loadout.

**Loadout**

* **GR-97 Mini-Missile Launcher:** Mounted to each forearm. See *H162* for more details. [H][H]
* **GR-103 Mini-Missile Launcher System:** Mounted in the chest. See *H162* for more details. [H][H]

## Notes

* Design Notes
* Image Gallery
* Cyclone Main File
* CVR-3 Personal Combat Armour