The Cestus Battlesuit – one small step

Many of the earliest attempts at incorporating Robotechnology into Human weapons systems resulted in hybrid designs that contained elements of the former but were otherwise largely conventional. The laser-armed Slepnir tank and Mistral jet fighter are two good examples of the type. The next stage in that process was the development of entirely new weapons systems that would take greater advantage of the technological secrets that had been gleaned from the SDF-1.

One of the first of these was the RK-720 Cestus battlesuit. A precursor to the Destroid and Veritech programs, the Cestus was born of an effort to create an air-mobile humanoid combat platform. The development of walker technology was seen as vital to countering the projected Zentraedi threat, although fully independent walker systems were still proving to be problematic. As such, a ‘half-size' system (the Cestus stood 3.6 meters tall, as opposed to the 10+ meter systems the UEDF was aiming for) allowed for a compromise. Locomotion would be provided through the pilot's own legs, amplified by artificial musculature and servomotors.

While the suit was not especially fast on its feet, its mobility would not be limited to just that. At this point, advances in materials and propulsion technology allowed for the creation of a frame that would be strong enough to support weapons while also still light enough to take off and sustain flight. As such, the Cestus was designed to be flight-capable from the outset with a Robotechnology-derived jet turbine mounted on the back. A pair of wings and a tailfin on the back provided additional lift and aerodynamic control. The Cestus could reach speeds of about 450 km/h, which was considered to be adequate given that it was breaking entirely new ground. However, its service ceiling was limited.

Due to weight limitations, the Cestus' armament was limited. Its primary weapon was a 32mm Autocannon, the same weapon that would eventually be used on the Spartan Destroid. This weapon was deemed adequate for use against light armour, aircraft and helicopters as well as projections of the primary enemies the Cestus might face in the form of Zentraedi infantry. The suit was also equipped with a pair of compact, semi-guided short range missiles for use against ground targets to give it a limited additional punch. However, it needs to be said that these missiles were not always carried.

Even though it was seen as being only an interim design, the UEDF was impressed enough with the Cestus to order an initial production run. This was as much based on its own abilities as well as insurance against developmental delays with the Destroid and Veritech programs. The Cestus entered service with a number of newly-raised UEDF units where it was employed in what could be best described as experimental roles, serving to give forces experience with a new type of weapons system that offered unmatched flexibility. The suit's mobility proved to be highly useful, with air-dropping from VC-27 transports serving as a way to expand its range and mobility.

The Cestus saw military action against Anti-Unification forces, where it proved to be a capable platform for counter-insurgency and quick strike operations. While usually operating in dedicated squads, Cestus suits were also used as heavy support for conventional airmobile forces. Many opponents were simply caught by surprise by the platform and were unprepared for its unprecedented capabilities. However, by means unknown, Anti-Unification forces were able to acquire the design and began limited production of their own versions. While differing in detail, the Cestus clone was functionally identical to the point where the AUL simply kept the same designation.

Ultimately, the Cestus' biggest failing was not its capabilities, but the rapid march of technology. Within a few years of its introduction the UEDF was already producing Destroids and Veritechs, leaving the Cestus technologically obsolete. Production was wrapped up in early 2009 with assets redirected towards these more modern weapons systems. However, those units using the suit retained them for the time being. No Cestus suits were assigned to Macross Island or the SDF-1 at the time of its launch, with the design effectively sitting out the First Robotech War.

Most extant Cestus suits were destroyed on Earth during the Rain of Death. In the aftermath, the reformed UEDF chose not to revive the design due to its obsolescence, however that was not the end of it by any means. Several manufacturers in the post-war period, such as the Mercantile Republic, chose to revive the design, with its low-technology construction making it easier to build than more advanced Mecha. These Cestus suits would see action with a number of parties during the next decade, ranging from state militaries to insurgents, bandits and even micronized Zentraredi Malcontents. While no match for modern Mecha, the Cestus was still effective against low-tech opponents armed with only conventional weapons.

Most of those manufacturers would shut down or retool to produce more modern weapons, and by the late 2020s, the Cestus was no longer in service with any formal, organised military forces. None the less, it survived in the hands of fringe groups, bandits and other minor powers, especially in the aftermath of the Second Robotech War and the fall of the Southern Cross. There are even unconfirmed reports of Cestus Battlesuits being used by resistance groups fighting the Invid, three decades after the design was declared obsolete.