VR-038 Scout Cyclone

The first production model Cyclone, the **VR-038 Scout** is a lightweight, agile Veritech motorcycle used by the UEEF.

## Background

The VR-038 Scout Cyclone was the end product of the Cyclone development, itself an ambitious program aimed at creating a lightweight one-man Veritech motorcycle for the UEEF. While lacking integral weapons and not as heavily armed as some of the development models, the VR-038A was also comparatively easy and cheap to mass-produce, leading to its acceptance into service. At the same time, its lack of weapons and armour was not seen as being a major impediment, as a more powerful model was also in development.

First issued to operational units in 2031, the Scout Cyclone proved to be an instant success and a potent asset to scouting teams. Its small size, high speed and considerable agility made it an elusive opponent allowing it to observe an objective and escape undetected with ease. While not intended by the designers, the Scout Cyclone also had the benefit of unexpected passive stealth systems that further aided its elusiveness. A Scout Cyclone in motorcycle mode running on battery power was remarkably effective at evading the weak secondary sensors used by Invid Mecha.

The only real flaw with the VR-038A was its lack of integral weapons, leaving it dependent entirely on hand-held small arms. This flaw was rectified with the introduction of two new equipment packages; the VR-038L which was armed with the RL-6 rocket cannon, and the VR-038R, armed with two GR-97 missile launchers. Both packages proliferated rapidly among UEEF units, however it was found that the L was preferred by most operators. While the RL-6's Tarantula rockets were not as precise as the GR-97's Scorpion missiles, the weapon better suited the hit-and-run warfare that the Scout Cyclone exceeded at. While the basic VR-038A was retained in service, it was largely relegated to courier and recon roles.

Most of the initial production run of VR-038 Cyclones (Including the L and R packages) were sent to Earth with Johnathan Wolfe's relief mission. While most of these were assigned to the forward base at Point K or his forces at Valhalla, some were distributed to other planned resistance groups, such as the Global Military Police and the forces on Moonbase ALuCE. However, few were assigned to the remnant Southern Cross forces, owing to their leadership's deliberate lack of cooperation and unwillingness to follow Wolfe's lead. Following the Invid Invasion, many of the survivors would make their way into the hands of resistance forces, where they proved to be adept at guerrilla fighting roles.

The UEEF further enhanced the Cyclone's capabilities with the development of the M package, featuring the OSS-44 Battle Data Acquisition Unit. This module allowed the Scout Cyclone to truly shine in the reconnaissance role, drastically expanding on its limited sensory capabilities while giving it far greater data recording and analysis abilities. Examples of the VR-038M were among the forces assigned to the first Earth Reclamation Point in 2038, and would go on to be used by resistance fighters throughout the occupation.

With the introduction of the VR-052 Battler Cyclone, the VR-038 was phased out of frontline infantry service. However, its capabilities as a scout, observer, messenger, guerrilla fighter and in other specialty roles meant that it remained in service with the UEEF in many special forces and independent operations units, as well as often supporting regular infantry formations. Furthermore, it remained in production, even if in a reduced capacity. VR-038 Cyclones were used in both the first and second Earth Recapture Forces; while these efforts were catastrophically unsuccessful, the survivors of these operations would make use of their Cyclones to continue resistance operations. Salvaged models from these failed attacks would also find their way into the hands of resistance forces.

The Scout Cyclone continued to serve with the UEEF, as well as with resistance forces on Earth, up to and beyond the third battle of Reflex Point and into the Haydonite Conflict. 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

The lightest of all the production model Cyclones, the VR-038 Scout is also the fastest and more agile of the series. In cycle mode, the Scout can reach over 250 km/h, while its lightweight construction gives it the best off-road handling of any Cyclone. In Battloid Mode, it has a maximum flight speed of 220 km/h, and longer flight endurance than any other model. However, as with the other Cyclones, the flight time is still limited and drains the Protoculture Cell at a far higher rate than regular usage. Running speed is typical for the Cyclone series.

Due to its lightweight design, the VR-038 is the least heavily armoured of the series, and lacks any sort of integral weapon. In its main role as a scout, the Mecha is expected to evade opponents and avoid combat where possible. While not an intended part of the design, the VR-038 also possesses effective passive stealth capabilities, helping it to evade detection by conventional means, and proving to be exceptionally adept against the comparatively simple secondary detection systems of Invid Mecha. However, it can still be detected by Invid Protoculture sensors.

While not intended as a frontline fighter, the conditions encountered by resistance fighters on Invid-occupied Earth meant that the VR-038 was often forced into combat. In such cases, the rider was expected to rely on their mobility for protection. The L and R models possessed decent firepower and were still effective against the Invid Scout, Trooper and Soldier Power Armour, but were lacking against anything heavier.

The only flaw in the Cyclone's design was its weak sensor package, an issue shared with the VR-041 and VR-046 models. The Scout 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 Scout was equipped with a pop-up targeting reticule for use with its weapons, although the RL-6 and most hand weapons could be fired without engaging the system.

The armor of the Cyclone-series is composed of an advanced titanium-steel alloy. The armor on the VR-038 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 Scout 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)

* None, other than handheld weapons

(L)

* **RL-6 Rocket Cannon:** Hand-held rocket launcher that fires **Tarantula** Rocket-Propelled Grenades, similar in range and yield to the Recluse projectiles fired by the GR-103. It has a six missile payload. Weapon is fully usable without the Cyclone, but must be fired without benefit of the uplink to the Cyclone’s targeting system. Weapon mounts to the interior of the right forearm plate (front wheel cover) in Battloid, and on the right shoulder hardpoint in Cycle mode.

(M)

* **OSS-44 Data Acquisition Unit:** Military recording camera, for archival and reconnaissance in battlefield environments. Camera set includes IR-illuminator, and night-vision capability on a high-resolution wide-bandwidth CCD chip and six low-resolution narrow-band CCDs for full optical, near- and far-IR, and UV color imaging. Camera is capable of digitally storing thirty minutes of footage at highest resolution, or twelve hours at the lowest. Unit is also capable of three-color hard-copy production of single frames. Camera mounts to the right shoulder hardpoint in all modes.

(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-038A:** Basic courier/scout model; unarmed save for hand-held weapons.
* **VR-038L:** Standard scout and striker version, armed with RL-6 rocket cannon.
* **VR-038M:** Advanced scout model with OSS-44 Data Acquisition Unit.
* **VR-038R:** Anti-armour version armed with two GR-97 missile launchers.

## Configuration Options

### VR-038R - Fighter

A heavy-hitting configuration, trading endurance for firepower through the use of guided missiles.

**Loadout**

* **GR-97 Mini-Missile Launcher:** Mounted to each forearm. See *H162* for more details. [H][H]
* **Silent Running:** See *H162* for more details.

## Notes

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