Combat Pod

## Combat Pod (T'siani-Gult)

The precursor to the Bioroid series, the **Combat Pod** (**T'siani-Gult**) was a weapons platform used by the Trolian Empire.

## Background

Most of the details of the development and history of the Combat Pod have been lost in the downfall of the Tirolian Empire, but some details have been pieced together. The Combat Pod was developed following the ascension of the Robotech Masters to serve as a security and patrol platform for their holdings. With external defence being largely handled by their Zentraedi warrior-slaves and with no immediate threats to the Empire apparent, the Masters likely saw no immediate need for a large standing army of their own.

A comparatively simple design, the Combat Pod was deemed adequate for defence of the Masters' holdings. Combat Pods could soon be found on those worlds that the Masters deemed 'loyal' enough to not warrant a Zentraedi presence, and were employed to both protect their holdings and supress dissent. The weapons fit of the pod, a trio of particle cannons, was deemed to be overkill for the intended role, but also allowed the pod to be used against armoured targets as needed. Combat Pods were also deployed in space onboard the Masters' fleet for self-defence.

However, the expansion of the Empire and a growing need for a more aggressive weapon system rendered the Combat Pod obsolete. With the introduction of the Soldier Bioroid, the Combat pod was rapidly withdrawn from frontline service, especially as Bioroid numbers grew dramatically in short order. Most extant Combat Pods were converted to pilotless drones that could fulfil basic security roles without the need for Clone pilots. However, the Masters also retained a few manned examples for use as test platforms for weapons systems and other technologies.

Most examples, both piloted and drones, had been withdrawn and scrapped before the start of the twentieth century CE. Those that remained either succumbed to Protoculture exhaustion or were destroyed in futile attempts to hold back the Invid as the Masters' empire crumbled. The last known examples were lost with the Robotech Master's fleet during the Second Robotech war, however, they would leave behind one deadly legacy. During the war, specially modified Combat Pods were used to perfect the Triumveroid system used to lethal effect by the Invid Fighter Bioroid.

## Capabilities

The Combat Pod was designed as an entirely self-contained weapon system, resembling a rough ovoid with no anthropomorphic features to speak of. Power came from a single Protoculture engine mounted in the heart of the pod. Mobility was provided by a combination of systems, a precursor to those found on later, more advanced Tirolian platforms. Main motive thrust was provided by an ion pulse engine mounted in the rea of the pod. Directional control was handled through an Inertia-Vector Control system, a precursor of the more advanced system used by the Zentraedi Female Power Armour.

Initially, the Combat Pod was controlled by a single crew inside a compact cockpit in the centre of the pod using a thought control helmet interface; a precursor to the more advanced systems found on the Bioroids. Records are unclear on the details, but it is generally accepted that the Combat Pods were initially operated by purpose-bred Clone pilots. The cockpit was fully environmentally sealed and featured full life support systems, allowing the Combat Pod to operate in space or hostile environments (such as the toxic atmosphere of Garuda).

Details of the Combat Pod's electronics fit are scant, but it is believed that its systems were broadly comparable to those on the Soldier Bioroid, albeit less advanced. The Combat Pod's sensors likely included short-range, multi-mode radar system, as well as advanced optical systems, including thermal, infrared, low-light and ultraviolet detection. All information was relayed directly to a heads-up display built in to the pilot's helmet. The Triumveroid test platform included a developmental model of the Triumveroid system that was identical in functionality to the final version. However, all details of it have been lost.

The Combat Pod was protected by a layer of advanced lightweight composite materials which provided good protection against small arms fire, but only minimal protection against anything heavier.

## Weapons and Equipment

* 3 **Particle Beam Cannons:** Two mounted on the lower sides of the pod and the third on the top; capable of independent traverse for separate targeting, but can also be focused on a single point. Few details of this weapon are known, but it is believed to be a precursor of the gun pods used by the Bioroids.