RK-720 Cestus

The **RK-720 Cestus** was an early Power Armour developed by the UEDF as it worked to uncover the secrets of Robotechnology.

## Background

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.

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. In one of their more notable operations, Cestus suits were deployed against the *Lemuria* as a part of the UEDF's scheme to eliminate the pirate group. 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. At the same time, the AUL used the Cestus' technology to develop their own Power Armour, the APA-001 Yellowjacket.

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. None the less, the Cestus was an influence on the later Southern Cross Power armour designs.

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, and saw use as late as 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.

## Capabilities

Key to the Cestus' design was a primitive Protoculture engine; while the UEDF's understanding of the technology was limited, they still were able to implement it in a production-level design. While the Cestus 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.

The Cestus pilot was suited in the torso, with their legs extending into the suit's legs to provide locomotion. The cockpit was fully pressurised and equipped with life-support systems. Primary detection was provided by a short-range radar with both air and surface tracking modes. This was supported by secondary systems including infra-red and thermal optics, as well as a laser designator for use both with the Cestus' own missiles and for designating targets. Information was presented on a heads-up display inside the dome-like helmet of the mecha. The Cestus featured a comparatively simple radio communications system.

Due to its primitive design, the Cestus was not as agile or responsive as later designs. However, it also was still a fully functional humanoid platform, complete with hands for manipulation. Conversely, due to its design, the Cestus was easy to maintain compared to more complex machines, which doubtless helped extend its lifespan.

The Cestus' armour was made from a combination of conventional materials and advanced technologies derived from the SDF-1. The armour is immune to small arms fire, and provides fair to good protection against heavy infantry weapons (such as a 12.7mm machine gun round) and moderate protection against heavier weapons (such as a Zentraedi 22.3mm autocannon round). The pilot's canopy was the only weak spot in the armour.

## Weapons and Equipment

* **32mm Autocannon:** The Cestus' main weapon was a 32mm autocannon mounted on the right arm, firing the same type of ammunition as used by the UEDF's Spartan Destroid and Comanchero attack helicopter. The weapon was fully automatic, and fed from an internal magazine. While limited in its firepower, the cannon was the heaviest weapon that the Cestus could carry.

* **Mini-Missile Launcher:** The Cestus was equipped with a mounting on the right forearm for a pair of **Venom** mini-missiles. These weapons were added to provide the Cestus with some anti-armour punch, but were not present on all examples.

## Game Statistics

* **Required Rank:** 1

* **Designation:** RK-720

* **Stats**
	+ **Armour – Light:** 6
	+ **Structure** – **Light:** 6
	+ **Hardware Points**: Basic
	+ **Speed** – **Running:** 50 kph / 80m / 8 Ground Units
	+ **Speed** – **Flight:** 450 kph / 750m / 75 Ground Units

### Weapons

* **32mm Autocannon:** The Cestus' main weapon is an autocannon attached to the right arm. While comparatively underpowered, it also was light enough to avoid weighing the suit down and restricting its flight capabilities. The weapon has a Range of Medium, but can fire further. It deals x3 Light damage and ignores 3 points of Armour. [E][H][P3]

* **Mini-Missiles:** The Cestus is armed with a pair of mini-missiles on the left arm for use against enemy ground targets. While the payload is only limited, it still gives the Cesuts some anti-armour capability. These weapons can only be used through an Equipment Suite. [H]

* **Punch:** The Cestus' hands can be used as a weapon. They inflict Light-Class damage and ignore 1 point of the target's Armour. [M][P1]

### Features

* **Indexing Hands:** The Cestus has fully functional hands built into the suit. They have a sensitivity of .1 kg

* **Atmosphere Only:** The Cestus can only be used in an Earth-like atmosphere.

### Equipment Suites

* **Mini-Missiles:** The Cestus mounts a pair of mini-missiles on the left arm for use against surface armoured targets. They can be used up to Medium range and inflict Mecha scale damage. [B3]
	+ **Uses:** 1
	+ **Skill:** 3

* **Agile And Elusive:** Only lightly armoured, the Cestus relies on its small size and mobility to allow it to evade enemy fire. Use this skill when flying or in open terrain to avoid and dodge incoming fire, redirect enemies and confuse them with rapid movement.
	+ **Uses:** Unlimited
	+ **Skill:** 2

## Notes

* Design Notes
* Image Gallery