VR-052 Battler Cyclone

The third mass-production model Cyclone, the **VR-052 Battler** is an infantry combat Veritech mecha used by the UEEF.

## Background

The destruction of the first Reclamation Force over Earth in 2038 was a shock to the UEEF for a number of reasons. After-action analysis prompted a broad review of their equipment and tactics at every level to determine what could be improved ahead of a possible second attempt at reclaiming Earth. Among other items, a review of the Cyclone series sought to redress long-standing flaws in the designs as a part of the development of new models.

While the VR-041 series had served the UEEF well, two major problems had hindered it for its operational career. The first was its lacklustre sensory fit, a problem shared with the older VR-038 Scout Cyclone and carried forward to the VR-046 special operations model. The second was the GR-103 launchers that served as the Cyclone's main weapons. While powerful, they were also difficult to learn to operate and use in the field. Based on this review, the UEEF's design teams opted to kill two birds with a single stone, and devised a new design, designated VR-052. This model replaced the troublesome missile launchers with an extensive sensor and targeting suite. While there was a loss of raw firepower from the older model, the upgraded electronics fit and use of arm-mounted weapons systems were seen as an acceptable trade-off. As an added incentive, testing showed that the new model was far easier to learn and use than the VR-041 series had been.

Eschewing the close-combat focus of the VR-041 series, the VR-052 was primarily armed with ranged weapons. The two most common equipment packages were the VR-052R equipped with a pair of GR-97 missile launchers, and the VR-052T equipped with the powerful EP-40 pulse beam cannon. However, the VR-052 was backwards-compatible with all prior externally-mounted Cyclone weapons systems, leading to a wide range of weapons configurations.

The new Cyclone was accepted into service as the VR-052 Battler and entered mass production in 2040, displacing the older models on the assembly line. The Battler quickly proliferated, and became the new Infantry Combat mecha and pilot survival vehicle of the UEEF in short order. Furthermore, its ease of production and use allowed the UEEF to expand its deployment compared to older models, equipping more units with the Cyclone and almost completely displacing conventional infantry. The Battler Cyclone quickly became the most heavily produced and deployed model, outstripping the older models in a matter of months.

VR-052 Cyclones were widely deployed with the second Recapture Force in 2042, with most simply being destroyed in orbit or during re-entry by the Invid's space defences. However, those that made it to the ground proved to be effective weapons in the hands of both infantry units and surviving pilots, such as Lt. Commander Scott Bernard. Furthermore, many of the crashed ships from the Reclamation Force proved to be a boon to other resistance forces who looted the vessels for Cyclones and other supplies. The VR-052's ease of use made it a favourite for many resistance fighters, many of which were able to operate Cyclones as effective combatants without any formal military training.

Furthermore, the VR-052 was also employed by a number of independent recon teams and other units that were inserted onto Earth during the failed liberation. These units proved to be highly successful in their operations, and were able to contribute considerable information to the planning for the UEEF's third liberation attempt in 2044. In the lead-up to that effort, more advanced recon forces were also placed on Earth, most of which were equipped solely with VR-052 models.

Battler Cyclones served in the frontlines of the Second Battle of Reflex Point, being operated by UEEF regular forces, survivors from the previous failed assaults and even irregular resistance fighters. Furthermore, the design continued to remain the standard emergency survival mecha for the UEEF's aerospace forces. Given the sheer numbers produced, the current need to preserve remaining forces against a possible conflict with the Haydonites, as well as the design's lack of compromised technology, it is likely that the VR-052 Cyclone will remain in service for the foreseeable future, both with the UEEF and forces on Earth.

## Capabilities

Despite the overall differences in design, the VR-052 shared a large portion of its components with the older VR-041, giving it broadly similar performance. The maximum road speed in cycle mode was 220 km/h, with the Battler sharing the same excellent off-road capabilities as its predecessors. Maximum flight speed in Battloid Mode was 185 km/h, which like other models, could only be sustained for a few minutes at a time. The VR-052 reverted to the earlier thruster design of the VR-038, which offered greater airborne mobility at the expense of raw thrust, which added to the design's ease of operation.

The electronics fit on the VR-052 was far ahead of that found on any previous Cyclone. The chest modules (front of the vehicle in cycle mode) mounted an extensive fit that was headed up by a short-range, omni-directional battlefield radar with both air and land target tracking capabilities. Secondary sensors included passive infrared detection, optical systems (such a low-light, thermal and so on) and a laser target designator. Unlike previous Cyclones, these systems could be used in both modes, with the dashboard of the cycle mode also serving as a data display. In the hands of recon and special forces units, this capacity was often used to passively collect data and survey targets while remaining in the comparatively innocuous cycle mode. The VR-052 possessed the same pop-up targeting reticule as the older model cyclones, with the operator now having access to even more targeting options.

Unlike the VR-041, the weapons systems of the VR-052 were entirely externally mounted on the forearm plates, which served as the front wheelguards in cycle mode. Furthermore, the Cyclone’s weapons were entirely modular, which allowed them to be changed out as needed for different roles and mission profiles. In addition to the forearm mounted weapons, the Battler was usually equipped with a hand-held weapon as backup. While having less overall firepower than the VR-041 series, the VR-052 was still more than a match for an Invid Scout, Trooper or Soldier Power Armour. However, it was also still outmatched by the larger Invid types, such as the Enforcer.

The armor of the Cyclone-series is composed of an advanced titanium-steel alloy. The armor on the VR-052 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 Battler 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

(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.

(T)

* **EP-40 40mm Pulse Particle Beam Gun:** mounted in place of the right forearm plate (right front wheel cover) of the Cyclone. It can pierce almost any armor, and stores 45 rounds per energy magazine. Magazines can recharge from the Cyclone’s main generator, but at a slow rate. Weapon is also targetable from Cycle mode, though the arc of fire is limited. A targeting camera is mounted in the front, uplinking with the Cyclone’s main targeting system. Action is semi-automatic. This weapon is appreciably lighter than the EP-37, at 4.5kg, but is still somewhat difficult to hold in prolonged combat without the added strength of the Cyclone.

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-052A:** Basic infantry model, armed with hand weapons only.
* **VR-052R:** Anti-armour model armed with GR-97 missile launchers.
* **VR-052T:** Assault package equipped with EP-40 beam cannon.

## Configuration Options

### VR-052A - Basic

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

**Loadout**

* Hand-held weapons only
* May also mount two optional Arm weapons; see Cyclone main file for more details

## Notes

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