VR-057 Devastator Cyclone

The last member of the Cyclone family, the **VR-057 Devastator** is a specialised heavy weapons variant used by the UEEF.

## Background

The Devastator was born of the same review into the loss of the first Recapture force that prompted the development of the VR-046 and VR-052 Cyclone models. In their analysis of their infantry forces, the UEEF saw a need for a heavier unit that could act as fire support to regular infantry forces while also serving as heavy backup for independent operations and small teams. While development of a heavier platform akin to the Southern Cross' VM-5 Typhoon was considered, the UEEF chose instead to opt for a further development of the Cyclone family. Not only would this ease development, production and other logistical concerns, but the new model could also still be used as an emergency survival vehicle. However, this alternate plan was not a complete dead end and eventually led to the development of the VM-9 Silverback series.

Development of this new heavy platform drew from the VR-052 Cyclone, with the proposed design sharing the same advanced sensors and dependence entirely on external weapons. The new model, designated VR-057, was further refined with the development of an even more extensive sensor package, as well as an entirely new weapons fit that offered greater firepower and battlefield endurance than the existing models. Rather then depending on missiles, the new version would use a combination of missile and beam weaponry to provide its offensive capabilities. The new model quickly earned the nickname 'Devastator' for its firepower, which was adopted as its formal service name.

Delays with development meant that the VR-057D had only entered early production by the time the first Recapture Force was launched in 2042. A small number of examples were incorporated into the force for use with infantry and independent operations units. Some of those survived to make it to Earth's surface and saw action against the Invid in various theatres. There it was found that the Devastator's performance was very much a mixed bag. While its heavy firepower was greatly appreciated, its main beam cannon was found to be unreliable and prone to failure. Furthermore, the Devastator was more complex to support than other models and required more ammunition to keep combat-effective.

None the less, the UEEF were impressed with its performance and ordered further development of the type. A key breakthrough came in 2043 with the 'acquisition' of the Destabiliser technology developed by the rogue Doctor Osmund, which offered a weapon capable of punching holes in the protoplex barriers used around Invid hives and other installations. Production was changed to equip the VR-057D with the new H-109P Destabiliser as the main weapon which not only gave it greater capabilities, but also resolved the issue with the problematic beam cannon. The now re-amred VR-057D was put into production as a heavy fire support unit for UEEF special forces.

At the same time, feedback about the VR-057D's field performance had seen the UEEF develop a 'back to basics' model, the VR-057S. Essentially an up-gunned version of the VR-052R, the S was equipped with a powerful infantry railgun in addition to the standard GR-97 missile launchers. While not as powerful as the VR-057D, the S model was far easier to build and support, as well as being easier to learn. Seeing the value in the design, it was ordered into service with regular infantry forces as a fire-support and anti-armour unit.

Both Cyclones saw use by the UEEF's recon forces in the lead-up to the third Reclamation Force mission in 2044. The VR-057D proved to be invaluable in operations against Invid hives, giving special forces units a way to get past otherwise unpassable barriers. Likewise, the VR-057S saw extensive use as a support platform, its greater firepower appreciated against the proliferation of newer Invid designs such as the Enforcer and Grappler. Both Cyclones were used in the final assault on Reflex Point alongside other models.

The VR-057S also saw use against Haydonite forces during their attack on Space Station Liberty, where the heavy firepower was useful against the robotic invaders. For the moment, the UEEF has kept both models in service against possible future Haydonite attack or other hostilities.

## Capabilities

Unlike other Cyclone variants where the differences between models largely came down to modular weapons systems, the VR-057 series essentially consisted of two different designs that shared some common elements and a shared role. However, at the same time, there were a number of differences between the two models.

The heaviest of the Cyclones, the added weight of weapons and armour meant that the VR-057-series were not as fast as other models. Maximum cycle mode ground speed was approximately 195 km/h, although the VR-057 series retained the same excellent off-road capabilities as its predecessor. Maximum flight speed was about 150 km/h, and, like the other Cyclones, this could only be sustained for short periods. Due to the added weight, flying was especially draining on the Protculture power cell, which added to the larger logistical footprint of the series. Likewise, the VR-057 was not as agile as other Cyclones, although it needs to be said that it was still far more mobile than an unaugmented human.

Both Cyclones featured an extensive sensor suite that was built on that of the VR-052 series. 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. The larger sensory systems gave the VR-057 series greater resolution and off-boresight tracking capabilities than other models.

The VR-057S used the standard pop-up reticule for weapons targeting. Conversely, the VR-057D used a targeting reticule attached to the purpose-designed CVR-3D helmet, similar to the system used by the VR-046 Cyclone. This mounting was due to the position of the D model's main gun on the right shoulder. As such, the VR-057D could only be used by an operator wearing the appropriate CVR-3 variant, while the VR-057S could still be used by any suit type.

Both models depended entirely on externally-mounted weapons systems; however, their design was such that most of those weapons could not be used by other Cyclone models. Furthermore, both had access to hand-held weapons systems as needed.

The armor of the Cyclone-series is composed of an advanced titanium-steel alloy. The armor on the VR-057 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), with the VR-057 offering the greatest overall protection of the series. 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

(D, pre-2043)

* **EP-41R Heavy Output Dual Beam Cannon:** firing at a maximum sustained rate of the rate of 30 shots per minute, but capable of instantaneous rate of fire of 300 shots per minute. This weapon is mounted on the right shoulder of the Cyclone, and is capable of +60 to -30 degree traverse in altitude, and a 15 degree traverse in azimuth. The weapon is powered from its own dedicated Protoculture cell, and is somewhat unreliable, tending to overheat at maximum firing rate.

(D, post-2043)

* **H-109P Destabiliser Cannon:** Sub-nuclear particle beam gun. Can fire up to 30 times/minute. The particles have a specific, disrupting effect on force fields, and will short out a low power field completely, while high power fields may temporarily and locally cease to function. This weapon is mounted on the right shoulder of the Cyclone, and is capable of +60 to -30 degree traverse in altitude, and a 15 degree traverse in azimuth. The weapon is powered from its own dedicated Protoculture cell.

(D, all)

* **RL-8 Rocket Cannon:** Twin-barreled weapon mounted on the left arm. Fires **Tarantula** Rocket-Propelled Grenades, similar in range and yield to the Recluse projectiles fired by the GR-103. Magazine fed.
* **GR-105 Grenade Launcher:** Mounted on the right arm. Fires blast/fragmentation grenades, but can be fitted with other options including incendiary, smoke and gas options. Fed from internal magazine.

(S)

* **HRG-70 'Crusher' Accelerator Rifle:** Mounted on the shoulder. An electromagnetic railgun with a rate of fire of approx 24 rounds/minute. Fed from a 100-shot internal magazine internal magazine and tied directly into the Cyclone's targeting system. May also be used as a shoulder-mounted support weapon by unmounted infantry without benefits of additional targeting systems.
* 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 H-260 Valliant Rifle 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.

## Variants

* **VR-057D:** Special forces fire support and infiltration model
* **VR-057S:** Standard infantry support model

## Notes

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