However, development on the Cyclone Series 5 continued, though it took another direction. By 2026, with the development of new advances in Robotechnology, the original design had been updated to produce a prototype Series 5 machine, code named Garland. In order to allow rapid analysis and transfer of test data, this Garland was equipped with a special data terminal with direct access to the Robotech Research Center's mainframe computers. This terminal was referred to as the MODAT 5, for Mobile Operations Data Analysis Terminal (contained within a) Series 5 (Cyclone). This name was also used to refer to the Series 5 Garland that contained the MODAT terminal.
Only one MODAT-equipped Garland prototype was produced. It was
stolen in 2027 by Todd Harris and passed on to his friend, Mark
Landry, and it played a critical role in defending the earth from
the first wave of the Robotech Masters' assault (though this
incident was hushed up by Supreme Commander Leonard, "for reasons
of morale").
During this period of time, Dr.s Zand and Beckett also experimented with reducing the costs of producing the Garland by separating some transformational components from the main body of the machine. This improved the performance of the pseudo-Garland (called the Hargun) in motorcycle mode; however, the Hargun could not transform into its humanoid form unless a specially-equipped utility vehicle carrying the additional parts was nearby. Interestingly enough, due to the disassembled nature of the Hargun's components, it could be incorporated into special aerial hover platforms for rapid deployment and transportation.
The Hargun was discontinued after a short time, but the lessons
learned through this experimentation enabled Zand to construct
several improved versions of the Garland motorcycle. Two of
these modified Garland models (Series 6 and 7) saw service in the
Monument City police force for a short period of time. Though
eventually retired as "unneeded and unfeasible," while they were
in service the Garland 6 and 7 had an almost unmatched record.
GMP officers swore by them.
It is interesting to note that forty of the approximately five hundred Garlands and ten of the one hundred Harguns placed in storage mysteriously vanished from the military compound where they were stored from June 2031 to January 2032, and were eventually seen in the hands of one of the many motorcycle gangs that sprang up in the wake of the Robotech Masters' defeat. The rest were scattered; some went to Africa Base, some went to other bases and outposts, but the majority (about 300) were stored in a deep bunker (a "Small REF Base," REF FIELD GUIDE pg. 48-52) somewhere in South America.
There are rumors of a highly-developed later version of the Garland, the Garland 8. This bike was said to have a highly-developed cybernetic interface system for greatly-improved performance. It would mount some additional weapon systems, including two vibroblade daggers and an experimental version of the mini-missile launchers that had been incorporated into the forearms of the VR-052 Battler Cyclone. It is rumored that ten of these bikes were manufactured before the fall of the United Earth Government. Where they may be stored is unknown (although the Robotech Research Center itself is the most likely possibility).
The Garland is a wonderful little machine. It has a powerful engine, combined with triple turbo thrusters in back for limited flight, and a remarkable array of available weapons.
Cyclone Series 1
Developed 2017, Robotech Research Center, Japan, Dr. Emil Lang and Dr. R. Burke. Modified RDF Motorcycle frame mounting hybrid gasoline turbine/micronized Protoculture cell engine. XEP-40 energy pulse cannon also tested. Both engine and weapon found to be satisfactory.Number manufactured: 1, dismantled 2018
Cyclone Series 2
Developed 2017, Robotech Research Center, Japan, Dr. Lazlo Zand. Larger "Harley Hog"-style frame mounting hybrid gasoline turbine/nuclear engine. Minor leaks found in casing of nuclear power cells; problem corrected and model declared satisfactory.Number manufactured: 1, dismantled 2018
Cyclone Series 3
Developed 2018, Robotech Research Center, Japan, Dr. Lazlo Zand. Development of Series 2, mounting XE-17 energy pistol. First transformation device test. Failed. XE-17 energy pistol exploded, killing test pilot and mechanical technician.Number manufactured: 1, destroyed in explosion 2019
Cyclone Series 4
Developed 2019, Robotech Research Center, Japan, Dr. Emil Lang and Dr. R. Burke. Standard motorcycle design incorporating hybrid gasoline/Protoculture engine. Also called XVR-052A. Incorporated CVR-3 armor as part of transformation sequence; converted into power armor. Mounted EP-40 energy pulse cannon (X designation removed after testing proved satisfactory). Designated XVR-052A. Underwent two years of thorough testing. Declared remarkable success. Was chosen over Series 5 (see below) to be developed into REF Cyclone.Number manufactured: 40; 2 destroyed in testing 2020, 2021; 3 dismantled for inspection 2022; 6 vanished mysteriously 2022 (investigation declared closed 2026); 29 transferred to SDF-3 before commencement of Sentinels mission, 2022.
Cyclone Series 5
Developed 2019, Robotech Research Center, Japan, Dr. Lazlo Zand. Large two-wheeled motorcycle frame incorporating hybrid gasoline/nuclear engine. Converted into robot. Mounted XGU-18 gun pod. Designated SMS-18A. Underwent six months of testing before being declared unworkable because of glitches in transformation sequence.Number manufactured: 6; 1 destroyed in testing 2020; 3 ordered dismantled 2020; 1 placed in storage 2020-2025; 1 taken aboard SDF-3 2022.
Garland
Developed 2025, Robotech Development Center, Monument City, Dr. Zand, Dr. Beckett. Developed as "showcase piece" for recent developments in Robotechnology. Glitches in remaining Cyclone Series 5 mecha resolved using same technological processes as in Veritech Logan. Outfitted with GU-18 gun pod (X designation removed after successful testing) and special MODAT computer / communication / surveillance equipment. Designated SMS-18E.Number manufactured: 1, stolen and destroyed in combat 2027.
Hargun
Developed 2026, Robotech Development Center, Monument City, Dr. Zand, Dr. Beckett. Experiment in reducing production cost of Garland units through separating their transformational systems. Outfitted with GU-19 gun pod and standard sensory instruments. Designated SMS-17B.Number manufactured: 320; used by military police in testing stages; 3 destroyed during testing; 43 lost in combat; 164 disassembled; 110 in storage, UEG facilities.
Garland 6
Developed 2027, Robotech Development Center, Monument City, Dr. Zand, Dr. Beckett. Utilized newer hybrid gasoline turbine/nuclear/Protoculture power plant for greater level of performance. Some models equipped with three wheels rather than two for increased stability. Also more heavily armored. Outfitted with GU-21 gun pod and standard type computer/communication/surveillance equipment. Designated SMS-18F.Number manufactured: 460; used by civilian and military police in Monument City; 88 attritions to date.
Garland 7
Developed 2029, Robotech Development Center, Monument City, Dr. Zand, Dr. Beckett. Application of technology developed in personal hovercycles gave newer development of Garland limited flight capabilities. Outfitted with GU-21 gun pod and standard type computer/communication/surveillance equipment. Designated SMS-18G.Number manufactured: 200; used by civilian and military police in Monument City; 37 attritions to date.
Garland 8
Rumored to be in development as of March 7th, 2030, Robotech Development Center, Monument City, design team unknown. Advanced technological advances built into a Garland 6 chassis. Expected to be designated SMS-18H.Number manufactured: 10?
ON THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GARLAND MODELS
The Garland 5
We didn't actually get to drive this model, as it was destroyed in a warehouse fire two years ago. We've heard from the scientists and test pilots who helped create it that the Garland was almost exactly like the Garland 6 is, but with a more primitive engine and a high-tech computer communication terminal (so high-tech that no one will talk to us about exactly what it did!). The pictures we've been shown LOOK almost exactly like the Garland 6 we got to drive, with minor exceptions such as fairing shape, et cetera. Its color was a bright red in the only color drawing; however the only colors used in this drawing were red, black, gray, and white, so we can't really tell if that's what it's supposed to be.
The Garland 6
The handling on this motorcycle compares favorably with most motorcycles on the civilian market. It features amazing cornering, and can attain remarkable speeds. Our former ATACS Hovertank pilot put it through its paces, and afterward had a great deal to say about it. He pointed out the computer terminal which resembles those found in police cars of the late 20th century, which the police used for calling up the criminal records of their arrestees. He mentioned the net-gun and magnetic cables, "for taking them alive." Furthermore, he indicated the stunning maneuverability of the machine--it has more speed and better handling than any other ground mecha, except possibly the prototype "Cyclone Cycle" that the REF took with them 8 years ago. And this machine has an amazing capacity for taking damage. All in all, it's a surprise that it isn't serving in the front lines.
The Garland 7
This machine is the newest of the Garland line, and also the fastest. It gets a good 50 mph better than the Garland 5 or 6, because it rides on jets of air instead of tires. It is also even more maneuverable than the Garland 6. However, because it flies instead of drives, it's just a bit harder to control. But according to our pilot, once you get used to it, it's "like flying a dream." The GMP pilot told us, "You wouldn't believe how much of a help it is to us in high-speed chases."
The Hargun
We didn't actually get to drive this one, but we saw plenty of footage of it in action. It used to fill the roles now occupied by the Garland 6 and 7--a transformable high-speed pursuit and assault vehicle (the motorcycle Hargun), and a transformable high-speed hovercraft (the hovercraft Hargun). By all reports, over a hundred of these vehicles have been placed in storage, awaiting disassembly for replacement parts or some other fate.
| Garland RPG Stats | GMP Patrol Hovercraft |
| GMP Hargun Deployment Hovercraft | Anime and GM's Notes |
|
CHRIS MEADOWS aka Robotech_Master robotech@eyrie.org chm173s@nic.smsu.edu |
Author, Team M.E.C.H.A., Crapshoot & Co. on the Superguy Listserv (bit.listserv.superguy) |
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