THIRD INVID WAR: NEW REF CYCLONES Next Previous Top Index
The following material is from THE THIRD INVID WAR, a fan supplement by Dave Deitrich and Chris Meadows. Please feel free to use, copy, and distribute it as you see fit. All we ask is that you give proper credit to us and do not claim that it is your own work. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

CYCLONE WEAPON MODULES

One of the key features of the cyclone design is the modular weapon systems it can use. The arm shields of all cyclone models can be customized with a variety of different weapon packages, allowing the mecha to be equipped with an array of weapons that match the requirements of its mission. The first generation cyclones had only three different weapon modules, the GR-97 Plasma Missile Launcher, the EP-37 Beam Cannon, and the RL-6 Portable Rocket Launcher. The second generation cyclones were designed so that they could use all of the above modules, PLUS a whole new series of modular weapons being designed by REF engineers. The below list represents the weapon modules most commonly found on Earth during the Third Invid War. Newer modules are constantly in development, however, helping to increase the versatility and efficitiveness of the Cyclone mecha.

CONTENTS:

GR-200 FOREARM MISSILE LAUNCHER/BEAM CANNON

Designed especially for the VR-152 Battler II, this popular cyclone weapon unit is based on the old GR-97 Missile Launcher design used on the VR-052 Battler. The new unit mounts two one-shot plasma missile launchers, combined with a modified beam cannon derived from the older EP-37 design. The plasma missiles give the cyclone a heavy punch, and the beam cannons provide an energy weapon to fall back on when the missiles are gone. The GR-200 is the commonly requested and issued unit for cyclone units expecting heavy combat.

The beam cannon draws power directly from the cyclone's fusion reactor, giving the weapon unlimited ammo so long as the reactor is functioning. The disadvantage to this is that there is no backup supply, and the beam cannon becomes useless hardware when the GR-200 is detached (though some resistance fighters have been known to "hot- wire" the weapon into another power supply). The missile launchers are of course one-shot weapons.

GR-215 BEAM CANNONS

The GR-215 is an energy-only weapon package for cyclones. Two different weapons are mounted on the unit; a beam cannon, for a high damage at short range, and a small particle cannon, which packs less punch but has a much greater range and accuracy. The particle cannon uses a guiding laser for maintaining beam coherence, which in a pinch can be used at lower power settings for utilitarian purposes such as wielding and cutting.

The GR-215 was originally designed for use with the VR-135 Forager survival cyclone. The cyclone designers felt that reliance on missiles would be too big a hinderance in a guerilla combat situation such as the Invid Wars, and so designed the GR-215 to provide a dynamic range of energy-weapons that did not require ammo. In addition, the 215 is the only weapon package designed to take power directly from an external energy clip, in case the cyclone's reactor is malfunctioning or otherwise unable to supply power. Finally, as a direct result of the survival philosophy behind the Forager, the GR- 215s were designed to be extremely simple to maintain and repair int the field (+20% to repair and modification rolls). Instructions for disassembling and reassembling the GR-215 are actually printed on the weapon itself.

VR-135 Forager cyclones come automatically equipped with a pair of GR- 215s, but the popularity of the unit has led it to be commonly used on other cyclone designs as well. It is often used in conjunction with another weapon system, such as the GR-200 or a CADS system, in order to provide greater variety in weapon selection.

GR-220 BEAM CANNON/4.45mm SMG

The GR-220 was designed in response to the need for a weapon unit that combined the high destructive power of a beam cannon with a more discreet conventional weapon. Such a mix is useful in both guard and law enforcement duty, where the conventional weaponry can be used as a deterrent, and the beam weapon used against heavier opponents. The GR-220 uses a light beam cannon combined with a 4.45 mm submachine gun, all concealed by a cover plate so as to not overly indicate the power of the unit. The 220 is commonly issued to VR-122 Protector cyclones or VR-120 Ferrets on guard duty.

CLOSE ASSAULT AND DEFENSE SYSTEM MK. II (CADS-2)


Also called "CADS- Super," this advanced version of the original CADS system is standard issue for the VR-141 Super Saber. Instead of sword blades, the disk- shaped hub units conceal whirling buzz-saw blades that can cut through solid steel girders in seconds. This attachment has great possibilities in the field of sabotage and demolitions as well as that of espionage. Like its predecessor, it is mostly silent, except for a low hum and the sound of the blades whirring. Unfortunately when cutting through metal, the CADS-2 will tend to make a great deal of noise, spoiling any chance of surprise.

Like its predecessor, the CADS-2 also contains an energy shield that can be used to shield the mecha from harm if necessary. The CADS-2 is large and awkward, and cannot be used as a weapon if detached from the Cyclone mecha. The unit draws power directly from the cyclone's onboard fusion reactor.

CLOSE ASSAULT AND DEFENSE SYSTEM MK. 1B (CADS-1B)

Basically an updated version of the original CADS-1, designed as an alternative for the CADS-2. The CADS-1B resembles and has all the functionality of the CADS-1, but is smaller and has a particle cannon mated to it for distance attacks.

GR-117 RESCUE HOOK

The GR-117 is a rather unique weapon system originally designed for the VR-117 Firefly rescue cyclone. The primary "weapon" of the GR-117 is a grappling hook launcher with an extremely strong cable and hook. The grappling hook can be used in a variety of purposes, such as a makeshift crane, cable for pulling, or even for securing loose and crumbling fixtures. It can be used for it's original purpose of scaling buildings and walls as well, of course. In addition to the grappling hook, a welding laser is mounted on the module to allow the user to cut through bulkheads and rubble. The GR-117 unit is NOT designed with combat purposes in mind.

THIRD INVID WAR: NEW REF CYCLONES Next Previous Top Index
DAVE DEITRICH
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deitrich@mcs.net		 Last Updated: Friday, 18-Jan-08 02:59:13 PST