(Modified by Stanley Bundy from the version by Brent Swanson)
(Swanson version originally appeared in Protoculture Addicts #10)
Brent Swanson said in his article "The Shadow Cyclone" that his version of the VR-064 was "Dr. Lang's 'Ultimate' creation." In reality, it is closer to being the "ultimate" in "Monty Haul" for the Robotech RPG. The inclusion of a Shadow Device in a Cyclone is at best far-fetched (there's no room for it), but that is the only part that is unbalancing to the game; extremely unbalancing. It would be like giving any fantasy RPG thief permanent invisibility. However, deleting this ability lets us make further upgrades to the VR-064's weapon capability, seeing how the Cyclone is no longer having to power a Shadow Device.
To start with, this revised version of the VR-064 is called the VR-064-XP, to differentiate it from the Swanson version. It retains the Maglev shocks that gives a bonus of +5% to control rolls (+10% for Cyclone Riders), as well as the Reflex Autocannon that serves as the VR-064's main weapon. It also still has the modified GR-97s (GR-97As), but the CADS-2 do have the renewing force fields of the VR-041's CADS-1 system, thanks to the XP's greater power reserve than the old VR-064. The left-side GR-103 has been reinstalled as well; there was no reason to remove it in the first place, since the Reflex cannon only replaced the starboard GR-103.
As for other features, the single-cell engine of the four standard Cyclones (038-LT, 041, 052-F & 052-T) has been replaced by a two-cell version. However, this also eliminates the backup gasoline engine; but, being a front-line mecha, it doesn't need it. The reason the older models had it was because they were issued as survival gear for larger mecha, and were considered general-use mecha. The additional power also allows the use of heavier armor. The additional armor and power balance each other out, so that the speed data for the VR-064-XP is the same as the older, lighter Cyclones.
The VR-064-XP Cyclone
MDC by Location:
Main Body: 250* Tires: 5 each
Rocket Thrusters: 50 Legs: 125 each
Head: 60 Storage Boxes: 5 each
Headlights: 2 Forearms/CADS-2^: 60 each
*Depleting shuts the mecha down. ^Unlimited when CADS are active.
Crew: One.
Speeds - As Standard Cyclone.
Cycle Dimensions: As Standard Cyclone.
BA Dimensions: Height=pilot's + 1'; Width=3.5 ft; Length=3.5 ft.
Weight: 300 lbs. fully loaded, plus weight of pilot.
Engines: Two-Cell Protoculture Engine.
Standard equipment: As other Cyclones, except as modified above.
Weapon Systems:
1. Reflex Autocannon: This recent advance in Robotechnology is mounted on the Right Chest area, replacing the GR-103 that would be found there on a VR-041 series Cyclone. Due to the amount of power this weapon uses, it can only be fired twice per round, and never in consecutive actions. Also, on a natural "1" to strike, the weapon will overheat for 2D6 attacks.
Primary Purpose: Anti-Mecha
Modes Usable: Both
Mega-Damage: 3D6x10
Range: 1 Mile
Rate of Fire: 2 per round maximum.
Payload: Unlimited.
2. GR-103 Missile Launcher (Left Chest): This is identical to the port GR-103 found on the VR-041 series Cyclones. As there is not a starboard GR-103 present, its ROF is reduced accordingly.
Primary Purpose: Assault
Modes Usable: Both
Mega-Damage: Varies
Range: 1 Mile
Rate of Fire: 1, 2, 3 or all.
Payload: 6 (usually Armor Piercing or Plasma Mini-missiles).
3. GR-97A Forearm Mini-Missile Launchers: The "A" model of the GR-97 has been modified so that one missile sits to either side of that arm's CADS-2 housing. Note that when the CADS' force fields are activated, the GR-97As cannot fire, as the missiles are inside the force field. However, the fields can be active in Cycle mode for ramming, stealing an Invid Enforcer Speeder tactic.
Primary Purpose: Anti-Mecha
Mega-Damage: 1D6x10 per missile.
Range: 1 Mile
Rate of Fire: 1 or 2.
Payload: 2 Plasma mini-missiles per arm (4 total).
4. CADS-2 Close Assault and Defense System: Similar to the CADS-1 of the VR-041, the only real difference is that they are not fully retractable. However, this means that they can be used for ramming in Cycle mode, and can have their force fields active in Cycle mode for this purpose. When the force fields are active, the GR-97As cannot fire, but the forearms are immune to damage. Note that the CADS-2 can be activated singly if desired.
Primary Purpose: Hand to Hand(BA mode), Ramming(Cycle Mode).
Mega-Damage: Slash: 4D4; Punch: 4D6, Power Punch: 1D4x10.
Attacks: As Mecha Combat; Power Punches count as 2 attacks.
5. Gallant H-90 System: Standard issue to all Cyclones. Includes the Rifle stock and 3 rifle magazines (left storage box).
6. EP-37 Energy Beam Rifle: Standard issue for all VR-064s. Having this weapon allows the pilot to continue fighting during the Reflex AC's "down time", even after all of the missiles are gone. Usually, 1D4 additional magazines are carried in the right storage box.
Primary Purpose: Assault
Mega-Damage: 1D4x10
Range: 4000 feet
Rate of Fire: As combined HTH, using Modern WP.
Payload: 10 blasts per magazine.
7. Optional Use of Hand to Hand Combat: Requires Combat in both 041 & 052 models, otherwise treat as Basic Combat. The VR-064 has a robotic P.S. of 45. Attack damage is as follows -
Restrained Punch: 6D6+30 SDC,
Punch: 1D6 MD, Kick: 1D6 MD,
Leap Kick: 2D6 MD,
Body Flip/Throw: 1D6 MD,
Body Block/Tackle: 1D6 MD.