Designation: RRG CVR-3M/F CVR-4

• Type: Hard Armor
• Year Introduced: 2032 (CVR-3), 2043 (CVR-4)
• Weight:
  • (w/o leggings) 7.5 kg (CVR-3M), 6.3 kg (CVR-3F), 8.0 kg (CVR-4)
  • (w/ leggings) 11.2 kg (CVR-3M), 9.6 kg (CVR-3F), 12.0 kg (CVR-4)

Based on a modified version of the CVR-1 hard armor of the previous decade, the CVR-3 armor was developed in 2031 by the Robotech Expeditionary Force to be compatible with the then in-development Cyclone transformable combat motorcycle. The most notable new feature were the armored telescoping boots, which were designed to increase the pilot's stride in Battloid mode, and to attach to the Cyclone's frame and servos, removing the need for the pilot to support the heavy weapons system with his own strength. The heavy version, standard issue for male pilots of all Cyclones, and female pilots of the Battler and Blowsperior, was designated the CVR-3M. However, because of the lower weight of the VR-038 Bartley, the standard armor's boots were more than enough to support the mecha and distribute its weight over the ground. In an attempt to further reduce the Bartley's weight and improve its mobility, a lighter version of the armor - constructed exclusively for female soldiers - was produced and designated the CVR-3F.

Both armors entered wide service in 2032 with the introduction of the Cyclone, and were quickly adopted by all branches of the REF - though soldiers not anticipating using a Cyclone would often not wear the leg armor, to reduce weight and improve mobility. The introduction of the VR-055 Devastator in 2043 required minor modifications to the armor, which was designated the CVR-4, and this new armor is not fully backwards-compatible with the Cyclones supported by the CVR-3 system, though most components of the armor are identical.

The CVR-3 and -4 armors are composed of a plastic-ceramic composite for maximal resistance to penetration and thermic explosive damage for minimal weight. The armor stops most small arms fire and grenade and shell fragments, and provides poor to fair resistance against heavier infantry weapons, such as a 12.7mm machinegun round.

The armor on the thighs is substantially weaker, and provides fair protection against small arms fire, and good protection against small grenade and shell fragments. The boot pieces are identical in armor to the Cyclone, and the armor is composed of an advanced titanium-steel alloy. Protection on the CVR-3F's boots is similar to that on the Bartley model Cyclone, and the armor on the CVR-3M's and -4's boots is similar to that on the Battler model.

Vulnerable areas of the pilot are the upper arms, and a small part of the abdomen and back. The armor consists of a light helmet, a breastplate with shoulder guards, forearm guards, a groin harness, light thigh armor, and heavy boots that constitute the legs in Cyclone Battloid mode.

The CVR-3 and -4 armor have the following features:

• Limited temperature control, by the use of Peltier-electric cooling units in armor, conducting heat between the thermally conducting inner and outer layers of the breastplate, helmet, and leg armors. A simple reversal of the voltage can alternate the armor from heating to cooling the pilot. Between the thermally conducting layers on all these pieces, and on the inner surfaces of all other pieces of armor, is a thin insulating layer, designed to minimize non-directed heat transfer. The Peltier-electric units are powered by small batteries in the armor units that contain them, and are designed to assist pilot comfort in hot and cold climes. The units are insufficient for protection above 45 and below -25 degrees Celsius.
• Filter and independent Oxygen supply, 30 minutes maximum with filter and 5 minutes with internal Oxygen alone. The CVR helmet is normally unsealed, but when a seal is desired (or pressure drops suddenly) an inflatable ring at the base of the helmet expands, making a seal around the pilot's neck. This does not make the CVR an environment suit; the primary purpose of this system is to provide battlefield protection against chemical warfare in conjunction with a specially designed under-suit, and to provide some protection for a pilot, until a rescue team can arrive, should his vehicle depressurize in space.
• Heat resistant up to 500K for brief periods
• Helmet with variable-tint photochromic polarized polycarbon faceplate.
• Radio microphone and speakers in the helmet
• Optional utility belt that mounts to the Cyclone mounting points on the groin harness; must be broken away before Cyclone transformation can occur.

It is possible to wear an environment suit under the CVR armor, with the external consumables supply leads going through the CVR armor by way of special channels in the armor, after which they can plug into the mecha's life-support system or, for unmounted wearers, into a standard environmental supply backpack.

Go to REF Armor/Weapons Index.

Go to the Robotech Reference Guide Home Page.

Robotech (R) is the property of Harmony Gold. This document is in no way intended to infringe upon their rights.