Panthera Manufacturing “Cub” Robot Transport:


Much smaller than companies such as Northern Gun, Panthera Manufacturing is highly specialized. Specifically, they specialize in robot vehicles with feline type chassis. They use a large number of systems produced by other companies including Northern Gun. As the result of being a smaller company and modest manufacturing, their products are not used generally as standard issue by mercenary companies or by government forces. This does not mean that some individuals do not use this equipment on their own.


The “Cub” actually was not designed initially for production at all. Predating all of the company’s other products, the design was originally only a test bed for the basic feline robot design. From the “Cub,” all of the other Panthera designs are derived. The original prototype was given the nickname “The Cub” due to being so much smaller than the designs planned to be developed from it. Even so, the design is about the size of a wild tiger. This nickname stuck when the production version was developed. 


The story goes that a potential customer watched the testing of the prototype though showed an interest in the prototype as well as the larger designs. Several companies produce small autonomous transport designs to support troops and power armors. These transports are useful for carrying gear and ammunition so as to not encumber personnel. Some are wheeled, others are treaded, and there are a number of multi-legged designs as well.


The original prototype did not have a fusion power plant and most production versions of the design are not fusion powered either. Instead, the design relies on a high capacity battery which gives it a range of up to around eight hundred miles. There is a fusion powered version which uses a micro reactor with a duration of around five years. The fusion plants are not manufactured by Panthera but instead is a power armor reactor produced by Northern Gun.


On both versions, top speed of the Cub is excellent with the ability to travel up to around one hundred miles per hour although cruise speed is usually around sixty miles per hour. Otherwise, it has excellent all terrain features and when knocked over can quickly right itself. While it does not have thrusters, it can leap up to sixty feet with a running start.


While the Cub does not have an internal cargo compartment, there are a number of specially designed locking cargo boxes which fit almost like saddle bag. Around four hundred pounds can be carried in this manner. In addition, the cub can mount a towing trailer and tow up to two tons of additional supplies behind it. Of course while towing a trailer, mobility is reduced.


Even though the design is primarily meant for transport, the programmers decided to mount a reasonably sophisticated artificial brain. This allows the robot design to perform rolls such as guard, allowing troops rest when they might otherwise be unable to. It is designed to follow various voice commands. Unlike the Northern Gun Labor Bot, the “Cub” does not have a propensity to go berserk.


The feline robot also has an extensive data base of creatures and military hardware. Generally, the robot is programmed to respond in growls but will transmits a human voice when carrying such information to personnel. Sensor suite is limited compared to those carried on a power armor although has excellent night vision systems and


Reasonably well armored, the design does not carry any weapons as standard. It can attack with claws and bit however. Generally, the robot is better to act as a distraction while personnel get ready to join the fight. Some owners have added weapon systems to the vehicle with mixed success. There is some discussion within the company to add the option of weapon systems. Ideas being floated include robot laser eyes as well as possibly a mortar system or mini-missiles on the back.


Model Type: PM-01-CU Cub.

Vehicle Type: Quadruped All Terrain Transport Robot.

Crew: None.


M.D.C. by Location:

 

Cargo Boxes (2):

20 each

 

[1] Front Legs (2):

60 each

 

[1] Rear Legs (2):

70 each

 

[2] Head:

50

 

[3] Main Body:

180

Notes:

[1] One leg can be destroyed while retaining most of the robot vehicle’s mobility. If one leg is destroyed, reduce top speed by 25% and the vehicle has -10% to piloting rolls as well as -2 to strike, parry, and dodge.

[2] Destruction of sensor head of the robot will eliminate all optics and sensory systems. In most cases the robot shuts down as a safety feature. Only if this is overridden will the robot continue to operate.

[3] Depleting the M.D.C. of the main body will shut the robot down completely, rendering it useless.


Speed:

Running: 100 mph (160.9 kph) maximum speed. Cruising speed is generally about 60 mph (96.6 kph).

Leaping: Powerful legs allow robot to leap 15 feet (4.6 meters) up and 30 feet (9.1 meters) across from a standing position and 40 feet (12.2 meters) up and 60 feet (18.3 meters) across with a short running start.

Underwater: It can walk along the bottom of the sea floor at 25% of maximum speed and has a maximum ocean depth of 1 mile (1.6 km).

Range: Fusion Powered Versions: Effectively Unlimited. Battery Powered Versions:800 miles (1,287.5 km) before needing to recharge.


Statistical Data:

Height:  3.5 feet (1.07 meters) at shoulders.

Width:   3.0 feet (0.91 meters).

Length:  8.2 feet (2.50 meters).

Weight: 925 lbs (419.6 kilograms.)

Attributes of Note: Equal to a I.Q. 8, P.S. 25, P.P. 18, SPD: 146

Power System: Fusion Powered Versions: Nuclear; average life is 5 years. Battery Powered Versions: Electrical, has a small high capacity battery.

Cargo: None internal but can carry cargo boxes in a saddle bag fashion. Up to 400 lbs (181.4 kg) can be carried in this manner. In addition, can tow up to up to 2.0 tons (1.81 metric tons).

Black Market Cost: Fusion Powered Versions: 4.5 million credits for a new, undamaged basic unit (unarmed.) Battery Powered Versions: 1.2 million credits for a new, undamaged basic unit (unarmed.) Design is considered rare and can cost considerably more in some case.


Weapon Systems:

  1. Hand to Hand Combat: The “Cub” is not fitted with any range weapons standard however can engage in close range melee combat. Has four (4) attacks per melee round when engaging in combat.

    Range: Hand to Hand.

    Damage:

      Bite: 3D6 M.D.

      Full Strength Claw Kick: 2D4 M.D.

      Power Claw Kick: 4D4 M.D. but counts as two melee attacks.

      Pounce Claw Kick: 4D6 M.D. but counts as two melee attacks. Uses all four sets of claws simultaneously.

    Bonuses: Includes sensors. Hand to hand: +2 to strike, +3 to parry,+5 to dodge, +2 on initiative, +1 to roll with punch / fall / impact, critical strike on a natural roll of 19 or 20.

Sensor Systems:


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Writeup by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).


Copyright © 2014, Kitsune. All rights reserved.


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