Technically considered a vehicle because while it is unmanned, the system is mobile. In many ways, the system performs a similar role to the Spider Defense System which is built by the Kittani. Some believe the system is copied from the Spider Defense System but is quite different in many respects. It might be more accurate to describe it as being inspired by the Kittani design. Like the Spider Defense System, the Metalworks product is designed to be able to operate completely independently.

The Mobile Defense System can be programmed for a vast number of roles from base defense to operating with military units to act as missile defense. While troops cannot effectively target incoming missiles, this weapon has the ability to target such small and fast moving targets. It can be programmed to patrol a specific area or to operate in a fixed position. It can be programmed to go after specifically designated targets, any target within range, or be programmed to not target those who identify themselves as friendly. The weapon platform has a short range radio receiver for this purpose. The platform cal also be controlled through a remote signal or through a wire connection. In addition, the weapon has telescopic scope, night vision scope, thermal imaging and laser targeting system (+3 to strike).

There are two different versions of the design, one which is powered by a fusion reactor with the other using high capacity power cells. Both versions can be plugged into a more powerful reactor for unlimited duration.

Power for the nuclear powered system is provided by a small fusion pack which is similar to those used for some rail gun designs. Each version uses a track system similar to a tank for propulsion with a top speed of around 20 miles per hour. The tracks allow the mobile defense system to travel over most terrain and climb angles up to sixty degrees. One advantage it has over the Spider Defense System is that the treads have a much larger footprint and less likely to sink in muddy conditions or in sand.

The main laser mounted in the Metalwork's Mobile Defense System is a pulse laser identical to the one carried in the Juicer JA-12 Laser Rifle. It is mounted in a mini-turret which can rotate 360 degrees and can fire up to 90 upwards and 15 degrees downwards. The power cells power supply provides enough power for 330 normal shots or 110 three round bursts. The fusion reactor version recharges at the rate of six short range shot per minute or two bursts of three rounds per minute. The high capacity battery powered version does not recharge. Plugged into a more powerful fusion reactor, both versions have an effectively unlimited number of shots. The grenade launcher is retained on the rifle and the platform can fire up to four grenades. The system is programmed to be able to fire smoke or prismatic aerosol grenades on the ground to protect the defense system.

Model Type: MI-12X
Class: Automated Defense System
Crew: None

M.D.C. by Location:

	[1] Tractor Treads (2):	20 each
	JA-12 Pulse Laser Turret (1):	30
	[2] Main Body:	60

Notes:
[1] Depleting the M.D.C. of a tread will immobilize the unit until it is replaced. Replacing a tread will take 4D6 minutes by a trained crew (no replacements are carried on board) or three times as long by the inexperienced. Changing the tread is only advisable when the vehicle is not under attack
[2] If all the M.D.C. of the main body is depleted, the vehicle is completely shut down and unsalvageable.

Speed:
Ground: Cruising speed on land is 25 mph (40.2 kph) on roads and 20 mph (32.2 kph) off road maximum.
The vehicle is designed to traverse virtually all terrain and can climb at up to a 60% grade although at a much slower speed (About 10% of maximum road speed). It can also climb barriers and ford trenches. The vehicle can also handle side slopes of up to 30%.
Underwater: It can travel under water at 8 mph (12.9 km) along the sea floor. Ocean depth of 1 mile (1.6 km).
Maximum Range: Fusion Powered: Effectively unlimited. Battery Powered: Uses one charge for every 2 (3.2 km) of travel. Does not consume significant power when in standby mode (waiting for a target and not moving)

Statistical Data:
Height: 2.5 feet (0.76 meters) for both body and turret
Width: 2.0 feet (0.60 meters) between tracks
Length: 4.2 feet (1.28 meters) for main body; 6.4 feet (1.95 meters) with pulse laser
Weight: 122 lbs (55.34 kg) for fusion powered version and 96 lbs (43.54 kg) for battery powered version
Power Source: Mini Fusion Cell (5 year duration) or High Capacity Batteries
Cargo Capacity: Effectively None
Black Market Cost: Fusion Powered Model: 1.2 million Battery Powered: 450,000 credits

Weapon Systems

1. JA-12 Pulse Laser / Grenade Launcher (1): Mounted in a turret / mount above the main body, the weapon system extends beyond the main body of the weapon system. The mount can rotate 360 degrees and can fire at targets 90 degrees above vehicle as well being able to depress up to 15 degrees. Power is provided by high capacity batteries which in the nuclear powered version are recharged by the fusion reactor. It can also plug into external power supplies. The weapon system also has a four round magazine grenade launcher. Normally smoke or prismatic aerosol grenades are carried although in some cases different grenades are carried. While normally automated, the system can be controlled by remote as well. While automated, the weapon system will select the most appropriate setting, single shot or three round burst..
   Maximum Effective Range: Pulse Laser: 4,000 feet (1,200 meters). Grenade Launcher: 2,000 feet (610 meters).
   Mega-Damage: Pulse Laser: 4D6 for Single Shot and 1D6x10+10 for 3 simultaneous blasts. Grenade Launcher: 3D6 to 10 ft (3 m) radius for high explosive or varies special warheads.
   Rate of Fire: Autonomous: 6 Attacks per melee (+3 to strike) - grenades are fired on at a time. Manual: Equal to number of combined hand to hand attacks (usually 4-6).
   Payload: Heavy Laser: 330 Single Shots or 110 Three Round Bursts. Nuclear powered version recharges at the rate of six shots (or two three round bursts) per minute. Can also plug into external power supplies. Grenade Launcher: 4 Grenades, reloaded individually or by speed loader. Usually Smoke or Prismatic Aerosol is carried.

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By Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).

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