Body Armor
CVR-1 Light Battle Armor
CVR-1 was the first generation of armor developed by the Robotech Expeditionary Force. The intent was to produce a suit of flexible, lightweight armor that could serve as both a flight suit for aerospace and mecha pilots and as a replacement for the heavy RDF battle armor used by ground infantry. The result was a compromise, with the armor consisting of a cloth-like but still damage resistant body suit combined with armor plates protecting the chest, forearms and lower legs, plus a full-faced helmet. While the armor could be environmentally sealed, it did not contain an independent air supply, though it could be connected to the environmental systems of mecha and aerospace craft. Infantry troopers requiring an oxygen supply for space and hostile environment missions were required to plug into a heavy backpack unit containing a supplementary air supply. The helmet was equipped with a heads-up display (HUD) that could interface with the combat computer on REF mecha and vehicles.
- Limited temperature control
- Helmet radio with a 6 km range
- Helmet lamp with 15m directional beam
Weapons
The standard weapons of the REF have changed over the years. Early on, ballistic firearms were still the norm, with the M-25 assault rifle and M-36 sub-machinegun being standard infantry weapons and the M-35 the standard sidearm. Also in general use was the multi-configuration Wolf Auto-Pistol and the M-37 pistol. In the 2020s, advancements in energy weapons led to the development of the SAL-9 energy pistol and FAL-2 energy rifle, both of which would come to dominate the Expeditionary Forces arsenals.
Pistols
M-35 "Ferret" Semi-Automatic Pistol
The semi-automatic 9mm M-35 is a recoil powered, hammerless double-action sidearm. This pistol is constructed of high-strength polymers and carbon steel, making it lightweight and sturdy. Well-balanced and accurate, the pistol also has an under-barrel accessory rail for mounting tactical lights and laser targeting systems. The Ferret has become popular among armored vehicle crews and tankers who appreciate the cachet of carrying a classic style pistol. The gun is often a standard component of vehicle survival kits.
M-37 "Weasel" Infantry Auto-Pistol
A high-power infantry side-arm, the M-37 (or "Weasel") fires special 11mm HE (high-explosive) rounds It can also fire conventional 11mm rounds.
M-30 "Wolf" Auto-Pistol
This is a light, conventional weapon in the REF arsenal that is relatively commonplace. In its regular, pistol mode, the Wolf 9mm is a semiautomatic, but when combined with the optional stock, barrel extension and extended magazine it changes from a semiautomatic pistol with 18 round magazine to a fully-automatic submachine gun with 36 round magazine.
SAL-9 Single Shot Laser Pistol
This simple laser pistol functions much like a semiautomatic pistol. The person can squeeze off shots as quickly as he can move his trigger finger, unlike an automatic weapon that will continue to fire as long as the trigger is depressed.
Rifles
M-36 "Badger" Infantry Submachinegun
The Badger is a heavy duty submachinegun designed to use conventional 9mm rounds and special high-explosive armor piercing (HEAP) rounds.
M-25 "Wolverine" Infantry Assault Rifle
The M-25 "Wolverine" has become the REF's main assault weapon. It can be set for single shot, semiautomatic, or full automatic, and fires 4.45mm caseless rounds. The auto-firing grenade launcher can fire four 25mm high explosive grenades before needing reloading. The M-35 comes equipped with a bipod and infrared telescopic sight.
FAL-2 Automatic Pulse Laser Rifle
The FAL-2 was designed as an infantry assault weapon and enjoyed widespread popularity worldwide. The appeal of the FAL-2 is that it is like a submachine gun, but has the firepower of an assault rifle.
