Cyclops CP-11-G

         Stormvanger Assemblies first placed the CP-10-Z Cyclops into production in 2710. Designed as a heavy assault vehicle for use in assault lances, the Cyclops also proved a favorite among headquarters troops in higher-echelon formations. With its sophisticated holographic Tacticon B-2000 battle computer and its planet-wide communications capability, the heavy ‘Mech proved highly useful in this role. Except when the Cyclops is part of an assault lance, tactical doctrine usually places it in the reserve, where it can coordinate and support the overall actions of the other BattleMechs in its command. At regimental level and higher, the commander’s Cyclops are usually guarded by a headquarters lance and supporting units.
         Though individual commanders have occasionally made personal modifications, the present-day Cyclops is virtually identical to the prototype that rolled off the assembly line in 2710.
         Although the battles of the Succession Wars greatly reduced the number of Cyclops, the design is still employed in a variety of roles throughout the Inner Sphere. Although no manufacturer currently produces a standard field-modification kit for the Cyclops, unit commanders and their technicians have modified these BattleMechs in numerous ways. Most commonly, MechWarriors replace the original design’s Zeus-36 Mark III autocannon with Zeus Slingshot Gauss rifles. Although the Gauss rifle does slightly less damage than the Mark III autocannon, it possesses a greater range and produces less heat.
     Many MechWarriors also modify the Cyclops by installing more sophisticated command and control equipment. Typically, the Cyclops is fifted with a command/control/communications (C3) computer. Such computers provide superior communications capacity and other important advantages on the battlefield. For example, all the ‘Mechs in a network of C3-equipped ‘Mechs can use the targeting data supplied by the sensors of any other ‘Mech in the network.

         The Cyclops was designed primarily as a heavy assault ‘Mech, but its sophisticated communications and information network equipment make it equally valuable as a command vehicle. In battlefield situations, the ‘Mech is capable of coordinating up to an entire BattleMech regiment with the B-2000 computer on line. It easily maintains planet-wide and orbital communications using the Olmstead 840 tight beam comm system and satellite assistance.
         The Cyclops’ weaponry is mixed so that it can attack or defend itself against any opponent at any range necessary. The Delta Dart LRM pack is capable of engaging the enemy at extreme range. The Zeus-36 Mark III autocannon can be used in the middle ranges. Finally, the two Diverse Optics Type 20 medium lasers with the Hovertec SRM quad can take on anything that gets nearer.
         With its diverse weaponry, the Cyclops is somewhat limited in ammunition storage, and its projectile weapons tend to run out of ammunition quickly in extended battle situations. For this reason, the Cyclops is usually well-protected when used by high echelon commanders, who usually employ it to turn the tide of battle or to exploit an enemy weakness.
         Though the Cyclops’ head section is armored as heavily as its internal structure can handle, the armor is somewhat inadequate. In battle situations, most enemy ‘Mechs will automatically aim at the head of a Cyclops, knowing that any hits or even near misses could damage or disable the sophisticated command and control equipment located there, as well as doing the usual damage to the MechWarrior inside.
         Even with these minor drawbacks, the Cyclops is a formidable weapon to be found in the battle lances of almost every ‘Mech regiment in the Successor States.

         The Cyclops has been a part of every major engagement in the Succession Wars, having proved itself in both close combat and as an efficient command control vehicle.
         During the initial advances by House Kurita into Davion-controlled space in May 2787, the headquarters lance of the 22nd Avalon Hussars covered the retreat and final DropShip loading of the beleaguered defenders of the planet Delacruz. Attacked by nearly a full-strength Kurita ‘Mech battalion, three Cyclops and two supporting Warhammers withstood the onslaught until all but one of the DropShips had successfully launched. When the surviving Warhammer was ordered to withdraw, the three Cyclops launched a final missile barrage at the pursuing enemy. This disrupted them enough so that the Davion ‘Mechs could escape under the protecting fire of some newly arrived aerospace fighters. Though heavily damaged, the three Cyclops survived.