MESS-S1bB-008 atLAS

Technology and Combat Characteristics
The AtLAS has a unique head-mounted cockpit that allows the pilot to rotate the upper torso of the mech 360°, making use of all of the weapons attached to the top. In order to operate all of these weapons with the utmost stability, the mech can covert into Sentry Mode. In this mode, the front and rear skirt armors, along with the legs, shift into a four pointed base, with the upper half of the body converting into a four-way combat turret.

Sentry Mode
- Front: 30mm Vulcans: The atLAS fires its twin shoulder Vulcans which provide basic attacks or can be used for disruption.

- Sides: FLAK Cannons: The atLAS simultaneously fires its triple artillery guns and combat shotguns as a FLAK like shot.

- Rear: 300mm Railguns: The atLAS fires a barrage from its two Naval Cannons, capable of blasting right through an enemy unit’s armor.

- Top: Swarmfire Missile Launchers: The atLAS fires a salvo from its top mounted missile silos, which can completely envelop an enemy in a rainstorm of explosions.

Special Equipment and Features
The Unit’s independently rotating (omnidirectional) cockpit allows the pilot to change their view from each of the many weapons systems atop the atLAS. While the pilot has their focus with one of the weapons, the others will automatically target any enemies in the surrounding area (via a basic threat detector AI), making the unit effective when surrounded. This also allows the pilot to face one direction consistently, rotating the torso to swap to a different weapon while the last used one reloads.

History
Developed as the successor to the Artillery Heavygun Unit, the atLAS is designed to provide high firepower support at range. Instead of several options for handheld weapons, the atLAS was given several fixed weapons all around its upper torso. This top-heavy design played into the unit’s unique ability to transform from a bipedal combat walker into a stationary multidirectional turret.

Trivia
- The weapons’ unique placement allow for effective targeting of airborne enemies, giving the atLAS the ability to operate as an anti-aircraft gun.

- The omnidirectional cockpit will only rotate independently of the torso when it is in Sentry Mode.

- The atLAS was a sort of standalone unit, as it was not involved in the development of the Dreadnought nor Domino IV.