ESU-S4x-018 Storm II

Technology and Combat Characteristics
Storm II, much like its predecessor Storm, was an atmospheric flight-capable unit, but the internal frame of the units were drastically different. While the Storm had its thrusters concentrated exclusively on its back and legs, the Storm II had a multitude of thrusters scattered all across its body, which would collectively provide the same amount of thrust. All of the attached thrusters were linked to an internal network of power cables that connected directly to the Fusion Drive. This arrangement of thrusters allowed for the Storm II to be granted movable legs, instead of the improvised landing gear of the Storm.

Armaments
- 30mm Vulcan Gun: The Storm II is equipped with a pair of retractable Vulcan Guns on its forearms. They are concealed behind an armor plate when not in use, and can provide medium-range suppressive fire in most situations.

- 40mm ASU: A staple of the Kestrel Line, the 40mm Assault Rifle (or ASU) has been adopted by almost every faction due to its versatility and reliability in combat. Almost always seen being used by Mass-Production Units, the Rifle can be modified to fit any situation. Attachments such as underbarrel Grenade launchers, extended magazines, bayonets and flashlights are only some of the things the weapon can equip.

- Striker Missile Pod: To take full advantage of the machine's role as a aerial bombing unit, the Storm II is equipped with a pair of Two-Tube Striker Missile Pods. These high-yield missiles deal large amounts of damage on their own, and thus are best used in single, coordinated attacks.

- Swarmfire Missile Pods: Serving as a counterpart to the Strikers, these missiles are best used in barrages on multiple enemies. Their low yield means one alone will deal little damage, thus promoting the firing of multiple at once. One pod is located on each of the Storm II’s backpack foils, affixed to a movable joint to allow for aiming with the EoTS.

Special Equipment and Features
- Thruster Pack: The backpack of the Storm, similar to that of the Diamondback, consists of a set of high-output binders with multiple thrusters mounted in each. By being oriented parallel to the Storm's body, it allows for more effective flight when laying on its chest. If needed, power can be directed from the machine's limb thrusters to the backpack for even higher top speed.

- Eye of the Storm: A highly modified Hi-Sensitivity Targeting Sensor that is fine-tuned towards vertically-oriented attacks instead of horizontal ones. Therefore, it is excellent for bombing runs and dogfights, where the Storm II is placed high above opponents. In one instance, it was fielded alongside several Nautica Aquatic Types to make full use of this role.

- External Propellant Tanks: For long-term missions, the Storm II can be equipped with a set of backpack-mounted fuel tanks. Due to their simplicity, they are easy to re-create and thus can be purged if expelled.

History
After the acclaimed success of the first Project X HMT, Majestic, two units were subsequently developed in order to test the system in different conditions. Using blueprints recovered from the first HMT Project, a remaster of the units Storm and Rocket were created due to their previous success stories in the FGC. The following units were designated as Storm II and Rocket II; however, after being stolen and renamed, they became known as Zephyr and Diamondback, respectively.

The Storm II performed successfully for a number of trials until it was given its first mission in serving as an aerial bomber alongside several Cyclops Ground Types in the Second Armeli Invasion. During a run deep behind enemy lines, it was shot down and crashed not far from the South Aquarian inlet. While the pilot of the machine was covertly rescued, the Storm II was too heavily damaged and without a way to be recovered. With the mechanics of the LCDM already occupied in repairing the rest of the Project X Machines, it was left where it lay.

Trivia
- A common typo when writing about the Storm was writing its name as the "Sotrm," which has become so frequent that it is considered as an alternative name.