ESU-S4x-019 Artillery II

Technology and Combat Characteristics
Being a modernized version of the FGC-era Artillery, the Artillery II utilizes weapons developed by Kestrel Technologies and Omega Armories—two of the LCDM’s newest suppliers at the time. By replacing the arsenal of back-stored handheld weapons with a pair of storage capsules known as the Weapon Binders, the machine has an added boost in versatility when it comes to switching between attacks on the battlefield.

Armaments
- [01] 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.

- [02] 30mm Forearm Vulcan: A small Gatling Gun that can be used in a number of ways. Not only can it be mounted on any of the VAPs to serve as a close-quarters emergency weapon, but it can also be handheld with a collapsible grip to serve as a secondary weapon to the ASU. In some cases, it can be mounted under equipment 03 when its barrel is folded to serve as a backup weapon, and equipment 07 when its second layer is extended. (Note: These last two configurations must be selected prior to the Artillery II's launch from a Citadel.)

- [03] 200mm Hi-Velocity Artillery Cannon: A lower caliber version of the 300mm HPNC that trades out some power for accuracy, making it intended for marksman units. The one used by the Artillery II features a folding barrel and scope (linked to the ATS) that allows for it to be stored in the Weapon Binders, as well as the ability to be mounted on either of the Shoulder VAPs. It is also equipped with a VAP of its own, permitting the attachment of equipment 02 as an underbarrel Vulcan. An alternative to its shoulder mounted form is slung one-handed under the right arm, where it is stabilized with the B-Packs’ Sub-Arm.

- [04] Piñata Missile Launcher: A higher capacity, higher caliber version of the Swarmfire Missile Launcher that is excellent at barrage attacks. Due to the rarity and design of this weapon, it is reusable and does not need to be purged after use. Also unlike the Swarmfire, the Piñata features a movable grip and stock for handheld use. Alternatively, it can be mounted on either of the shoulder VAPs.

- [05] Electric Greatsword: Taking inspiration from the Juggernaut’s own Claymore, the Giga-Claymore is a massive two-handed sword that works almost like a hammer. Due to its immense size, a single hit from this weapon can sever enemy limbs in one blow. This made use of the weapon very difficult, as the weight allowed for enemies to attack before the sword hit them. This would be lost during the Artillery II's defense of Decholon.

- [06] Actuator Knuckle: Similar to the weapon used by the Diamondback, this unique melee weapon is an improvement over the AA Hydraulic Gauntlet in that it relies on spiked thrusters over piston-bound knuckles. While serving as a large “fist” by default, it can fire out a large spike from within its structure, capable of penetrating Nanolaminate Armor.

- [07] Nanolaminate Expandable Shield: Being an improved version of the four-panel NES used by the Artillery, this version features only one moving panel in the form of a height extension. The shield is about as large as the Nanolaminate Compact shield when in its collapsed state, with the two “teeth” at the bottom of the shield serving as a makeshift melee weapon. It can be mounted on the shoulder by default, or on either of the forearm VAPs in this state. When extended, the shield reveals a built in viewport to allow for defended weapon firing, while the “teeth” can now serve as a stabilizing unit when driven into the ground. It can only be handheld to be effective in this stage, or planted down.

Loadouts
- Standard: 1, 5, 6

- Shelling: 2, 3

- Gladiator: 5, 6, 7

- Demolitions: 1, 4

- Heavygun: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

- Gouf Custom: 2, 5, 7

Special Equipment and Features
- Variable Attachment Points: The Artillery II is equipped with four variable attachment points to allow for variations in weapon configurations during battle. Equipments 2, 3, 4, and 7 can all be mounted on these VAPs, with 3/4 for the shoulders, 7 for the forearms, and 2 for any of the four. Additional VAPs for the 30mm Vulcan are located under the Shield and under the 200mm Artillery Gun.

- Sub-Arms: A sub-arm is mounted on the outer side of each weapons binder. When activated, the panels closest to each arm will open up, allowing for the arm to grab the weapon needed. It can then swing the weapon under the arm for handheld use, or over the shoulder for fixed use. Any weapons that need to be mounted on the forearm VAPs must be grabbed from the sub-arms and attached manually, or mounted prior to the battle.

- Weapon Binders: Serving as a direct improvement of the weapons rack used by the Artillery, this pair of backpack parts hold a majority of the Artillery II's arsenal. It is comprised of two “Packs,” aptly named the A-Packs and B-Packs (taking inspiration from the Artillery's Mastergun and Gladiator Packs). The Left Weapon Binder, or A-Packs, houses the Piñata Missile Launcher, 30mm Forearm Vulcan, and Actuator Knuckle. The Right Weapon Binder, or B-Packs, houses the 40mm ASU, 200mm Artillery Gun, and Assault Claymore. Depending on the mission, the Artillery II can deploy any of these weapons via sub-arms and movable rail systems within the Packs. Alternatively, either or both of the Packs can detach from the main backpack assembly via a sliding rail, serving as a portable weapons container for any Garrisai that needs it. The main backpack itself has a pair of boosters similar to a Standard Thruster Kit, while each of the binders house a set of boosters of their own.

- The binders were inspired from the Nautica Aquatic Type’s storage binder, which allow for compact storage of the machine’s weapons while protecting them from attack.

- Hi-Sensitivity Targeting Sensor:

History
Upon the Artillery II of Project X being released, it was given more conventional weapons compared to the energy based weapons of the original. It also saw some of its equipment converted to fixed designs in order to reduce the amount of items the Garrisai had to carry. It saw limited operation as it was quickly replaced by units such as the Urban Dreadnought. This was until it was stolen by UNI co-founder Rick Longbow, who would lead the assault in liberating his fellow Insurrectionist members out of the LCDM Citadels. The Artillery II would eventually be upgraded according to Longbow’s preferences, evolving it into his personal machine. It would become known as the Hightower, named after its signature tower-shaped helm.