CAV 2 Mystery Models Part 3

Templar are up next. As with Ritterlich, the majority of these models are associated with a UCOR new in CAV 2 (Viper in this case), calling for a fairly large degree of new background material.

Charger: One of Viper's first projects following incorporation as a UCOR was a ground-based APC for Templar forces. The designers went for a balance of speed, armor, and firepower, and elected to utilize a hover platform to maximize mobility over terrain that infantry would struggle with. It mounts a large-bore GGC, particularly effective against tanks and CAVs resistant to normal infantry fire.
Crossbow: A follow-up to the widely successful Longbow reconnaissance gunship, the Crossbow is equipped for dogfighting and suppression fire, with heavier armor and twin LBGs. The extra weight from the armor and the energy requirements of the LBGs required a heavier breeder, and as a result the Crossbow cannot reach the same top speeds as the Longbow.
Crusader: While known for their advanced hardware, Hughes-Marietta is typically rather traditionalist in its final designs. The Crusader is the exception to this. Rivaling a heavy superiority CAV in size, the Crusader is in fact the heaviest ESM CAV ever designed. Loaded with top-of-the-line electronics and targeting equipment, armed with two double-barreled PBGs, and bearing twice the armor of a typical ESM design, the Crusader mounts an exceptionally large breeder to produce sufficient power. Unfortunately, its heavy construction somewhat limits the range of its ESM equipment, but its survivability and firepower make it an attractive option for Templar commanders nonetheless.
Destrier: The Destrier was a branch of the Charger project, featuring a slightly larger chassis, heavier armor, and an LBG instead of  a GGC, optimizing it for use against hostile infantry positions.
Mamba: Viper created the Mamba to serve a dual urban pacification and battlefield support role. Its armor is nearly impervious to small arms fire, making it particularly useful versus infantry and rioters. Indeed, the Mamba has seen heavy use as a peacekeeper in the rapid expansion of Templar territory over the past few years.
Trebuchet: Originally proposed as a replacement for the venerable Sovereign III (a spot it lost to the Sovereign IV), Viper elected to take a risk and produce the unique new design anyway. The Trebuchet is unique among CAVs in that it lacks any defensive weaponry, instead mounting two powerful indirect missile launchers. The simplicity of its weaponry left space for a powerful breeder and electronics, and the end result is a highly maneuverable CAV with top-of-the-line targeting capabilities and a great deal of firepower.
Warhawk: The Warhawk dates from Viper's pre-UCOR days, when it functioned primarily as a producer of modified military hardware such as the Black Knight. Viper received one of the first Starhawk VI shipments outside of the Terran military, shortly before rising tensions caused SyRaM to cut off sales to all external parties. These Starhawks were modified to mount a powerful Lance Mk1 gauss cannon in place of one of the original Charvel MkIIIs, and received numerous internal modifications. Unfortunately, Viper engineers were unable to reverse-engineer the advanced warheads designed for the Tower II missile launchers. To compensate for the reduced firepower of the replacement missiles, they linked the launcher's targeting systems. The new system produces a wide spread of missiles, making it nearly impossible for the target to dodge.