the Marauder

Part of the experimental Battle Force 2000 line of research, the Marauder is a curious 'motorcycle-tank' that the team put through its paces starting in 1987. This strange vehicle is actually two different rides in one, which are described in detail below.

Motorcycle:

The front of the Marauder, this two-seated, futuristic motorcycle is armored and armed to the teeth. Furthermore, the motorcycle can detach from the rear of the vehicle to achieve much greater speed and maneuverability. It has these characteristics:

Big Bore Cannon (a): this powerful, turreted gun can be fired by the driver of the Marauder's motorcycle to inflict the gunner's Agility +6 damage in a short blast, raised to his Agility +7 when fired 'fully automatic'.

Bushmaster Cannons (a): these two cannons are mounted aside the front wheel of the Marauder's motorcycle half. They can be fired in tandem, but can only hit whatever's in front of the vehicle. They inflict the gunner's Agility +5 damage per burst (+6 if both are used).

Communications Gear (i): the Marauder's cycle is equipped with a gigahertz frequency, frequency wobbler clandestine operations radio system. This makes for intensity 6 communications power (with a 250 mile range) that has intensity 10 signal encryption.

Lightning Speed (a): the Marauder's motorcycle half is equipped with a Cavalry 360 BHP engine/transaxle, allowing it significant speed. It moves at intensity 2 (45 m.p.h.) with the tank attached, intensity 4 (120 m.p.h.) when it isn't.

Shield Armor (s): this 'blast-proof' armor helps to protect the inner mechanics of the Marauder's motorcycle half. It assists in providing both a m.s. of 10 and +2 protection, as it also shields the two operators of the vehicle from injury somewhat.

Tank:

The rear of the Marauder, this automated treaded vehicle can function on almost any terrain. Though slower than the front half of the Marauder, its tank has significantly greater firepower, as well as these vehicular characteristics:

Gestalt (a): the primary reason that the tank half of the Marauder can detach from the motorcycle, it can instead be hooked up to components of the other Battle Force 2000 vehicles to form the Future Fortress, which is described in its own vehicular entry (intensity 10).

Kinetic Energy Gun (i): the main weapon on the Marauder, this force cannon can inflict serious damage on enemy vehicles - not to mention decimate personnel! Each blast it can fire will inflict intensity 12 concussive damage per deadly burst of directed energy.

Lightning Speed (a): the Marauder's tank half is equipped with two all-terrain treads, allowing it respectable speed on any surface. It moves at intensity 2 (45 m.p.h.) at all times, whether the motorcycle is pulling it along or not.

Radar System (w): the Marauder's tank is equipped with a powerful, multi-sensor radar unit. It can track enemy vehicles and the like with intensity 10 ability and range, allowing its operator (usually in the back seat of the Marauder's motorcycle) to keep track of all threats.

Tankmasher Missiles (i): finally, the Marauder tank half is armed with two of these large missiles, one on each side - mounted just over each tread. These missiles have infrared homing targeters for a +2 to hit, and can inflict intensity 10 damage each.

These missiles will affect everyone within near missile range of where they hit equally, and can inflict +1 damage if both are used on a single target at once.

Extra Goodies:

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Gi Joe directories featuring a version of the Marauder: