Mecha Profile: EF-2000 Typhoon - Muv-Luv Alternative

5 years after the BETA invasion, humanity finally reached the alien’s homeground – the Hive. However, that’s the extent that humanity could go. It’s clear that 1st-generation and 2nd-generation TSF aren’t going to cut it anymore. A drastic change in both engineering and combat doctrine is required if humanity want a chance against the BETA. With that in mind, the frontline nations – the European Union – came together to give birth to the storm that will sweep through Europe – the EF-2000 Typhoon.

I. Development History:

– After Operation Palaiologos in 1978, the chance of the BETA’s westward invasion of Europe became certain. NATO member states including the United Kingdom, West Germany and France agreed to collaborate to develop a successor to Europe’s mainline TSF at the time – which were the F-5 variants – Mirage and Tornado. As such, in 1980, the European Combat Tactical Surface Fighter program (ECTSF) commenced.

– The ECTSF Program focused on the data learned from Op Palaiologos – which aims to focus on long distance invasion ability to breakthrough to a Hive, while also emphasizing mobility to dodge laser attacks and increased close-quarter capabilities for in-hive combat. As the Hive’s interior are closely packed with BETA and melee combat is a guaranteed 100% inside Hives. Coincidentally, those are also the US’ priorities in developing their F-15 Eagle – which were happening alongside the ECTSF Program. However, one critical difference between them is one of them were facing BETA attacks every day.

– Had the program went smoothly, it could have finished in 1985. However, with the increasing BETA aggression, and the withdrawal of France – one of the key members – from the program due to design disagreement, the program got hit with massive delays. Meanwhile, the F-15 was completed and deployed on the frontline. Subsequently, the UK essentially became the sole developer of the project, and they decided on an overhaul of the specifications. They aimed to produce not just a 2nd-generation craft, but a true 3rd-generation machine with even higher specs than initially drafted. In 1994, the prototype craft ESFP was built and displayed favorable results, and helped convince many countries to remain in the ECTSF program.

– Development progressed smoothly then. And in 1998, the advance mass production model, the EF-2000 Typhoon was deployed to trial combat groups. As of May 2000, the craft officially joined the frontline. One of the most prestigious groups of Typhoon pilot is the 44th Zerberus Tactical Armor Battalion – led by Wilfried von Aichberger, one of the Seven Heroes of Britain. The Typhoons can be seen deployed all over Europe, performing very well in the BETA war. In 2004, Japan imported a squadron of Typhoon for evaluation, with a possible mass-adoption, but the decision remain to be seen.

II. Technical Specs & Armaments:

– The EF-2000 Typhoon is on the larger side of TSF, standing at 19.6-meter tall, utilizing two Aero Jet AJ200 engines. The Typhoon – just like other 3rd generation TSF – has a sleek profile and a heavy-top proportion to increase mobility during combat. In addition, more super carbon parts are included all over the design – such as the Jump Units. It was said that the Typhoon was developed with some technical assistance from Japan, but this has never been confirmed.

– The Typhoon 2000 is designed for combat on the European front with many vast plains and many hives (the BETA completely decimate and level the areas around Hives). Therefore, the Typhoon has high capability for dense, close quarters dogfighting in addition to its Hive capture ability. This is also shown by the amount of Super carbon blades throughout the craft – the head, shoulder blocks, knee armor, lower leg, tip of the feet and the heels. Not to mention two super large Super Carbon blades on the forearms that act as both melee weapon as well as support devices for aerodynamic control.

– For Assault Cannon, the Typhoon uses the GWS-9 Assault gun. The weapon is 20% lighter and smaller than its predecessor – the WS-16C. Its reliability is also improved. The weapon has elements from the G-36 and Enfield SA80 in real life.

– A unique ranged weapon that the Typhoon uses is the Mk.57 Squad Support Gun. Despite the name, the weapon is extremely powerful and much larger than the GWS-9. Replacing traditional armored artillery platform, the Mk.57 is the most versatile assault weapon for a TSF. Boasting a range of 20km, the Typhoon can offer long-range cover fire that tanks and artillery platforms could not. This gives the Typhoon firepower and the weapon mobility that land vehicles do not have, therefore enable the Typhoon to offer support fire to other TSFs.

– For melee weapon, the Typhoon uses the BWS-8 Flugelberte, developed by the Federal Republic of Germany. The weapon resembles a streamlined ax and is top-heavy enough to give it powerful striking power for a one-handed weapon. The craft does not have close-quarter combat dagger but rather use the forearm blades instead. The Typhoon also uses the DS-3 Multi-Purpose Supplemental Armor used by all European forces since the start of the BETA war.

– Another rarely seen and extremely unique weapon is the BWS-3 Great Sword. It is a huge two-handed sword only wielded by Storm Vanguards and the best of the best in TSF piloting. The weapon is famously nicknamed the “Fort Slayer”, with incredible penetrating power powerful enough to pierce through the Fort Class and their limbs. Developed by the British, this weapon is a signature of skill used by veteran Surface Pilots.

III. Gallery:

IV. Trivia:
– The Typhoon has only one version, but there are many different color depends on squadron. Their performance are pretty much the same. The mass-production color is slight grey. However we also have:
> Black: Alfried von Aichberger‘s personal unit. One of the Seven Heroes of Britain and Leader of the Zerberus Battalion.
> White: Sigelinde von Fahrenhorst‘s personal unit. One of the Seven Heroes of Britain and number 2 of the Zerberus Battalion.
> Crimson Red: Gerhard von Wallerstein‘s personal unit. One of the Seven Heroes of Britain and Captain of the Rote squadron of the Zerberus Battalion.
> Blue: Duon Strumgeist‘s personal unit. One of the Seven Heroes of Britain and Captain of the Blau squadron of the Zerberus Battalion.

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