Phalanx Space Defense Exoframe Model #: SDE-04 Codename: Phalanx Manufacturer: Exofleet Research and Development Group Function: Space Defense Vehicle Weight: 47.2 metric tons (fully loaded) Height: 12.7 m Crew: 1 or 2 man mecha Propulsion: Maneuvering thrusters*       - Back (2)       - Heels (4)       - Calves (2)       - Waist (2)       - Chest (2)       - Back of missile pods (2)       * Thrusters are incapable of providing the e-frame with sustained flight (in an atmosphere with gravity comparable to Earth's). Their primary use is to provide a type of short range flight (jumps), slow the e-frame's decent from a drop, or provide a means of maneuvering in space. Weapons: Drum style missile launchers (2)       - 11 ready to fire with 11 reloads (121 total) Equipment: Searchlight Auto-pilot Combat computer Ejection seat Homing beacon with separate power source Optical enhancement package (infrared, nightvision, thermal imager) Full sensor array Self-destruct (delay up to 60 min) History:       If each successive generation of e-frame designs can be thought of as the progeny of the generation before it, then the SDE-04 Phalanx can be thought of as the great-grandchild of the Ground Assault E-frame. Its Drum Style Missile Launchers strongly recall the Ground Assault's gatling missile launcher to mind, though they are capable of far greater destruction than the older design. The Phalanx has the distinction of being the oldest, ground-based e-frame design in Exofleet service. Its also the slowest and the most heavily armored. Surprisingly, its pilots have the highest survival rating per battle than any other mecha (which may account for its exceptionally long term of service). The reason is the Phalanx's ability to deliver a staggering amount of fire power in an extremely short period of time. A complete discharge of its missile launchers takes only a few seconds and each missile has a respectable range of fire. This means that a Phalanx can usually eliminate its target(s) with one volley. The reload takes another few seconds and then the Phalanx is ready to completely discharge again.       The Phalanx performs well in terran-style environments, but it was designed for deep space. As a result, it is commonly deployed on the hull of capital ships or used to defend space stations. The massive maneuvering thrusters located on the back of the Drum Style Missile Launchers were designed to achieve optimal maneuvering in space. Though other mecha are capable of being deployed in the same capacity, none possess the combination of maneuverability and firepower the Phalanx offers. However, as noted above, once the Phalanx is taken out of a Zero-G environment, it suffers greatly in the maneuverability department.