Spartan Assault Exoframe Model #: AE-07 Codename: Spartan Manufacturer: Exofleet Research and Development Group Function: Multi-Environmental Heavy Assault Vehicle Weight: 29.4 metric tons (fully loaded) Height: 11.3 m Crew: 1 or 2 man mecha Propulsion: Maneuvering thrusters*       - Back (2)       - Heels (4)       - Calves (2)       - Waist (2)       - Chest (2)       - Shoulders (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: Cluster missile launchers (2)       - Located in chest       - 12 in each launcher (24 total)       - Short range missiles Twin laser turret 1 single barrel gun pod or 1 three barreled rotary gun pod Gun cluster       - Autocannon - fires armor piercing explosive rounds       - Direct fire mortar - fires high explosive mortars (long range)       - Laser cannon - medium to close range       - Flamethrower - close range flammable chemical dispersal unit (operable only in an oxygenated environment) Equipment: Searchlight (2) 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:       The AE-07 Spartan was the second assault e-frame developed by Exofleet R&D. The Spartan is a tad faster and more maneuverable than the Tomahawk while performing equally well in all environments. It also boasts an impressive array of internal firepower. Its direct fire mortar allows it to destroy targets from a safe distance. If, however, an enemy frame does get close, the Spartan can choose to rely on its autocannon which can turn most armor plating into Swiss cheese in under a minute. Or, it could use its laser cannon and turret for a precision attack. Or, it could simply fire its cluster rockets which would most likely obliterate the target. Then the Spartan could use its flamethrower to melt the remaining pieces down to slag. The order or combination in which the weapons are used is up to the discretion of the pilot. But the various assault tactics which Spartans allow, make the mecha a popular choice with pilots. The variety of weapons it possesses make it a valuable asset in battle at the same time.       Out of all the ground mecha, the Spartan most closely resembles its VF cousins. It is capable of wielding a standard gun pod with either hand, but not one in each, as two hands are required for reloading. Many pilots do not bother with the gun pod, assuming that their internal firepower will be all they require. Other pilots would never think of going into battle without one, rationalizing that the gun pod is a versatile, yet powerful weapon. Due to the division on the issue, the gun pod is seen as an option subject to the personal preference of the individual pilot.