from my own wip setting "Earth Sphere 2060"

lore:Jackalope, scout tactical mech (STM)

the STM only became economically and logistically possible after the development of mass produced thorium molten salt nuclear cells compact enough for their frame.

while the 1st STMs used by the united states were drones, the proliferation of cyber warfare and ECM made the effectiveness of remote controlled military assets much less reliable on the front lines.

thus efforts were taken to advance their piloted STMs. the "jackalope" was developed and deployed in large numbers for the US army. being more intended for scouting, they relied on their speed and capability to utilize cover more effienctly then any other vehicle (with early warning system a jackalope is programed to initiate a tactical roll in hopes to avoid RPGs). with the proxy wars escalating and eventually getting more involved in urban combat zones, the necessity of STMs was increasing.

a combination of a motion software developed by BoDyn (the eventual evolution of the Boston Dynamics into a global conglomerate), combined with a neural link helmet (originally used in controlling prosthetics of military amputees) allowed the STM to achieve enough reaction time and balance to allow its use in combat. with the expert movement programing combined with the combat sense of a trained soldier made the STM almost act like a 12 foot tall super warrior immune to most infantry held firearms. as an added bonus the improved handling made STMs indispensable for logistical purposes (many jackalopes were used to run supplies in urban engagement zones).

the jackalope is capable of a top speed of 45 mph at full sprint (enough speed to keep up with tank formations and some armored columns). while they weren't the fastest vehicle in a formation they could keep that speed over rough terrain (but in most cases, if not in combat, the jackalope was trasnported on truck). they come in at 5 tons (with equipment) and can be airdropped even with pilots onboard (making them valuable rapid response armored assets). their firepower and protection is often equivalent to most LTVs (Light tactical vehicle), although their reaction time and flexibility made them more useful in urban combat then the humvee and oshkosh. of course the necessity of combined arms warfare still required the jackalope to be fielded alongside tanks and infantry in most scenarios.

pictured above is a row of jackalopes displayed for a 4th of July celebration. the jackalope up front has a 40mm rapid fire grenade launcher (although most jackalopes are equipped with 50cal rifles or TOW launchers). this STM is covered in basic hardened cloth to keep the joints from collecting too much muck. additional limb protection was added with steel elbow and knee-pads along with hardened ceramic cauldrons and faulds. piloting this jackalope is Tessa of the army corp Tactical Mech division 5th female squad.

https://www.deviantart.com/jaromcswenson/art/4th-of-july-ES-watermarked-847609788