Combat Frame Data: CF-02

Model number: CF-02
Code name: Grenzmark I
Nickname: Thimble Head
Classification: mass production general use combat frame
Manufacturer: Seed Corporation
Operator: Systems Overterrestrial Coalition
First deployment: CY -6
Crew: 1 pilot in cockpit in chest
Height: 17.5 meters
Weight: dry weight 43.5 metric tons, full weight 51.2 metric tons
Armor type: Ceramic/steel composite
Powerplant: cold fusion reactor, max output 611 KW
Propulsion: rocket thrusters: 38,000 kg total thrust, 180° turn time 1.95 seconds; legs: top ground speed 180 kph
Sensors: Radar/optical array; main camera mounted under grilled “head”
Fixed armaments: none
Hand armaments: 110mm machine gun, 40 rounds per magazine;  heat axe, battery-powered, stored on skirt armor rack

Lead Seed Corp combat frame engineer Tesla Browning answered the CSC’s call for a front line CF with the powerful CF-01-1 Type One. The Coalition’s Terrestrial Affairs Ministry vetoed mass production of the Type One due to its prohibitive cost and complexity.

With their developmental prototype nixed, Seed Corp submitted a succession of revised designs, removing features and lowering performance each time, until Secretary Gohaku finally granted approval. The result was the CF-02 Grenzmark I.

Though a mere shadow of its predecessor by every conceivable metric, the Grenzmark I outmatched the equipment fielded by earth’s anti-SOC mobs. When deployed for urban pacification and crowd control, the aptly nicknamed Thimble Heads proved more than equal to the task.

The CF-02’s shortcomings became apparent during their few engagements with legacy military materiel. While the Grenzmark I’s 110mm machine gun could devastate any contemporary armor, its low speed and maneuverability left it vulnerable to air strikes, particularly from attack helicopters, which gained a reputation as the CFs’ natural predators.

CSC Director Sanzen made an end run around the Ministry of Terrestrial Affairs, which had been stonewalling his demands for better equipment. He submitted property damage and casualty figures from the escalating conflict on earth directly to Commerce Minister Satsu. Funding was soon approved for an updated line of combat frames, leading to mass-production of the superior CF-05 Grenzmark C.

See the venerable CF-02 in action!  Read Combat Frame XSeed now!