The M-21 Anaconda was developed by the Robotech Defence Force as a research platform for advanced armour materials to be used on the destroid series under development. The M-21 used more advanced materials to drastically increase the armour capability of the tank to improve its battlefield survivability. The Tank was equipped with a modern 120mm Cannon (later replaced with the same cannon as the Veritech Hover Tank), as well as a Surface-To-Air missile launcher to defend the vehcile against close-support aircraft and helicopters. Addtionally, its artmour was the strongest ever moutned on a main battle tank, while still being very light.

The Anaconda served with the RDF prior to the development and deployment of the Destroids. Even after the Destroids entered service, the Anaconda remained in production due to it's comapritively low cost and it's ease of manufacture. When the Army of the Southern cross was fromec by then Govorner Anatole Leonard, it included many Anacondas amongst its forces. As the RDF kept a close eye on the development and deployment of Protoculture-Powered mecha, the Anaconda made for a viable, cost-effective alternative that allowed the ASC to build up its forces with relaitively few problems. Even after the ASC was legitimised by the UEG in 2019, the Anaconda reamined in production.

Hundreds of Anacondas were built for the RDF and the Tactical Corps between 2002 and 2030. They served the TC well up until the Invid invasion in various roles. Anacondas formed the backbone of the troops that supported Colonel Andrew's coup in the Far East Sector in late 2028. During the Second Robotech War the Anaconda fought the Master's Bioroid forces. While the Anaconda was able to endure a lot of damage, the Biroiids were often able to outmanouver and evade the Tanks.

RPG STATS

M.D.C. BY LOCATION:

   	*Headlights (2)		2 each
	Main Gun		120
	Turret			200
	Treads (2)		150 each
	*Main Body		350

**Destroying the main body will shut down the tank.

SPECIFICATIONS

WEAPON SYSTEMS

1. 120mm Smoothbore Cannon. The main gun of the Anaconda is a powerful 120mm cannon, the same weapon as used on the VHT-1 Hover Tank.
• Purpose: Assault/Artillery
• Range: 5.6 km
• Mega-Damage: 2D6 x 10 MD
• Rate of Fire: Twice per turn maximum.
• Payload: 48 shots.
2. Short-Range Missile Launcher. The Anaconda is equipped with a short-range missile launcher in the turret for attacking enemy aircraft.
• Purpose: Anti-Aircraft.
• Missile Type: Any type of SRM can be used.
• Range: Depends on missile type
• Mega-Damage: Depends on missile type
• Rate of Fire: One at a time, or in volleys of 2 or 3.
• Payload: 3 missiles
3. 12.7mm Machinegun. Mounted on the top of the turret. The Machine gun can be operated by remote control, or manually.
• Purpose: Antipersonell
• Range: 1200m
• Mega-Damage: 1D4 MD for a short burst, 2D4 MD for a long burst, 4D4 MD for a full melle burst
• Rate of Fire: Teice per turn.
• Payload: 1000 rounds. A short burst uses 5 rounds, a long burst 10 and a full melee burst uses 20.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE ANACONDA:

• Radar: Range: 50 km. Standard operation.
• Radio/Video Communications: Wide band, directional radio and video telecast capabilities. Range: 1000km, or can be boosted by satellite.
• Laser Targeting System: Close range; 3 km
• Combat Computer: Calculates, stores & monitors data on the control panel computer screen or Heads-up display
• External Audio Pickup: Range: 300 ft (91.5 m). A sound amplification system that can pick up normal conversation up to 300 feet away.
• Loudspeaker: A loudspeaker system is built into the craft, which can be used to amplify the pilot's voice up to 90 decibels.
• Searchlight: Range: 50 meters.
• Optics: Infrared: Range: 2000 feet (610 m). This optical system projects a beam of infrared light that is invisible to the normal eye, but detectable by the mecha's sensors. The system allows the pilot to detect hidden/concealed objects by their IR reflectiveness. The beam will be visible to anyone with IR sensitive optics, however.
• Optics: Nightvision: Range: 2000 feet (610 m). A passive light image intensifier that emits no light of its own, but relies on ambient light which is electronically amplified to produce a visible picture.
• Optics: Thermal Imager: Range: 2000 feet (610 m). A passive optical heat sensor that detects infrared radiation projected by warm objects and converts that data into a false-colour visible image. The system enables the pilot to see in the dark, in shadows, and through smoke, and also adds a +10% bonus to pilots using a tracking skill.

Designers Notes

Japanese Name: M-21 Anaconda? Megazone 23, Part 1

Episodes Seen in: Robotech The Movie: The Untold Story

There is no hard data on the Anaconda. It does bear some resmblance to the modern Leopard 2 MBT which served as the basis for some of the info in this file. The name comes from a Fansub edition of MZ23 Part 1 and should be veiwed as dupious at best.