The CRL-98 Pyro-Buster is a fire-rescue labor manufactured by Hishii Heavy Industries (HHI). It was developed in response to a need for specialized firefighting equipment as construction projects became more complex due to the advent of the Labor as a construction implement. The Pyro-Buster is the first known dedicated fire-rescue labor, and appears to share a basic architecture with the HL-98 "Hercules 21" construction labor.
Design & Development[]
The CRL-98 was purpose-developed as a firefighting labor to support regular units at high-risk fires. Its similarity to construction labors of the day minimized the training time required to prepare firefighters for its operation, and it is able to use its versatile equipment to act as a force multiplier when limited personnel are available.
It has distinctive feet with large heels and is equipped with extinguishing agent spray cannons, which can rotate 360 degrees on both shoulders. In addition, it is equipped with four extinguishing agent tanks from its chest to its armpits, making it highly capable of responding to special fires. These cannons can be used to extinguish spot fires and provide rapid fire suppression to critical areas where regular firefighters can't reach. It features highly functional manipulators, making it a labor suitable for rescue missions. It comes equipped with a long extendable claw on its left hand that can be used to demolish buildings to prevent the fire from spreading, along with scaling skyscrapers and other large buildings.
The Pyro-Buster's armor almost covers its entire armor, and is relatively thick. While this limits the mobility of the labor, this greatly enhances its survivability, which is paramount to its success as a firefighting labor. Its durable armor and strong propulsion systems make it ideal for entering unstable burning structures. At the waist, a winch, similar to that of the AV-98 Ingram, is mounted, further enhancing utility. It can also use its strength to raise and move debris to clear paths for regular firefighters to enter damaged structures. Additionally, its fully-enclosed and airtight cockpit allow the unit to operate in areas where toxic chemicals are present. The cockpit also comes with a powerful cooler, which can effectively cool down the entire body using a dedicated motor.
Operational History[]
The CRL-98 Pyro-Buster was most notably used at the Tokyo Tower City Fire, where it was deployed alongside Shinohara ARV-99 Rescue Labors and regular Tokyo Fire Department units. The Pyro-Busters were utilized in the initial fire suppression and rescue efforts, but took a back seat to the ARV-99s when it came time to enter Tower City's cramped passageways. Ultimately, it would be Division 2's Ingrams that secured the final group of trapped victims, as the ARV-99s proved incapable of reaching them.
Specifications[]
Empty Weight: 7.31 tons
Maximum Operating Weight: 2.30 tons
Maximum Lifting Capacity: 2.40 tons
Minimum Revolving Radius: 4.00 meters
Armor Material: Reinforced steel
Armaments[]
Standard Equipment[]
- Heavy water cannon x2
- Long extendable claw x1
Gallery[]
References[]
