VEGM-210EP Élan

The VEGM-210EP Tourbillion (aka Tourbullion) is a prototype transformable machine designed for full atmospheric and space use.

Technology & Combat Characteristics
Following the successful deployment of the EGX-004 Cascade Gundam and its upgraded variant, Cascade Gundam Clarent, the ESPF commissioned Höher Mechanik Industries to develop a mass production transformable machine. As such, HMI built the Tourbillion model as a prototype simplified successor to creating a mass production model. The Tourbillion sports a bright gold colour scheme to provide easy visual detection during testing.

While the Tourbillion is lacking in weapons, it is the first mobile suit to feature full integration of Magnetoplasmadynamic Thruster technology into the frame and backpack, unlike Cascade Clarent which where added as part of its upgrades, making the Tourbillion more agile and able to sustain atmospheric flight in its mobile suit form. This thruster distribution became a standard design feature for machines with atmospheric flight capabilities following the Tourbillion's development. As the machine uses a Mk II Storm Drive, the Tourbillion is incapable of using the Burst Mode System and has a weapon output on par with the Gennai series.

Armaments

 * The Tourbullion sports a single beam rifle rather two short beam rifles, in fighter mode the weapon is docked to the underside of the right wing.
 * The Tourbullion sports a single beam rifle rather two short beam rifles, in fighter mode the weapon is docked to the underside of the right wing.


 * A standard weapon on Peacekeeper machines, two fire-linked beam vulcans are mounted on the machine's head.
 * A standard weapon on Peacekeeper machines, two fire-linked beam vulcans are mounted on the machine's head.


 * An optional heavy beam weapon can be wielded by the Tourbillion and is available in both forms.
 * An optional heavy beam weapon can be wielded by the Tourbillion and is available in both forms.


 * Two solid-firing weapons are mounted on the suit's chest, unlike Cascade Gundam's the Tourbillion's machine guns are still usable in fighter mode for dogfighting.
 * Two solid-firing weapons are mounted on the suit's chest, unlike Cascade Gundam's the Tourbillion's machine guns are still usable in fighter mode for dogfighting.


 * A defensive tool with an anti-beam coating, the shield is also used as the suit's front section in fighter mode.
 * A defensive tool with an anti-beam coating, the shield is also used as the suit's front section in fighter mode.


 * Two beam sabres are kept on the suit's waist though are rarely used due to the high mobility combat nature of the machine.
 * Two beam sabres are kept on the suit's waist though are rarely used due to the high mobility combat nature of the machine.

History
At least three Tourbillion machines were constructed by HMI prior to the design of VEGM-225 Stormrunner, being tested in various combat situations in Earth and Martian atmospheres as well as in space conditions. Ultimately they were mothballed once testing was complete and the Stormrunner was created, being stripped of most of their weapons and moved into storage on an HMI facility.