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M577A5-LC "Colossus"

M577A5-LC "Colossus" aka - the Colossus

Heavy Combat Engineering APC

The M577A5-LC Colossus is the Colonial Marines' premier heavy armored personnel carrier, designed to deliver Marines directly into the most dangerous combat zones while providing exceptional firepower, battlefield engineering, and armored support. Developed by United Dynamics Aerospace, the Colossus bridges the gap between a traditional APC and a combat engineering vehicle.

Its defining feature is a pair of Integrated Combat Loader Arms, evolved from the proven MULE engineering platform. These heavy hydraulic manipulators allow the vehicle to clear debris, breach fortifications, remove wreckage, lift damaged vehicles, construct defensive positions, and recover equipment—all while under enemy fire.


Combat Engineering

Unlike conventional APCs, the Colossus is expected to reshape the battlefield.

Its loader arms can lift over 15 tons, remove collapsed structures, push disabled vehicles aside, clear barricades, manipulate cargo containers, recover escape pods, and assist in emergency extraction operations. The modular tool mounts allow crews to swap between industrial claws, breaching rams, cutting torches, drills, defensive shields, cargo forks, or specialized engineering equipment depending on mission requirements.

When necessary, the reinforced arms become devastating melee weapons, capable of crushing light vehicles, throwing obstacles aside, or physically forcing open blast doors that would otherwise halt an advance.


Armament

Despite its engineering role, the Colossus remains heavily armed.

  • 25mm M242 Autocannon

  • Twin M41A3 Smart Missile Pods

  • M2HB-Q Heavy Remote Machine Gun

  • M41A Pulse Grenade Launchers

  • Smoke / IR Decoy Launchers


Protection

The Colossus features reinforced composite armor, modular reactive armor panels, active protection systems, and advanced battlefield awareness software. NBC sealing, thermal imaging, motion tracking, and automatic fire suppression allow it to continue operating in environments ranging from toxic atmospheres to active Xenomorph infestations.

Its front loader assemblies also provide an additional layer of protection, shielding the lower hull while performing engineering operations under fire.


Specifications

  • Manufacturer: United Dynamics Aerospace

  • Role: Heavy Combat Engineering APC

  • Crew: 2 (Driver / Gunner)

  • Passenger Capacity: 12 Colonial Marines

  • Length: 9.8 meters

  • Width: 4.2 meters

  • Height: 3.6 meters

  • Weight: 38.7 tons

  • Maximum Speed: 65 km/h

  • Operational Range: 520 km

  • Amphibious: Yes

  • NBC Rated: Yes


Mission Profile

The Colossus leads assaults where ordinary APCs cannot. It transports Marines directly into combat, breaches enemy fortifications, clears wreckage, supports engineering operations, recovers disabled vehicles, and establishes footholds in hostile environments. Whether opening a path through collapsed colonies, lifting debris to rescue trapped civilians, or pushing straight through a Xenomorph hive wall, the Colossus is often the first vehicle into the fight—and the last to leave.

Marine Saying

"If it won't move... send a Colossus."