It was designed originally to serve as a more lightly armored and faster form of mecha when compared to the general issue version. The Bartley proved to be a successful design with a number of variant models being produced that culminated in the VR-038 version. These models lacked any built-in weaponry though were able to be outfitted with such armaments on the forearms. Similar to all Cyclones, the pilots were required to wear the CVR-3 armor in order to interface with the mecha in Battloid mode.