|
GNX-704T Ahead
Model number: GNX-704T
The discovery of the GN drive, thought to be a lost technology from before the Interregnum, completely outed the Human Reform League's development of mobile suits beyond the sturdy but simplistic Tieren series. With an incredibly high energy output compared to the Tieren's onboard nuclear reactor, the faculty of using the GN drive as a mobile suit's powerplant necessitated a total overhaul of the League's design essentials. The result is the GNX-704T Ahead, so named because it is believed to put the Human Reform League ahead of all the major powers in terms of the capability of its mobile suits. The Ahead bears a passing resemblance to the Tieren with its stocky frame, wide hips and and shoulders, and vaguely bow-legged appearance. Similarities between it and the Tieren effectively end there, however. The Ahead's particle-impregnated armor is sleeker and more streamlined than its predecessor, while simultaneously offering vastly improved protection against beam weapons and with virtual immunity to ballistics of any sort while weighing barely half as much as the steel-constructed Tieren. The GN drive on the Ahead's back vents particles via three vernier binders, offering the mobile suit excellent handling in both speed and maneuverability, along with full flight capability in atmosphere. It is also difficult to detect on radar and produces no infrared signature, though systems calibrated to track GN particle emissions can reveal its presence. Aside from its top notch combat capability, it can also be modified for a variety of missions, including the attachment of a booster unit to enable very fast transit to combat sites, as well as an Automaton container for handling antipersonnel operations in tight spots. The Tieren's cramped tank-like cockpit is replaced by a roomy panoramic monitor model, and the pilot still enters and exits from a hatch just in front of the mobile suit's face. The Ahead's main weapon is a variable GN beam gun, powered directly by the mobile suit's GN drive and capable of being fired until the GN drive's reserves are depleted. It can be configured as a compact submachine gun with automatic fire for close range encounters, or fitted with additional particle condensers and a very long barrel for semiautomatic fire against distant opponents. A GN beam saber is stored in each of the Ahead's shoulders for a quick draw in chopping up an enemy; likewise, the sharp fingers of the Ahead's hands can be used to make melee attacks on their own, the particle-infused edges being more than capable of cutting through most armor protection. Two 30mm GN vulcan guns are installed in the Ahead's cranium for local defense and to hinder the movement of the enemy, and an ablative-coated GN shield is mounted to either arm (pilot's choice) for deflecting incoming attacks from beam weapons; the pronged tip of the business end can be used for a surprise melee attack in a pinch. A GN bazooka, firing special non-explosive warheads, may be armed for situations requiring heavy firepower, and a missile container equipped with four heavy GN missiles can make short work of virtually anything fired at.
Automaton Cockpit GN bazooka GN beam rifle GN beam saber GN beam submachine gun GN claw GN missile container GN shield Rear view |
