Model number: AM-004F
Code name: Armorlion
Unit type: mass production assault-use armored module
Manufacturer(s):Tesla Leicht Institute
Operator(s): numerous
First deployment: April UC 241
Accommodation: pilot only, in canopy-style cockpit in head
Dimensions: overall height 21.8 meters
Armor materials: titanium-elektron nonferrous composite
Powerplant: ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 2250 kW
Equipment and design features: anti-beam coating; "Break Field" emitter system, mounted in legs; sensors, range unknown; Tesla drive system
Fixed armaments: 2 x 10-tube missile launcher, 2 round magazine per tube, mounted in shoulders; 2 x beam machine gun/beam saber, mounted in forearms
Optional hand armaments: burst railgun, 40 round internal magazine; assault blade, battery-powered
|
Technical and Historical Notes |
Nearly twenty years after the first deployment of the Lion by the Iris Corporation, the armored module has become a household name among defense analysts and all manners of armed groups. However, in high-intensity combat situations, the lightly armored Lion is forced to rely purely on its mobility to avoid being shot down. At the same time, its lack of beam weapons began to prove a liability against heavily armored mobile suits becoming more common on various battlefields by the mid UC 230s. Tesla Leicht began development of what was initially slated to be a comprehensive upgrade package for standard AM-004A Lions around this time, although by the time of the armored module's completion so much had been changed that essentially an entirely new frame and power system was required, and the decision was made to proceed with development as a high-performance Lion variant for heavy combat situations.
The AM-004F Armorlion is a heavily modified Lion chassis outfitted with massively reinforced armor plating and an overall heavier body, with supplemental thrusters and verniers for the Tesla drive to help offset the significant increase in mass. The Armorlion's maneuverability has suffered somewhat, but its dash speed is essentially equal to the base model, making it one of the fastest mass-production mobile weapons to be so heavily armed. Furthermore, in addition to the improved protection against ballistic weapons, an anti-beam laminate coating has been applied to most of the Armorlion's body, providing greater resilience against mobile suit-portable beam rifles. Some analysts have noted that the Armorlion's body seems to have more in common with contemporary mobile suit design norms than most other armored modules, although the similarities with the original Lion and Guarlion become evident once a closer inspection is made.
Thanks to the inclusion of manipulator hands with real manual dexterity, the Armorlion is capable of using the Guarlion's handheld burst railgun and assault blade, although these are primarily ancillary features. The Armorlion's primary armament are the dual purpose beam weapons mounted on its forearms, which are capable of firing automatic bursts of energy as well as being used to create a beam saber-like blade for close-quarters engagements. A pair of missile launchers are mounted in concealed positions in the armored module's shoulders - this provides it with much greater punch than the vulcan guns they replaced. Finally, the Guarlion's Break Field system was also retrofitted, with the emitters being moved to the Armorlion's thick legs. The Break Field is still unchanged from when first deployed on the Guarlion - e.g. it still cannot be used defensively as a barrier - but it does provide the fast-moving Armorlion with the ability to perform the Guarlion's devastating ramming attack.
The Armorlion poses a signficantly greater level of both offensive and defensive ability than most of the armored modules that have came before it, and while the armored module's greatly increased inertia makes it harder to perform tight maneuvers, a skilled pilot should still be able to exploit its high speed and firepower to make effective hit-and-run attacks. It remains to be seen whether or not the Armorlion's enhanced combat capability will justify its enhanced price tag as well.
Assault blade
Burst railgun
Missile launcher
Rear view
