Model number: AM-004C
Code name: Cosmolion
Unit type: mass production space combat armored module
Manufacturer(s): Tesla Leicht Institute, others
Operator(s): numerous
First deployment: UC 229
Accommodation: pilot only, in canopy-style cockpit in head
Dimensions: overall height 20.8 meters
Armor materials: titanium-elektron nonferrous composite
Powerplant: ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 1200 kW
Equipment and design features: booster unit, mounts supplementary rocket thrusters; sensors, range unknown; Tesla drive system
Fixed armaments: 2 x 105mm machine cannon, fire-linked, mounted in torso; 2 x 4-tube missile launcher, 3 round magazine per tube, mounted in booster section in vertical-launch configuration
Optional fixed armaments: burst railgun, 40 round internal magazine, mounted on left arm
Optional hand armaments: none
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Technical and Historical Notes |
The unfairly-maligned Iris Corporation had garnered a reputation for designing unusual mobile weapons in the post-Interregnum period, and perhaps more infamously, another for passing them off to anyone with cash on hand. One of Iris' last major inventions, the Tesla drive, proved an incredible boon to their production of mobile weapons. However, it is only an effective propulsion source in atmosphere in its initial configuration. The Lion series of armored modules is thus typically constrained to atmospheric environments, as the Tesla drive's output is almost nil in the absence of a supply of matter to accelerate. In order to make an offering for colonial forces and other engagements in space, design of a space-type Lion was implemented.
The Cosmolion survived the shutdown of the Iris Corporation and was completed, albeit several years behind schedule, by the newly-founded Tesla Leicht Institute. Compared to the standard model Lion, the Cosmolion features a somewhat reinforced body and better environmental protection to allow it to safely operate in a zero-gravity situation. The Tesla drive's output is reconfigured to act as a catalyst for conventional rocket thrusters, which are mounted in a pair of booster units attached to the Cosmolion's legs and shoulders, allowing for the Lion's typical high-speed performance in a space environment as well. It can also function under gravity at a slightly reduced rate, however, as the booster units become dead weight.
To compensate for the enlarged body dimensions, the Cosmolion's armament was also improved. Two heavy machine cannons replace the Lion's vulcan guns, providing equivalent firepower to most handheld machine guns used by other mobile suits. The arm-mounted missile launcher was also discarded in favor of a multi-cell arrangement in the upper area of the booster unit, increasing the Cosmolion's long-range engagement capability, while the standard burst railgun was retained in an identical position.
The Cosmolion shares its predecessor's low production cost and ease of use, making it an economical choice that even the most frugal security forces can employ. This also makes it a popular choice for raiders and other sorts of brigands operating in the greater Earth sphere, and Cosmolions always seem to be in ready supply - perhaps unsurprising, given the Tesla Leicht Institute's lack of compassion for the Earth Union.
Burst railgun
Rear view
