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GNMA-04B11 Trilobite
Model number: GNMA-04B11
Although the Earth Union's GN-X series of mobile suits were considered to be an unqualified success, Union researchers continued development of other applications of GN drives for use in combat mobile weapons. One of the more unusual applications came after the Earth Union began dealing more aggressively with naval pirates operating amphibious mobile suits. The Trilobite is a highly unconventional mobile armor intended exclusively for underwater combat. Development of the Trilobite's basic frame and body had actually begun under the auspices of the Iris Corporation, and was among the property seized by the Earth Union during the forced shutdown of the company in UC 228. Realizing the potential for the weapon, Union engineers continued the design process, heavily modifiying it along the way to utilize GN drives as a power source. The Trilobite ended up using three of them - two mounted in the mobile armor's "shoulders" purely for thrust and maneuvering with a third mounted in the rear to provide power for the mobile armor's systems and weapons. This enables an incredibly fast dash speed underwater, even at considerable depth. The Trilobite is a very sleek and hydrodynamically-sound machine, with a vague resemblance to the Iris Corporation's earlier Flag mobile suits, especially around the head region, while close observation reveals a similar cockpit as well. However, it is also capable of reconfiguring into a crustacean-like "attack mode" to drastically increase its maneuverability as well as bring its arsenal of weapons to bear - it is believed that its Iris-assigned designation, Trilobite, is in general reference to frightening-looking sea creatures that the mobile armor's attack mode resembles. The mobile armor has no singular "primary" weapon, instead leaving to its gunner to choose the most appropriate armament for a situation. The Trilobite's forward pair of arms include two manipulators for grappling mobile suits or picking up objects off the sea floor, but fold aside to reveal a nasty "shock spike", a GN particle-lined penetrating weapon designed to perforate armor or hulls and discharge a high-voltage current to fry electrical systems. GN torpedo launchers are mounted further back in the arms, firing fast-moving guided torpedoes intended to destroy enemy mobile suits. Four vertically-oriented GN missile launchers are positioned behind the mobile armor's head, allowing it to engage targets above the surface of the water as well as behind the firing arcs of its other weapons - these weapons can also be altered to fire sonar decoys to hide the Trilobite's presence under a screen of distracting noise. Finally, four much larger torpedo launchers are mounted singly in the mobile armor's rear maneuvering surfaces, enabling it to direct the heavy weapons over a relatively broad arc. Aside from their great destructive capability, these can also be loaded with special laminated warheads capable of penetrating even a GN Field, making them highly effective weapons against the best-protected targets. The Trilobite is also capable of deploying the highly specialized GN worm mine from a pair of launchers positioned in front of its head. This rocket-propelled snake-like weapon is intended to latch on to an enemy unit via magnetic grappling, afterward the powerful GN bombs in its articulated portions explode. Finally, multiple gel bomb launchers are positioned adjacent to the heavy torpedo tubes. The spherical mines are proximity detonated which releases a cloud of chemicals that hardens into an incredibly tension-resistant mass, effective for gumming up the hatches and propellers of ships and entangling other mobile suits. Due to their relatively specialized purpose, only a limited number of Trilobites have been built by the Earth Union and deployed on their naval squadrons. The mobile armors are typically ferried into combat attached to the bottom of Okhotsk-class carriers like giant lampreys, allowing them to very quickly intercept an approaching underwater enemy or act as a surprise attack against other naval targets. Thanks to the Trilobite's extremely high rate of particle consumption, it is not well suited for patrol work or long-range missions, instead being primarily utilized as a reaction unit to capitalize on sudden shifts in the tactical situation, or in a rapid fleet defense role. However, its GN particle-impregnated body is capable of withstanding incredible oceanic pressures, and the mobile armor can make very long and deep dives if operating at relatively mild speeds to conserve particle reserves. A small cabin exists behind the cockpit to keep the crew rested during such operations.
Attack mode detail Cockpit Head detail Rear view Rear view (attack mode) |
