The ZGMF-X3000Q Providence ZAKU is an experimental mobile suit, it is featured in the original design series SEED DESTINY-MSV. The unit is piloted by Rinna Sera Yasaka.
Technology & Combat Characteristics
Since the Providence ZAKU serves as a testbed for the weaponry later used on the ZGMF-X666S Legend, most of its armament is similar to the one used later on the Legend. Because of this, the main armament of the Providence ZAKU is its DRAGOON system, which all in all consists of ten DRAGOON pods, mounting a total of 26 beam guns. It is also equipped with a MA-BAR76T high-energy beam rifle and two MA-M90S beam javelins, which both are similar types to the weapons later used on the Legend.
Besides the prototype weaponry, the Providence ZAKU can also be equipped with two shoulder shields, which are similar to the ones used on a ZGMF-1001 ZAKU Phantom. Both of these shields, like the ones on the ZAKU series, have a single MA-M8 beam tomahawk stored inside them.
Armaments
- DRAGOON System
- The main armament of the Providence ZAKU is the refined version of the DRAGOON System which can be used by ordinary pilots. The suit has 10 DRAGOON pods mounted on its backpack and waist, with a total of 26 beam guns.
- GDU-X7 Mobile Beam Assault Cannon
- The large DRAGOON pods mounted on the top of the backpack. Each GDU-X7 mobile beam assault cannon is armed with four beam spikes and five beam guns. The beam spikes allow the DRAGOONs to penetrate Positron Deflectors used by the Earth Alliance Mobile Armors.
- GDU-X4 mobile beam assault cannon
- The small DRAGOON pods mounted on the backpack and waist. Each GDU-X4 mobile beam assault cannon has two beam guns and can be used to ram enemy units due to their sharp edges.
- MA-BAR76T High-energy Beam Rifle
- This MA-BAR76T is prototype of Legend's MA-BAR78F beam rifle. Unlike its successor, the MA-BAR76T is powered by pair of energy cartridges.
- MA-M8 Beam Tomahawk
- The beam tomahawk is a new variant of beam saber technology. It uses a shaped emitter to generate a small beam shaped ideally for cutting, but is terrible for piercing. The technology of the tomahawk allows for the beam to stay active even when it is no longer connected to the mobile suit's power supply. Combined with its aerodynamic design the tomahawk can be thrown as a makeshift ranged weapon. When not in use the tomahawk is stored in the ZAKU's shield.
- Shoulder Shield
- The shoulder shield is a distinctive feature of the ZAKU series. Unlike most mobile suit shields which are mounted or held by the left hand, the shields of the ZAKU series are mounted on the shoulder, leaving both hands free to hold weapons. Large enough to protect the torso the shield also serves as a storage unit for the beam tomahawk.
System Features
History
The ZGMF-X3000Q Providence ZAKU is based on the ZGMF-X13A Providence and built out of a heavily modified ZAKU Phantom. As with the ZGMF-X101S ZAKU Splendor, the Providence ZAKU is a ZAKU model which was created to test new weaponry and design features of later produced Second Generation Gundam-type mobile suits. In the Providence ZAKU's case, the suit is used to test the weaponry later used on the Legend.
Originally, the Providence ZAKU was intended to be a mass-production mobile suit, but due to cost issues it was not put into production and was instead developed into the Legend. However, a prototype was used for one time in CE 74, piloted by Rinna Serra Iyasaka at the Battle of Messiah, but it was destroyed by a MVF-M12A Ootsukigata piloted by Takito Haya Oshidari.
Picture Gallery
References
External links
Template:Cosmic Era mobile weapons