The G87 Luna Tank is a limited-production defense weapon developed by the Principality of Zeon. It first appeared in the MSV-R series.
Technology & Combat Characteristics[]
Essentially a mobile battery, the Luna Tank was developed for lunar surface defense in place of the more valuable mobile suits. It was armed with eight 2-barrel solid shell cannons over its spherical chassis. Originally, it was operated by one pilot and four gunners. Later, due to improvements to the fire control system, the number of gunners was reduced to two.[1] In addition, the experimental unit used to test the Plasma Leader could be controlled by one pilot and one gunner.[2]
The Luna Tank was equipped with a pair of caterpillar treads. Since these were only intended for use under lunar gravity, they were far smaller than the chassis and only had a maximum speed of approximately 30 km per hour. In combat, it relied on the rocket engines below it for flight. 25% of its chassis was dedicated to propellant storage space, and it was able to maintain flight for one hour.[1]
The purpose of the four panels on the sides of the chassis is unclear. Despite their resemblance to solar panels, they were most likely Minovsky Craft or a type of support flight system.[3] The Luna Tank would eventually become the basis for the MAX-03 Adzam, the first mobile armor.[3][4]
Armaments[]
- 2-barrel Cannon
- The Luna Tank was armed with eight 2-barrel solid shell cannon turrets all over its body.[1]
- Cannon
- A large cannon mounted on the front of the Luna Tank used to test the Plasma Leaders. Nothing is known about this weapon.[2]
- Plasma Leader
- A series of three pods that emit a destructive plasma field in tandem. This weapon was installed on a Luna Tank for testing, and would later be used by the MA-06 Val Walo.
History[]
The design for the Luna Tank began in U.C. 0077, with the first unit rolling out of Granada's Zeonic factory in July, U.C. 0078. By the start of the One Year War, 22 units were completed and assigend to the Granada defense force.[1]
Production continued until June, U.C. 0079. Due to Zeon high command being unsatisfied with its performance, as well as the deteriorating war situation, only 34 units of the planned 50 were produced, all of which were assigned to the vicinity of Granada. In November, U.C. 0079, following two battles at Granada, 28 units were destroyed and the remaining units were rendered inoperable. All remaining units were disassembled after the end of the war.[3][5]
At least three Luna Tanks participated in Zeon's attack on the lunar mass driver base on February 7, U.C. 0079, the taking of which enabled Zeon to attack targets on Earth using the mass driver. Later, the Federation attempted to destroy the mass driver base with the railgun ship São Tomé and Príncipe. One shot from the railgun destroyed a Luna Tank near the base.[6]
At some point during the One Year War, a modified Luna Tank was used to field test the Plasma Leader, a weapon that would later be used by the MA-06 Val Walo, near Granada. This unit was test piloted by technical officers Orgun and Ashley Horn. During testing, however, the unit encountered a Federation patrol fleet and engaged in combat. Ultimately, the Luna Tank was destroyed, Orgun was killed in action, and Horn was seriously wounded.[2]
Picture Gallery[]
Notes and Trivia[]
- The G87 Luna Tank was first mentioned in the original Mobile Suit Variation as the predecessor of the MAX-03 Adzam.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 MSV-R Handbook 2 - Zeon Edition (2014), p.42-43
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Mobile Suit Gundam U.C. ENGAGE
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 MSV-R Handbook 2 - Zeon Edition (2014), p.110-111
- ↑ Mobile Suit Variation 2 - Zeon MS, MA Edition (1984), p.130-132
- ↑ Gundam Ace 2012 July issue
- ↑ MSV-R: Shin Matsunaga Vol.3-4
External links[]