GCD-01A Castor
Technical Data
Model number: GCD-01A
Code name: Castor
Classification: general purpose attack combat drone
Manufacturer: Lunar Underground modification of a Zeklov-Astraea design
Operator: HALO/Lunar Underground
First deployment: CY 40
Crew: integrated strong A.I.
Height: 18 meters
Weight: 85 metric tons
Armor type: “1D” carbyne laminar armor
Powerplant: cold fusion reactor, max output 1796 KW
Propulsion: rocket thrusters: 4x 36,615 kg, 2x 20,000 kg, 2x 15,875; top speed 2385 kph; maneuvering thrusters: 18, 180° turn time 0.81 seconds; legs: top ground speed 198 kph
Sensors: VISOR (Visible & Infrared Scanning Optical Receptor) mounted in head
Fixed armaments: x2 plasma sword, power rated at 0.52 MW, stored in charging racks on back; x2 double plasma katar, forearm-mounted, total output rated at 0.46 MW each; 70mm machine rifle, magazine-fed, 200 graphene-tungsten rounds per mag, mounted on left forearm; plasma cannon, output rated at 2 MW, mounted on rifle; x2 3-tube micro-missile pod, calf-mounted, holds 6 missiles per tube
Special equipment: Combining system
Special equipment: Combining system
General Notes
A modified version of the AZY-002 Heavy Armor Dolph Y, the Castor combat drone features a more practical, stripped-down design that is no less deadly. The GCD-01A has been divested of the AZY-002’s extra armor, drastically reducing its weight and power consumption. An upgrade to full “1D” carbyne laminar armor more than compensates for its reduce armor thickness.Instead of its former iteration’s kitchen sink approach to weapons, Castor adopted a more focused yet still versatile armament philosophy. The GCD-01A excels at mid-to-long-range fire support with a combination plasma/70mm machine rifle and a pair of micro-missile launchers. For close combat, it carries a pair of plasma swords and mounts a set of dual plasma bundi daggers as weapons of last resort.Castor’s most notable advancement is the strong A.I. of the same name that is the unit’s sole pilot. Castor spends most of his downtime training with his brother Pollux, pilot of the GCD-01B. Both A.I.s have learned each other’s fighting styles so well that they can synchronize effectively in combat without the need for comm coordination.
As the ultimate expression of their filial bond, Castor and Pollux can combine their respective combat drones into the GCD-02 Heavy Armor Gemini.
Thanks to Build-a-Mech backer D.J. Schreffler for commissioning this exciting design. CF Data entries for his next two mecha will follow shortly.
In the meantime, get your mech action fix with Combat Frame XSeedi!
As a two-time BaM backer, I must say: Brian is generous and gives generously with both hands for integrating exactly what is most important to me into the story.
Alternate names considered and rejected (bonus points if anyone gets the references):
Masa & Mune (Combined: Masamune)
Camus & Miklotov (if the combining didn't fit in the story)
For the rest, I hold that the Systems Overterrestrial Coalition must be destroyed.
Thanks, D.J. Pleasing readers is my job!
The Masamune is one of the three most famous swords in Japanese legend, and as such, references to it make countless appearances in video games and manga. Specifically, the Masamune is typically opposed to the Muramasa. Both of these weapons are named after their smiths. One of the smiths is said to be the student of the other, though I've seen different accounts of which is which. Both of the swords are mightier than almost any other blade, but the stronger of the two is cursed to always drink the blood of its own wielder. Which is which, again, differs depending on who you ask — Sometimes the Muramasa is the demon blade, sometimes the Masamune.
The other famouse sword of Japanese fable is Kusanagi "grasscutter", so named because whenever you swing it a razor sharp wind mows down all the grass in the path of the cut. Kusanagi's proper name is "Stormclouds gathering in the heavens sword," and under that name Kusanagi makes a cameo in my children's alphabet book "The Amazing Alphabeasts" as the magic sword of Cloud Cutter.
Masamune and Muramasa have a role to play in my Hat Trick series, which only just now saw the first book released.
As to two entities named "Masa" and "Mune" who fuse to become the Masamune, this is most likely a reference to Chrono Trigger, the greatest JRPG ever made.
It has swords in it. And as we all know, everything is better with swords.
Indeed, Masa+Mune = Masamune is a Chrono Trigger reference!
And it is, indeed one the best, if not the best, JRPG ever.
Neat!
Just wait for Pollux and Gemini!
A pollux on both their houses.