Story:

The Drachen is descended from the rugged Aesham Marine, a Grand Cross unit that became a common sight during the Second Space War. However, the fundamental elements of both machines are similar, the advanced technology of the Drachen helps it win out easily in terms of performance and effectiveness. Like the Gouf II, it is a tough, burly suit, though it lacks as extensive a built-in arsenal. Instead, it places heavy emphasis on the power of its large bazooka and beam sword, using the remainder of its weaponry to support its attacks with these two heavy-hitters.

That's not to say that the Drachen's torso guns and grenades are marginal, though. For instance, the two particle guns in the suit's chest, while weaker than most similar cannons, have an innovative secondary effect. The beams flood the air in front of the suit's torso with a particle field that disrupts most types of energy weapons. The effect only lasts for a few seconds after firing, however, and timing with it can be tricky in the heat of battle. Fortunately, the suit's vulcans and pair of grenades make up for this awkward device.

While the Drachen is officially beyond the prototype stage, Vulcan Industrial continues to keep it listed as a "Y-series" pre-production unit. Though it has proven itself in the field, the doubts surrounding the scattering cannon and the suit's lack of reliable optional equipment have held the company back from committing to it fully. Rather than waste part of their allowable resource and manufacturing quota on a possible white-elephant, Vulcan is hedging its bets and keeping those its deployed under close observation. Though its weaponry still draws some doubts, obvious perks such as its multiple verniers and hovering capacity under gravity, will likely help its case. So far, besides the pair of units that were assigned to Graves' bodyguards, a few Drachens have been spotted among the elite members of the Church of Man, who are serving as unwitting test pilots for these machines.