Proteus
Roller Mine x 1: A very unorthodox weapons that is clamped on the mobile suit's backpack. This large steel drum looks very unassuming, and can simply be dropped by the unit, and either rolled/floated at a target or left as a mine. A simple apogee can move it through space or along level terrain for about half a kilometer. The mine is packed with explosives, and possesses a 60ft blast radius when detonated.
100mm Machine Gun x 1: A basic assault weapon, this bulky-looking rifle can fire in either single shots or rapid bursts of six shells. It includes a laser-guided sight for improved target acquisition in large, open environments, such as space. One hundred and twenty rounds are stored in a large clip, and the pilot has the option of carrying at least one spare. This weapon's ammunition includes armor-piercing bullets and high-explosive shells.
"Schnelldrache" Heavy Claw x 2: Modified from an industrial mobile walker, these claws have two uses. First, they act as anchors for the mobile suit, so it can stabilize itself to fire its large cannons or latch to something to keep it steady. Second, they can double as close-range weapons, albeit a little awkwardly, clasping and tearing at foes. These claws are mounted on the front of the mobile suit's legs.
Reinforce Bracer x 1: A modular neo titanium shield that can be attached to either of the mobile suit's arms. Typically, it can withstand at least one or two direct hits before losing integrity. A magnetic coating gives it a high resistence to most energy weapons, though it is still not very helpful when faced with large field cannons.
Beam Sabre x 1: A weaker variation of the beam sword, this weapon also creates a stable energy blade that is useful in close combat. More powerful than common heat weapons and other alloy blades or clubs, it has the capacity to usher in a new standard in close range armaments. It is also quite easy to replace and repair, though it does drain more energy from the mobile suit's electrical battery. When not in use, this weapon can either be stowed on the suit's back waist.
Advanced Onboard Computer System: The E-Warfare unit is equipped with an incredible onboard system that compacts some of the most powerful super computer-level features available into a simple, mobile package. The system is designed to work with the pilot and augment his/her abilities rather than act as a distraction. To that end, many of its features can be set to voice activation. However, the system really shines when the E-Warfare unit is outside a battle, and its operator can conduct attacks from cyberspace.
Proteus was not originally intended to be an actual mobile suit. Instead, the name was a code designation for all of the prototype mobile suit components that Ark Nova's plan produced. Sets of limbs, basic sensor heads, vernier arrangements, and battery housings were reverse engineered and tested by the Defence Forces technicians to ensure that they had the mobile suit science perfected. Most of this equipment was then studied, catalogued, and streamlined for mass production. Rather than allow these groundbreaking prototype pieces to go to waste, or be tossed aside as spare parts, Ark Nova's military decided to assemble them into fully functional mobile suits. Three units were produced, with two marked for the defence force's experimental Electronic Warfare team and the third reserved for ex-Gundam pilot Tyler Park.
All three Proteus units share the same basic body style, combining the practical look of Ark Nova's proposed mass production model with elements of the design's ancestor, the Gundam Leo. Besides appearances, they also share a radically new feature developed from the United Alliance's new I-field technology. Their Phase Shift titanium is a new form of armor that can carry a powerful energy charge through it. Acting like a second, invisible skin, this energy layer significantly boosts the durability of the mobile suit without requiring a great deal of metal alloy. Furthermore, when in Phase Shift mode, the mobile suit is practically invulnerable to conventional small arms, most shells below a 60mm calibre, and some light energy weapons. Of course, the unit will still feel the physical impact of these attacks, and this feature drains the mobile suit's battery much faster, cutting extended use down to about an hour.
Beyond this, the two Proteus subtypes are are completely different. For shear firepower, Park's "Han" type (which technicians claim stands for Hanuman, though Park asserts that it is a homage to a favorite science fiction character) is the superior unit, armed with a variety of conventional weapons that have been stripped out of mobile walkers. Though not as flashy or elaborate as some armaments, the Han's heavy beam cannons and explosives can have tremendous anti-mobile suit and anti-warship capacity. The E-Warfare variant, however, is less apt at direct combat. Its weaponry is somewhat standard, and reliable, but its true power lies in both its mobility and its onboard computer system. This is because, instead of fighting, the pilot is supposed to assist regular troops through electronic analysis and subterfuge.