Leo
Beam Sword x 2: This weapon 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, both of these weapons are mounted over the shoulder.
Hyper Vulcan x 2: Mounted in the sensor head, these weapons are improved variations upon the original vulcan cannon, firing a heavier shell that carries double the explosive effect. On impact, Hyper Vulcan blasts explode over a surface, combining penetrating power with shear force.
Duras Bracer x 1: Constructed of the same G-Metal that makes up the mobile suit's structure, this heavy shield is capable of withstanding a great deal of punishment before becoming totally useless. On the plus side, it is easy to patch and repair, since it really has no gimics. When not in use, it can be latched to the Gundam's back, freeing both hands. If necessary, up to four additional grenades for the rifle launcher can be stored inside the shield and hand loaded as needed.
The Leo is the first descendent of the prototype Virgo, and the construction basis for all other designs used in Zodiac G project. It was created on neutral colonies, supposedly away from the prying eyes of the Grand Cross. A general purpose design, it is intended to be an all-around effective soldier, with the best attributes that a field trooper should have showing through in its mechanics. It is strong, fast, and well armored, though not burdened by any specializations or limitations in one field. It can tackle any environment, and take on foes at both close and long ranges with its simple, yet effective, weaponry. Compared to the Grand Cross' Aeshma series, it is revolutionary, though somewhat costly to construct.
After its capture by the Grand Cross, however, flaws in the Leo's hardware began to show through. Foremost, its inability to maneuver in the air left it out of aerial combat, a hallmark of Grand Cross strategic planning. The engineers of the Tresdemo Foundation, the manufacturing giant that manages the mechanical logistics of the Grand Cross, refitted the Leo with new equipment, broadening its abilities. The Granshiro vernier package allowed the Gundam to fly just above the speed of an Aeshma Wing, giving it a whole new level of versatility. This modification was kept, even after the mobile suit was returned to the United Alliance, as were its new beam rifle and strengthened internal structure. All that is left is to see whether or not the full potential of the Gundam, bound to its Newtype "soul" Horus, does more harm than good.