Shuivan
Hyper Vulcan Bracer x 1: An armored shield with a layer of beam-resistant magnetic coating that also mounts a tri-barreled heavy vulcan. 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.
Beam Sabre x 1: A 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 is stowed inside the suit's shield or behind its waist.
Torso Vulcan x 2: Mounted just below the sensor head, these weapons fire light armor piercing bullets in high-velocity bursts. While not always effective against heavier targets, they are ideal for light craft, and even shooting down incoming missiles.
Beam Whip/Ribbon x 1: A modular forearm weapon that shoots out a long, thin, flat sheet of fibrous neo titanium. This metal "cloth" has a small apogee motor woven into its tip, giving it the ability to wind and move around a target, for tighter snaring. When activated, it carries an energy charge that makes it as effective as a beam weapon, capable of both slashing or melting down whatever it grasps.
Sting Wire x 1: A modular forearm weapon that fires a row of four thin cables ending in heat spear points. These weapons carry a powerful electrical current through them that courses through the stung target and anything else unlucky enough to be caught in or touch the wires. The effect is meant to directly damage the mobile suit, disrupt its energy core, and harm the pilot.
Torso Vulcan x 2: Mounted just below the sensor head, these weapons fire light armor piercing bullets in high-velocity bursts. While not always effective against heavier targets, they are ideal for light craft, and even shooting down incoming missiles.
On the surface, the Shuivan seems to take just a short departure from the basic Soldati. In face, its layout suggests that it is more of a mandatory upgrade for its parent than a totally new design. For starters, it only has slightly enhanced strength and durability, making up for the Soldati's mundane potential in these areas. Also, its new propulsion system has been easily fitting in place of the old one, requiring very little few alterations for the sake of more speed and atmospheric flight. Finally, like the Reaver and Nemesis, it features the extended battery core, allowing for eight-to-twelve of constant; a mandatory addition given its availability.
However, the Shuivan also displays one of the recent concepts pioneered by the Grand Cross' Ahzi: mission-critical equipment options. Unlike many mobile suits, which come with a mandatory arsenal that offers the odd optional addition, this unit can swap back and forth between two entirely different combat configurations. It can be a long range bombardment unit on one mission, and an effective dualist the next. The only disadvantage is that, so far, the Alliance has not been able to adequately provide a configuration that has some middle ground. Pilots are left to one extreme, or the other, but most don't seem to mind. Given its many similarities with the original Soldati, it's no wonder that quite a few UAAF aces have taken to this model.
On a complete side note, the rush to mass produce mobile suits has forced the United Alliance to contract both their major arms suppliers for this particular model. Normally competitors, Hajime Heavy Industries of Japan and the German-based Armatech have reluctantly shared this project, though with more mutual tension than they have their Soldati production. Almost out of spite, both companies have been releasing aesthetically different Shuivan units, though with perfectly matched performance levels. Given the company's swifter factory line, Armatech's practical looking version has seen the widest deployment. Hajime's run has been slower, however, but it has presented a more regal looking Shuivan. Typically, officers have requisitioned these units, for their elaborate look. Pictured above is the Armatech model.