ESP-005/H Powered Champion

The ESP-005/H Powered Champion (aka Powered Champion) is an experimental mobile suit using an Ultracompact Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell.

Technology & Combat Characteristics
The Powered Champion is the first mobile suit model to use an independent power source. Prior versions could not support an on-board power supply powerful enough to sustain the machine's systems for extended periods of time and used a microwave energy array. While the microwave energy array could theoretically provide a near infinite energy supply to machine, it required them to be constantly within range of the array to receive microwaves, limiting the distance mobile suits could be deployed in. By using a self-contained power source the mobile suit's operational range is vastly increased, limited only by the Fuel Cell's fuel reserves.

As it mainly serves as a prototype machine, the Powered Champion is only fitted with minimal weaponry which are used to test calibration of the new drive. Due to its nature as an experimental machine not meant for combat, the suit is only fitted with basic auxiliary systems such as lower power targeting systems and communication arrays. It is also not designed for space-use and can only be used on ground terrains. These aspects would be improved in the later model, the ESP-007 Crusader.

Armaments








History
Ultracompact Proton Exchange Fuel Cells were not used in mobile suits before the development of the Crusader, requiring a considerably larger fuel tank to store enough hydrogen and oxygen gas for an effective sortie. The Powered Champion uses a crystaline material to store the gas far more efficiently, allowing for a self-contained hydrogen fuel cell to be run without an external storage tank. Once the initial design was perfected in the Powered Champion, the fuel cell would become a mainstray power source for ESPF mobile suits until the production of the Storm Drive. Nevertheless, the Powered Champion was an crucial step in creating more effective mobile suits.