ESP-007 Crusader

The ESP-007 Crusader (aka Crusader) is a mass production ground mobile suit used by the ESPF.

Technology & Combat Characteristics
A refined design of the ESP-005, the Crusader has been fitted with additional vernier thrusters, sensors and a pressurised cockpit for space operations, allowing the suit to be deployed both on the ground and in space. The Crusader was also a milestone in being the first mass produced mobile suit to use the Hydrogen Fuel Cell, improving the performance of weapons used by the unit.

Eventually the design of the Crusader was refined into the ESP-010 Valiant which featured lighter armour and could use a wider variety of weapons. Despite this, the Crusader was a powerful unit for its time.

Armaments

 * The standard ranged weapon, the linear rifle accelerates rounds with magnetic fields to fire them at enemies with high accuracy and damage.
 * The standard ranged weapon, the linear rifle accelerates rounds with magnetic fields to fire them at enemies with high accuracy and damage.




 * Two fire-linked 60mm vulcan guns are built into the suit's head, they're usually used for missiles interception and targeting light vehicles.
 * Two fire-linked 60mm vulcan guns are built into the suit's head, they're usually used for missiles interception and targeting light vehicles.




 * A defensive piece of equipment, the shield is fashioned from the same material as the suit's armour but is considerably thicker.
 * A defensive piece of equipment, the shield is fashioned from the same material as the suit's armour but is considerably thicker.


 * By channelling plasma with a magnetic field the mobile suit can use two plasma beam swords for close combat. Though they don't have as much cutting strength as SR beam sabres the RSX/05P models are still quite capable of holding their own.
 * By channelling plasma with a magnetic field the mobile suit can use two plasma beam swords for close combat. Though they don't have as much cutting strength as SR beam sabres the RSX/05P models are still quite capable of holding their own.

History
While the Champion served its function as a ground based unit, it was completely incapable of being deployed in space. Thus, for this purpose a more capable machine was constructed which could function in both environments which did not require a changeover in equipment when switching from ground to space. It was also the first mass produced unit to be created using data from the ESP-005/H Powered Champion, a prototype mobile suit featuring a Hydrogen Fuel Cell.