EZ-007 BLOODSTRIKE
Chassis: Mosquito
Power Plant: ECZ-1-L (Empire Command Zoid – Light)
Primary Mission: Remote Targeting Unit
Secondary Mission: Reconnaissance
Crew: 1 (minimum rank requirement: Ensign)
Statistics
Length: 10.2 meters
Width: 6.5 meters
Height: 4 meters
Mass: 8 tons
Performance
Air Speed: 700 KPH
Ground Speed: 40 KPH
PARTS LIST
Zabat
thorax, forehead array
Shield Liger
head, antenna
Saber
antenna
Macurtis
proboscis, leg hydraulics
Deathpion
abdomen weapons/inner mechanics
Elephander (x3)
legs
Diablo Tiger A
eyes, hind leg joints (sprue)
Ice Blazer
abdomen upper armor
SUPPORTING CAST
Micronaut Chronos
mini-turbofan engine
Super-SD case
wings
HISTORY
Before the first weld was made on the chassis of the first EZ-501, the Bloodstrike was already designed and undergoing prototype testing along with the R3C weapon system that is the mainstay of the Fusillade. Initially, each EZ-007 was manufactured with a designation assigning it to an individual Fusillade unit, but now hundreds exist as “floating” Bloodstrikes that are used for independent operations. A fully supported Fusillade will be assigned five Bloodstrikes; one for each turreted weapon segment (four cannon turrets and one missile battery).
CAPABILITIES
The EZ-007 is by no means considered a true combat unit. It is designed to accompany larger units or to scout ahead of battle herds, and thus is far slower than most aerial Zoids. While built almost exclusively for the air, the Bloodstrike can travel terrestrially at about 50 KPH with an awkward gate. What it can do, and terrifyingly well, is use its advanced optics and sensory suite to identify targets up to 50 kilometers away, and in any weather condition. The 3-meter long proboscis can “tag” a target with an isotope label through a variation of particle acceleration technology. This tag does not damage and the vast majority of Zoids cannot even detect it has been fused to their armor, but it will guide a pre-programmed projectile directly to it. If the pilot of the Bloodstrike is exceptional, the tag can be placed in the weakest location on even the largest Zoid, allowing it to be crippled by an opening shot from more than 50 kilometers away.
DEFENSES
Being a very vulnerable airframe, the EZ-007 relies primarily on stealth for survival, and, secondarily, on mobility. The small unit doesn’t require a very powerful ECM suite to hide it, but that suite is re-doubled due to its vital role; without the 8-ton Bloodstrike, the 450-ton Fusillade is limited to what it can directly see or to blind artillery shots. While the EZ-007 lacks speed, it is extremely nimble, able to dart, dive and loop about easily due to its almost nonexistent frame.
ARMAMENT
Even the armament of the EZ-007 Bloodstrike can be considered a defense. Aside from the proboscis targeting system, its weapons face to the rear. Further, these are fixed within the tail. The maneuverability of the Bloodstrike, however, effectively makes the entire Zoid a 360° turret.
55mm “Deadeye” Targeting System – head mounted, forward arc, 45º universal articulation
The targeting proboscis of the Bloodstrike is what gives the Zoid the fear it deserves. Able to place an accelerated isotopic “tag” from 50 kilometers, whatever this weapon sees, the Fusillade can kill with either a guided 200mm V-LAP M3C round or a “Ragefire” EGS tactical missile. The newest breed of Bloodstrikes, however, can stream uncharged particles as a standard light particle accelerator, allowing the EZ-007 to do moderate damage to targets within 2 kilometers.
50 Caliber “Snapshot” Longbore Rifle – tail mounted, fixed aft
Essentially a vehicle mounted sniper rifle, this is the upper of the two tail guns on the EZ-007. Though it is fed with a belt of ammunition wrapped around the “Aggressor” system, it is a single shot weapon with 50 reloads. Unlike a standard rifle, this gun fires 16cm long APEX (Armor-Piercing, Explosive) rounds at hyper velocities. It has a range of 2 kilometers and can punch a rather sizable hole through the armor of most avian Zoids.
80mm “Aggressor” Ener-Burst System – tail mounted, fixed aft
A bizarre yet creative weapon, the “Aggressor” has two roles, one quite surprising. It is actually an engine that focuses energy from the Zoid’s core and expels it in micro-pulses to achieve thrust. However, should an enemy come within 1 kilometer, this energy and atmospheric particulate can be compressed into a bolt of plasma. When released, the bolt is capable of scorching directly through light Zoid armor or canopies, causing respectable damage. At the same time it gives the Bloodstrike a burst of speed that can assist the pilot in dodging out of harm’s way.
SUMMARY
The light aerial Bloodstrike was designed from the beginning as a companion unit to the mighty EZ-501 Fusillade. The Bloodstrike was assigned the serial number from the “Zero Series" to denote its ultra-light chassis, being the 07th of that category. It is a single pilot, highly maneuverable and stealthy Zoid that combines its attributes with its host in order to direct firepower into targets otherwise hidden by terrain features, and at great range. They are fast to produce and have become not only a staple of forward fighting units but some are now used as personal transports for officers and VIPs.
THE BUILD
THE CONCEPT
When I thought of the concept of Fusillade honoring the classic WW2 battlewagon, I knew I would have to build something to take the role of the small recon float planes so many battleships carried. My mind picked quickly through my flying options and I decided on the mosquito for a number of reasons. 1) it was very light, like the recon planes were. 2) they are known to have advanced, natural sensory systems. 3) it was an insect, which seemed to go well with my giant centipede theme. I wanted to build it as small as possible, but, in truest Zoid fashion, I wanted it to actually host a pilot. Bloodstrike was born from a spare Zabat head.
ASSEMBLING A 'SQUITO
Didn't just want a little Zoid to help Fusillade target enemies... this scout had to have a pilot. I used a Zabat head as the smallest enclosed cockpit I could find. Originally the Zabat ears were going to make up the wings, but I traded those in favor of creating my own out of an SD RAM card case. They were clear and durable. I etched the details into the wings with my Dremmil. The second picture up top (the boring one with the knife) is showing where I got the hip joints so I could set the final pair of legs and arc them up for "suck" mode. It is cut from Diablo Tiger's sprue frame. Picture 3) shows the finished build with a test paint scheme I used before I finalised colors. The last frame I digitally added the logo an Bloodstrike's back and the green eyes to get an indication of how the final paint would look.
PARTING THOUGHTS
I feel I have taken an epic journey with you through this site, touring the largest, most complicated, most functional model I have ever built. You, of course, may simply be dying of eye strain, but I am most grateful that you have taken the time to get here. Up to the end I did not know if this build was really worthy of entering it into any contest. There is much more I wish to do with Fusillade, and, though I enter it in the Zoids Poison 2008 Custom Contest, I consider it a work in progress. There are pipes, railings and cables I would like to add. I have printed and cut out labels to create tiny toolboxes, aid kits and NATOPS manuals for all of the crew compartments. And on and on.
Please let me know your thoughts, feelings, ideas and inspirations! I hope that something in this enormous, over the top website has sparked an interest for you.
Take care, and darth on!
SILLINESS BONUS!!!
Headcrab or Fusi-scout?! You be the judge!!!
I set the head armor atop the landing platform and just had to disconnect the last segment for this shot!
Thanks for reading this far to see it!
AI-2 PROFILE
It seems that most Zoids have an intellect and personality that closely resembles their organic counterparts, and this is true of the Bloodstrike. There isn't a whole lot of thought buzzing around in this mosquito's mind, nor much room for aggression. Rather, the EZ-007 is almost a simple, dumb machine that allows a pilot to do his job without interference. This is good, as most small insects would be terrified to land on an EZ-501 Fusillade!
Grand Prize Winner
Grand Prix 2008 Custom Contest
1st Place Winner
Zoids Poison 2008 Custom Contest
