Unit Data
Classification: Darkurtis
Type: Crayfish
Primary Mission: Amphibious Assault
Secondary Mission: Reconnaissance
Power Plant: DZ (Dynasty - Zoid standard light plant, Generation 2)
Chassis: 003
Crew: 1 ( pilot / minimal rank requirement: Ensign )
Statistics
Length: 15.5 meters
Width: 5 meters
Height: 3.4 meters
Weight: 13 tons
Performance
Submerged: 40 Knots
Land: 150 KPH
CAPABILITIES
The Deoichalcum-enhanced power plant has increased Darkurtis’ speed by 10 knots in the water and 20 kph on land. The Darkurtis, while not a stealth Zoid, still incorporates features that make its detection difficult, its small stature and ability to crawl beneath enemy warning nets not withstanding. Enhanced manuevarabilty increases its battle effectiveness and its usefulness as an engineering Zoid as well. Rounding out this package is a greatly enhanced sensory and communications suite, evidenced by antennas almost double the original in length.
HISTORY
Helic’s mass production of the light and swift Sea Sabers had created an effective net of interceptors around their lands, the horrifying Zenebas Tsunami was set to dominate any aquatic Zoid it encountered. Guylos was at an uneasy ceasefire with Helic, but trusted them little more than Zenebas, who was clearly building power for an assault against the Dynasty. With schools of Wardicks in the oceans to take on swimming Zoids and the new Blazewings leading squadrons of Storches against aerial targets the only way to go was down. The Dynasty Empress approved the production of a new unit that would be effective in battle, fast to produce and able to penetrate the defenses of the other great nations.
DEFENSES
First and foremost, the DHI-003 bears the dark armor of its larger, deadlier kin. It can withstand 50% more punishment than its previous incarnation, taking damage more like a 20 ton machine. Its skin is covered with SEM (Sensory Evasive Materials), as with Angstmorder, reducing lock-on for guided weapons unless the finish is compromised.
ARMAMENT
The Darkurtis only retains 4 of its previous light beam weapons; one in the right claw, the two under the fuselage and one in the tail. The forward 5-gun array and back mounted shock cannons have been replaced by a more robust arsenal. Though the forward array replacement seems subtle it is much more extensive than it appears. The head mounted five-gun array has been replaced by a triad of 80mm re-accelerated ionized particle cannons. The belly gunner station is now the primary pilot station, and the Darkurtis is now in control of its lighter gun systems. Though this arrangement was greeted with heavy skepticism, the Zoid’s simple mind is tempered by a stealthy bent, and it only uses these guns in full firefight or at the prompting of the now solo pilot.
30mm Laser Cannon (x4) – Integrated construction, tail (1) 180° vertical arc, right claw (1) 40 degree forward arc, thorax (2) forward fixed
These light weapons were the mainstay of the EZ-047 Macurtis and were preserved as backup weapons on the DHI-003. They are useful for clearing mines and against infanty, but are almost useless against any type of armor save the very lightest.
50mm Particle Beam Cannon (x2) – Thorax mount, 40° elevation, forward arc
A pair of forward-facing 50mm particle cannons are mounted to the back of the Darkurtis. These weapons can compromise the armor of a target up to 50 tons, though with limited penetration and are ideal for striking both out of water and submerged.
80mm Re-accelerated Ionized Particle Cannons (x3) – Integrated construction, head, fixed forward
The "RIP-C" roars with a heavy automatic burst of firepower more akin to a medium Zoid. The system actually replaces the original pilot station; the guns are fed by armored conduits patched directly into the orichalcum plant and can saw the leg off of an unwary Liger.
Hardened Alloy Claws – Arm mount, integrated construction, forward arc
Standard melee weapon of the majority of Zoids, these tear armor and damage "soft" components. On the DZ-027-B Darkbolt they are built from the same responsive crystalline alloy as the dark armor protecting the Zoid, allowing them to become stronger with use.
Parts List
Macurtis
Body
Mini-Liger
Partical Cannon Array
Heldigunner
Hoses
Aquadon
Thorax Cannons
Zip-Ties
Antennae
SUMMARY
The DHI-003 Darkurtis can correctly be described as the fulfillment of the evolution of the EZ-047 Maccurtis light Zoid battle frame. With the successful re-infusion of orichalcum into Dynasty Zoids it was only natural that such an abundant and useful unit would be upgraded. The DHI-003 is not designed for the lighter duties of its predecessor, it is intended to take on hardened targets toe to toe… and win.
The Build
I always liked the Macurtis, but it seemed the design was too weak for much more than a light troop support vehicle. And, it seemed to me, Takara-Tomy accidentally molded the kit in the wrong colors. Darkurtis was made to correct the oversight and to build the shrimp anew as a Dark Zoid. It was one of my fastest customs... I swapped out the light guns for real cannon, then ripped off those arm-gun-things for some good old fashioned Aquadon blasters, replaced the little whimpy antenna with some much improved sensory gear, corrected the color problem and installed some hoses to complete the image. I must say, I love the results!
DHI-003 Darkurtis
The re-engineering of the EZ-047 Macurtis was a logical move by Guylos military officials. The Zoid was easy to build and efficient at its mission. Its elevation to Dark Zoid status has made it into a very real threat on the battlefield.
AI-2 Profile
The small amphibious Zoid has a very limited intellect and is almost akin to an unthinking machine. It does, however, seem to get anxious if enemies get too close, or if a target lingers in its gunsights for too long. It is almost as if the Darkurtis knows it is small, slow and weak, and that it hopes its pilot will take action to protect it. Darkurtis seem to gain confidence in numbers, and they can be relentlessly viscious if they outnumber their prey.
Showing here; the new triple-cannon array now takes up the entire head, leaving the Darkurtis a solo-pilot Zoid. The lower gunner station is now the cockpit, and it retains a pair of light 30mm lasers.
DHI-003-B Darkurtis
The latest version to crawl off of Guylos' assembly lines has been upgraded yet again. The 003-B has had significant portions of its shell replaced with infused charged crystal armor. The engineering arm has also been replaced with a second combat arm.
