Unit Data
Classification: Descat Mk][
Type: Black Tiger
Mission: Hunter Killer
Power Plant: DPZ (Dynasty - Power-Zoid, Generation 3)
Chassis: 025
Crew: 1 ( pilot / minimal rank requirement: Captain )
Statistics
Length: 22 meters
Width: 19.3 meters
Height: 12.5 meters
Mass: 97 tons
Performance
Speed: 400 KPH
CAPABILITIES
The Descat Mk2 is slightly slower than its original incarnation, despite an upgraded power plant; improvements in both armor and weapon load have reduced its flank speed to only 400 kph. It does, however, boast a 15% increase in maneuverability due to the Deochalcum enhanced leg thrusters. It is still excellent at what it was built to do; tear into a battlefield and cut down anything it its way. The DPZ-025 is once again living up to its legend.
HISTORY
With the deployment of the DHI-02 Angstmorder to keep Zenebas and Helic forces from the shores of Nyx and with the improved Gravity Saurers to patrol the densely forested coastlines, Guylos turned its attention toward the very real possibility of a new ground war. Analysis of both enemies revealed that they were making heavy use of faster, more mobile ground units; predominantly tiger and liger type Zoids. Helic was armed with the Zero and Shield Liger series, as well as the Whitz and Rayse models. Zenebas fielded a large number of Saber Tigers and Great Sabres, as well as the dreaded Brastle. Guylos determined that the best way to slay a tiger was with another tiger. Work was begun on resurrecting the formidable Descat, last having seen service more than a century ago as a ground unit in the age of Gungyarados.
DEFENSES
Gone is the red and gray coloration that readily identified the original Descat; the DPZ-025 chassis is encased in the same black armor that made the Dark Force Zoids so terrifying. The reflective ice armor was found to be less effective for overall protection and was a detriment to stealth and has also been replaced with SEM (Sensor Evading Materials) coated black armor. Kinetic damage resistance is 80% enhanced over the original Descat, and energy damage is enhanced 10%. Further, the already effective ECM suite has been upgraded to current effectiveness and the SEM coating makes the DPZ-025 practically invisible beyond 2 kilometers. It is also extremely difficult to make out the Zoid visually at night when in low power prowling mode. Above these, the Descat incorporates an array of twelve forward energy shield projectors. These are located on the shoulders, hips and body, and can created a forward arc encapsulating defense shield strong enough to deflect most light field artillery for up to 30 seconds at a time.
ARMAMENT
The DPZ-025 Descat Mk2 retains the dual chest-mounted 80mm impact cannons but all other systems have been upgraded or replaced. An addition to improve field efficiency are a pair of shoulder-mounted weapon pods similar to those originally designed for the Ice Blazer. Each pod is equipped with a 50mm particle beam cannon mounted above a 60mm gyrojet carbine These pods auto-stabilize when the Descat runs and can arc 365 degrees, capable of firing directly to the rear. The DPZ-025 also wields an updated version of the lethal back-mounted gravity cannon. Finally, the Descat retains its hardened alloy claws and fangs for melee combat. Due to its staggering speed and agility, this mode of attack should not be underestimated.
80mm Impact Cannons (x2) – integrated construction, chest mounted, forward arc
A standard APEX round firing weapon, the 80mm impact cannons are primerily used against soft to moderately hardened targets up to 6 kilometers distant. Each gun carries an internal 40-round magazine of high-density rounds upgraded to deal with today’s armor.
50mm Particle Beam Cannon (x2) – shoulder mounted, 360 aft arc
Only a Dark Zoid can manage to pack such firepower as a "common sidearm." These 50mm cannons were considered greatly feared standoff weapons in their day, posessing the firepower of a Gojulas' breath cannon. Today they are still feared, but the Descat Mk2 wields them like a common laser. Capable of striking targets 4 kilometers away and able to breach any common armor, they are used to destroy lighter targets while giving heavy units a threat considerable enough to make them take pause.
60mm Gyrojet Carbine (x2) – dorsal & ventral weapon bays, integrated construction
Like the ones found on some Angstmorder configurations, the gyrojet fires hypervelocity semi-guided rounds with an armor penetrator and high explosive warhead; each magazine holds 25 rounds. Also like the Angstmorder weapons, the Descat may fire these rounds against submerged targets.
Grav-PAC – integrated construction, back mounted, forward arc
The new Grav-PAC (Gravitationally-collapsed Particle Accelerator Cannon) weapon compresses particles into a pseudo-collapsed state before loosing them into a target; the effect of a hit is horrifying, able to punch through even Mad Thunder’s formidable armor. The only drawbacks to the cannon are its long recharge rate and that the Descat must immobilize to brace for the shot. Still, with an experience pilot, this warrants only an inconvenience next to the ability to drop a Gojulas with one shot.
Hardened Alloy Fangs – Head 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
Descat
Base
Ice Blazer
Shoulder cannons
SUMMARY
The new Descat is vastly improved over the original, now incorporating Deochalcum infusion through the Dynasty’s new process that makes its (relatively) safe use possible. The power output increase so impressed the engineers that its original designation of DHI-25 has been replaced with the more appropriate DPZ-025 and it has been upgraded to Mk2 status.
These shots compare the DPZ-025 Descat Mk2 and the original. I actually like both
color schemes, but truly find the "Dark Zoid" colors more fitting. I'm glad I bought
two Descats when they only cost $35!!!
DPZ-025
Descat Mk2
Building off of the framework of the original model of Descat which ended with Chaotic Century, the Mk2 version also utilized the reputation of the Dark Zoids of that time to instill terror in its prey. The black and grey illuminated with the green glow of Diochalcum is enough to turn many a foe.
DPZ-025-B
Deathcat
Using the same crystalline alloy responsive Dark Armor now found on the latest Guylos Zoids, this "command" variant of the Descat combines the updated firepower with the self-forging armor to become twice as deadly. Helic commands recommend avoiding combat with a Deathcat if at all possible.
AI-2 Profile
The Artificial Intelligence And Instinct profile of the Descat Mk2 is hardly surprising. It is a brutal machine, sometimes seemingly drunk with its own power; the Descat Mk 2 lives for the fight. Unlike the Blackbolt, the Descat is more of a “charge and pounce” hunter. The Descat loves to get close with its claws, but it also values blowing an enemy in half at range. They work well with pilots who are driven and combat oriented.
