Zeus-X ZEU-9WD

The ZEU-9WD is an 80-ton assault built as a brawler, a shift from the ZEU-X's skirmisher role introduced in 3054. In place of the MRM 30 in the right arm, this variant carries a Heavy PPC, and the LB 20-X AC remains in the left torso. Where the ZEU-X paired its Medium X-Pulse Lasers in the left torso and center torso, the ZEU-9WD instead fields two Medium Pulse Lasers, one in the left torso and one in the right torso. A lighter 320 light fusion engine and standard internal structure replace the ZEU-X's 400 XXL fusion engine and composite structure, dropping cruising speed from 54 to 43 km/h and top speed from 86 to 65 km/h. Light ferro-fibrous armor replaces the patchwork protection of the original, CASE in the right torso replaces the earlier CASE II, and the heat-sink count rises from 12 to 15 double sinks. Like the ZEU-X, this is a command 'Mech and a maintenance-intensive design. Defiance Industries builds it at Hesperus II, with additional production at the Defiance Manufacturing Annex on Kwangjong-ni.