MESS-S1aD-001 Catalyst

Technology and Combat Characteristics
As the very first "Garrisai" of AEGIS to have been designed, much more focus was placed on the Catalyst resembling a mobile cannon over a humanoid machine. Thus, it only consists of treads and a semi-humanoid upper torso with a cockpit in the "head." In order for Solar Cannon to fire, the [Base Stage] must fire a high-density laser into the [Catalyst Stage]'s input funnel, which would power the chest mounted Gyrotumbler Unit. With the Gyrotumbler fully charged (it takes about 20 seconds), the beam will fire for at least ten seconds, with a ten minute cooldown. The Catalyst two-stage System was only surpassed centuries later by the much more compact yet equally as powerful Solar Eclipse.

Armaments
- EC-03 Catalyst Two-Part System: Taking heavy inspiration off of the Solar Cannons, the CT-PS fulfilled its role as a high-output laser cannon. It consisted of a mobile “Gun” section and a stationary “Base” section. The Base would fire its laser into the Gun’s receiver, allowing the weapon to fire a massive energy blast.

- Basic Claw Manipulator: Similar to that of a construction claw, this wrist-mounted manipulator allows for the most basic of hand movement for the Catalyst. The claw is capable of lifting debris or other large objects, or can be used as a blunt melee weapon at close range.

Special Equipment and Features
- Communications Array: This rather simple communications device is built into the Catalyst's cockpit, and is used to coordinate firing sequences between the Base and Catalyst Stages.

History
Developed as a major upgrade to the “Solar Cannon” Project, the Catalyst provided a new range of mobility for the weapon by acting as a aptly named “Catalyst” for the gun. Originally, the Solar Cannon was comprised of a Solar Core and a Solar Gun, which were housed in the same facility and were both required for the weapon to fire. The Catalyst changed this dynamic by taking the role of the Solar Gun, which would move around the battlefield within the Solar Core’s range.

Trivia
- The Solar Cannon has a slight similarity to the Gundam X’s Back-Mounted Beam Cannon (Satellite Cannon)