CSF-S3a Castel Test Type

Technology and Combat Characteristics
Serving as the pioneer of a Garrisai Revival Period far before the time of Project X, the Castel Prototype Units brought hopes of a bright future for the development of Garrisai combat. Unlike the later prototype units that simplified the overall power they were able to output, the Castel Test Type was almost as strong as the Harbinger Ground Types it was based on. There were a handful of errors in the design of this machine fixed in later prototypes, such as balancing issues, large thrusters with limited control, and excess fuel consumption. The errors themselves remained when it was found by UNI Leader Marie Winhart, in which they would be mitigated in the form of the Predator.

Armaments
- Nanolaminate Shield: This prototype version of the Nanolaminate Standard Shield (as well as its numerous variants) was a single layered sheet of Nanolaminate material with a handle. While not being the most complicated piece of equipment, it still fulfilled its role as a defensive equipment that served as the basis for shields in the future.

- 40mm ASU: This early version of the 40mm ASU wasn't too far off from its modern counterpart, with the only exception being the addition of numerous sensors around its body to help record data during testing. Accuracy rating, reload speed, and maximum range were all tested during active combat simulations, effectively prompting the development of sidegrade weapons such as the 60mm Carbine by Kestrel Technologies.

Special Equipment and Features
- External Fuel Canister: Due to the Dechalus refinery process being in its early stages, the amount of it that was usually consumed during Garrisai Testing was often excessive and led to quick power drains. Thus, externally mounted canisters of the energy source were often attached to the body of the Garrisai, as to allow operation to continue. Energy efficiency would be substantially improved come the introduction of the Castel Ground Type.

History
Following the joint operation between the NDRC, LCDM, and DPS, a prototype mass-production Garrisai was developed in order to counter the potential Armeli Invasion. Three models of this machine were actually built, which ran a number of tests in combat capability. Despite the numerous flaws these Test Types actually had, it was discovered that with the right modifications, its performance could be unparalleled for its time. This is evident when its design was simplified into the mass-production designated Castel Ground Type. The second and third Test Types were overhauled into a design akin to the Castel GT itself, while the first unit remained in its unmodified form for archive. This is when it would be taken and completely reworked into the Predator, which became the flagship Garrisai for the UNI.