ACF-MKIIIaA/NU-001 Alpha Predator

Technology and Combat Characteristics
The [α] Predator, much like its predecessor, is both close-quarters and medium range proficient. Being a general purpose machine, it can equip a number of different weapons dependent on the mission it is assigned. From a medium-range cannon to a close-quarters combat blade, the Predator is great at situation adaptation, just like its predecessor Harbinger. Alternatively, it can equip a demolitions-based loadout with a Rocket Launcher and Shotgun combo.

Armaments
- Anti-Armor Twin Smart Flat-Edged Saber: More commonly known as the Cherry Blossom Saber, or Taisen Blade, it is an upgraded version of the AA-Smart Saber that features two (Katana-shaped) blades instead of one. The blades themselves were retrofitted from the Darkblade Longswords of the Dark Pegasus. When in its “Battle Form,” it rotates both of its blades forward on a folded circle handle to form a dual-cutter sword. In its “Assault Form,” the two blades rotate to opposite ends of the circular handle, spinning rapidly for a flurry of follow-up attacks and quick deflections. The blades can also spin fast enough to form an improvised shield. When not in use, the weapon folds up into its Battle Form, and can be stored on any of the Predator’s VAPs. It was taken from the late Marie Winhart’s collection after it was gifted to Kate before the former’s death.

- 200mm Enhanced Artillery Gun: Taken from the late Bluemoon. Developed from the standard 200mm Artillery Gun, this weapon features a faster projectile speed, lower recoil, and a slightly reduced AoE. This allows for medium range attacks, with a average amount of inaccuracy that comes from it being held like a turret. In order to fix this, the weapon is equipped with a bipod for stationary attacks, or a secondary stock that can attach to the forearm with a built in trigger for one-handed firing. The weapon is occasionally equipped with a top-mounted armor plate for keeping the barrel from warping after extended fire. In the need of it having to reload its 20-round “Vladof Drum” Magazine, two spare canister magazines are mounted on the left back VAP, which can be grabbed by the machine’s hands. The weapon itself can be mounted on the right back VAP.

- CW-09 Custom Giant Rocket Launcher: Developed from the Giant Rocket Launcher, this weapon has an advanced cooling system and a multi-type receiver to allow for a wide range of attack patterns. The weapon also has an armored shell for extra defense. When not in use, it can be mounted on the any of the back VAPs.

- CS-018 Tactical Shotgun: Being a discontinued project by Kestrel, it was eventually revived by the UNI as their frontline specialist weapon. It contains an 18-round internal breech magazine, though after adoption it was given a much more efficient drum magazine. When not in use, it can be mounted on any of the VAPs.

- Katonfa MK. II: Originally derived from the Predator’s improvised Katonfa, these improved versions sport a heated blade that allows for enhanced attack power. In the case of the Taisen Saber being lost in combat, the pair of forearm mounted swords can instead be used for any close-quarters encounters. When deployed, they extend out from the upper forearm, with a punching motion sufficing for an attack.

Special Equipment and Features
- Nanolaminate Expandable Shields: A less common Shield design limited to designated pilots. Using a multi-layer design, each of the shield’s segments extend outward to increase its defensive radius. Due to this feature, the shield is incredibly portable and can even serve as shoulder armor when needed.

Trivia
- Even though the αlpha Predator is an Arcandy Machine and includes the prefix “α”, Kate still refers to her machine just as The Predator.

- The machine takes inspiration from Lunamaria Hawke’s ZAKU Gunner and Strike Rouge Gundam from SEED.

- It also resembles the fighting style and secondary weapons of the Kämpfer of Gundam WITP.

- Isakura and the Predator bear a striking resemblance to Sakura Taisen’s own Sakura Shinguji and her machine. Both have pink-themed Mecha and are Japanese in origin.

- Because of this, the machine’s moving eye cameras are different colors; one is green, and the other is red.

- It’s prefix is a variation of the term “Apex Predator.”