ESU-S4x-017 Diamondback (Early Type)

Armaments
- Shoulder Swarmfire Missile Launcher: The Diamondback is equipped with a handheld High-Capacity Missile Launcher that features a built-in locking system. It rests on the shoulder when in use via a collapsible stock, and several opening panels will move to reveal the missiles. It was designed to be reusable, and thus is not intended to be purged after being depleted. When not in use, it can be stored on the rear skirt armor.

- Nanolaminate Standard Shield: A shield stolen from a Castel Ground Type personalized for the Diamondback’s use, it is mounted on the left forearm. It provides a decent amount of body coverage, though it can only withstand a number of hits before breaking. It features an alternate grip should it be handheld, and a storage rack for the 40mm ASU or Stingblade. As a backup weapon, the stabilizing “teeth” at the bottom of the shield can function as a spiked knuckle. When not in use, it can also be stored on the back over the thruster pods.

- 40mm ASU: A rifle stolen from a Castel Ground type that provides reliable close-to-medium range firepower. Despite not being as powerful as the 60mm Carbines used by the Revolta GTs, Jack only uses this weapon to stall the enemy when closing in for an attack. When not in use, it is stored in the shield.

- Prototype Stingblade: Being based off of the blueprints of the Anti-Armor Saber, this incredibly sharp sword is the Diamondback’s primary weapon. Since it would be some time until Jack could dual-wield effectively in tandem with the Diamondback’s high-mobility, he only used one. It can cut through the frames of Garrisai with ease, but because of the balancing of the machine and weapon, an improper charge-up attack could result in dealing little to no damage. Thus, use of the weapon requires heavy skill. When not in use, it can be stored in the shield or left side skirt armor.

Special Equipment and Features
- Custom ATS w. METACOM System: This special version of the ATS has been programmed to run effectively with HMTs. It can target moving enemies even when at high speed, and fire weapons automatically. It was designed to be paired with a METACOM System, and would provide a level of performance akin to some BURST RAID Units, without the need of an AI construct.

History
The Early Type is the form of the Diamondback seen during the events of PURITY. Having been under the ownership of Jack Kendall for only a few months, he was still testing its controls and had yet to master his close-quarters skills. Its test armor, due to the Mercury Legion’s lack of knowledge when it came to Project X units, was kept as to not interfere with the systems inside. Thus its defense was increased by a handheld shield with a built in spiked knuckle.

Trivia
- Jack’s ideology that handheld weapons “slow me down” is evident when seeing the Diamondback in its final form. Every weapon other than the 40mm Twin ASUs was integrated into the machine's frame.