MESS-S1aB-002 Ballista

Technology and Combat Characteristics
While it was the first of its kind to use ranged weapons, Ballista was forced to run on tank treads unlike its hovering or walking brothers. Thus, it was only effective on relatively flat ground, as an incline or ditch could prevent it from moving. Usually staying on the sidelines, it would serve as a support sniper, while the other Garrisai fought on the front lines.

Armaments
- 80mm Four-Barrel Hand Autocannons: A rapid-fire rotary cannon that fires 80mm rounds. They are mounted in the torso to provide the best possible stability when firing, though the extreme recoil means accuracy is only limited to close/medium range.

- Prometheus 300mm Coiled Railguns: What would eventually become known as the iconic 300mm High-Powered Naval Cannons, the Prometheus Railguns were the first instance of large-caliber shell-firing weapons. While not incredibly accurate, their ease of use and high AoE meant that direct hits weren't necessary to score major damage. Due to the sheer size of the Celestial Striders the Ballistas were usually deployed against, accuracy wasn't a problem at all. Thus, it was decided that the deadliness of a round be of highest priority. (Kestrel actually took inspiration off of the 300mm receiver and re-introduced it in the form of a Naval Cannon. Hence, the HPNC.)

- 60mm Heavy Bolt Minigun: This high-caliber rotary cannon served as the backup weapon for the Ballista, should its other weapons be compromised. It fires at a slightly higher rate than that of the 80mm Autocannons, and thus is relegated to more of a suppression role over damage. Even then, its 60mm receiver can still deal major damage if aimed correctly.

- Striker Missile Silos: These high-yield missile pods deal large amounts of damage on their own, and thus are best used in single, special attacks. Up to four are stored on each tread armor.

History
Developed as the prototype version of the Harbinger Ground Type, the Ballista was used to test out the effectiveness of conventional weapons used by a humanoid machine. Since the ADJM hadn’t developed bipedal legs yet, they recycled the same tank tread chassis from the Catalyst, which allowed them to focus on the arms and head hard points. After purchasing weapons from a number of companies (NOT KESTREL), they installed them on this unit and sent it out into combat. Several of these units were deployed, though only in small numbers due to their purpose as test units. With many of the tests ending in success, the ADJM was able to begin development on a more humanoid designed machine—the Harbinger GT.

Trivia
- The Ballista shares some uncanny similarities with the Guntank of Gundam. I only discovered Gundam about three years after designing the Ballista, so either it was an extreme coincidence or subconscious copying. I have no idea.