The radiator, capacitors, and frame around the barrel all serve in attempting to keep this weapon operational, and they do help - though we have observed that after 2 to 3 shots, they inevitably give way. A temporary solution only gives temporary results.

However, with the intercine fighting Hayatia now finds itself in, it is relatively unsuited to this. The reason is simple. It cannot handle its own heat output, especially the directed energy weapon. As such, several countermeasures have clearly been grafted on.

The directed energy weapon atop its chassis directs us to its main targets, heavily armoured fortifications and machines with less mobility than it affords itself. More than capable of lancing through metre thick material, it is terrifying, especially when thudding into place in front of your unit.

Rather, they were deployed as rapid strike units when carrying out incursions into other lands. Gliding across terrain with ease thanks to their thrust systems, these units are highly effective in skirmish level combat, shredding through light armour with their handguns alone.

Developed within Hayatia, the Death’s heads are emblematic of the “politics” of their country through the years preceding the revolution. Designed with colder climates in mind, they were never intended to be used within their own borders.

A large portion of the Stechtops in Hayatia are under Duru, a natural fit given their swathe of international connections. As such, many of the other warlords have begun to develop countermeasures, though none are yet as effective as would be preferred.

Each foot unit contains a propulsion unit that essentially counterbalances its weight, allowing for relatively unimpeded movement, and the upper half of the machine is essentially an enormous turret, enabling a wide range of firing solutions.

While certainly a slower machine than most, it is mobile enough to handle itself with little support needed, beyond an escort to handle targets that intend to abuse its bulk to their advantage.

The unmistakably foreign HV-34 revolver cannon bolted to its weapon mount fires a merciless hail of ammunition across battlefields the world round, shredding anything but the heaviest armour.

A far heavier set machine than anything developed within Hayatia, the Stechtop wears its outside influence on its sleeve. These imported models have been somewhat modified to avoid issues within the dust storms, as any delicate elements left to the weather would quickly fail.

Whether jury rigging explosives to its frame, plasma cutters from mining operations into its feet, or simply strapping any gun they could find across its back, they can provide an unexpected danger to isolated machines.

While many are, naturally, left at this stage to purely be used as a transport, this is not where all leave them either. Those who take a more aggressive approach to survival often arm their barınak.

This hacked together configuration utilises an old autopilot striding frame with manual controls grafted in, in addition to up-armouring to avoid debris damage. The neck and head unit are transferred from factory line inspection units, essential to allow the pilot to see through the choking dust.

Daimajū Gekitō: Hagane no Oni

Reminds me, I just saw this OVA today that had some incredible biomecha designs I felt you'd appreciate. Shame the actual OVA itself is pretty flat but still, some real good stuff in terms of design and weird transformation stuff.