ARX-8 Laevatein

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ARX-8 Laevatein is an Arm Slave, a fictional mecha from the light novel, manga, and anime series Full Metal Panic!. It first saw action during the events of the series' eighth novel.

Technical Specifications
Laevatein
Designation	ARX-8 Laevatein
Design	ARX-7 AI unit
Height	8.7m
Weight	10.3t
Powerplant	Palladium reactor Ross & Humbleton PRX3000
Maximum Operation Time	30 hours
Top Speed	Unknown
Jump Height	Unknown
Armaments	GAU-19/S 12.7mm gatling gun×2 XM18 wire gun×2
Compatible Weapons	Sewado・arsenal 165mm Multi-purpose Demolition Howitzer Geotron Electronics GRAW-4 Monomolecular Cutter Royal Ordanance M1108 Anti-Tank Dagger Alliant Techsystems M1097 Anti-AS Grenade Oto/Melara Boxer2 76mm Smoothbore Cannon
Notable Pilots	Sosuke Sagara

[edit] Unit History

After ARX-7's destruction at the hands of Leonard Testarossa's Belial, Mithril's special agent "Wraith" managed to salvage its AI unit and Lambda Driver system. With the help of the remnants of the Mithril force, the AI unit designed a new AS that would completely suit Souske's habit in battle. Since this AS doesn't belong to Mithril's regular design, it did not follow the tradition of naming after medieval weapons (ARX-6 Halberd and ARX-7 Arbalest. Instead, it was named after a legendary sword in Norse mythology, the Laevateinn. It was seen completed at the end of the novel 'Burning One Man Force', and was delivered to Souske during the eighth novel. During the first combat against Amalgam forces, it single-handedly destroyed three Behemoth units.

[edit] Characteristics

The Laevatein is almost entirely designed for direct combat capabilities. Featuring a high-output powerplant and enhanced musculature, it has exceptional strength and mobility. When combined with the Lambda Driver, it is even able to tear apart enemy mechas with bare hands. In addition to the regular pair of arms, two mechanical arms are attached to the sides of its waist. Controlled entirely by the AI, these arms can deliver various weapons to the main arms, or take direct action such as throwing grenades. Since the AI is familiar with Souske's combat habits, it will choose the best weapon for the present environment. The 165mm cannon is not a regular AS equipment. When firing, the Laevatein need to utilize the Lambda Driver to stabilize itself. An extra barrel section can be attached to increase its range and accuracy.

In exchange for combat capabilities, the Laevatein has sacrificed other equipments, including the ECS and missile countermeasures. The power of its radar is also reduced. In terms of electronic warfare, the ARX-8 is only on par with a M6 unit. Its high power also reduced the operation time to only 30 hours, 70 hours shorter than the Arbalest and only one fifth of the M9E Gernsback.

The Laevatein's limbs are more bulky than those of the Arbalest, probably as a result of increased muscle mass. Its white armour is decorated with red and orange highlights, giving a "fiery" feeling. The enhanced cooling system includes retractable heat-dispensing wires resembling a ponytail, just like those seen on "Codarl" (Mithril codename "Venom") units.