Designed in tandem with the Tomahawk, the Masamune was designed as a
swift-deployment unit for the Robotech Marine Corp. Its lighter frame could be more easily
deployed to hot spots, where its considerable firepower could deal with potential
opposition. Originally mounting the GU-10 Gunpod, it led to the development of the GU-11
used by the Valkyrie Veritech fighters and the Masamune was soon similarly equipped. The
torso was also retro-fitted only two years into its deployment to add additional firepower
in the way of Rapier missiles. Though a sound design on paper, the Masamune proved
ineffectual in its intended role. As a Main Battle Robot, the Tomahawk is far more effective,
and as a quick deployment unit the Valkyrie has a distinct advantage. The Masamune as
produced only in limited numbers, but did prove useful in combating surviving hostile
Zentraedi who crashed during the holocaust. Once complete, the
Masamune was rendered redundant and was decomissioned relatively early.
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