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The AV-98 Ingram is a second generation Patlabor manufactured by Shinohara Heavy Industries (SHI). The type was extremely advanced at the time of its rollout in 1998, and remained in frontline service until the early 2000s. It would be succeeded in the Original Animated Timeline by the AV-02 Valiant.
When the first construction labors hit the market, the need for specialized police units to counter them became immediately apparent. Early patlabors were little more than repainted construction types, and as labor technology rapidly advanced, they became increasingly obsolete. SHI recognized the need for a highly advanced labor that would not only stand up to the machines of its time, but also remain effective against future types. Sparing no expense, the company developed the AV-98 Ingram to fill this role.
Mechanical Systems[]
The Ingram's mechanical systems were designed from the ground up specifically for special police operations. The machine's motors and actuators are rated at very high outputs, allowing it to move quickly and exert large amounts of force. These mechanisms are suitable for restraining and pinning down most labors, and the Ingram is even capable of briefly raising a labor above its head.
The AV-98 has more than mere raw strength at its disposal. Due to the often sensitive and delicate nature of police labor operations, precision movement is essential. To that end, the Ingram is equipped with a system that allows the pilot to directly control the movements of the machine's humanoid manipulators. While this does require a significant degree of focus and skill, the ability to finely control each finger of the Ingram allows the pilot to perform actions no other labor can.
Electronics Systems[]
In order for the Ingram to make full use of its advanced mechanical systems, a complex electronic and computer system is required. The machine features a control computer that was state-of-the-art at the time of its rollout, greatly enhancing the capabilities of the machine. The computer aids the pilot in coordinating the movements of the powerful motors while maintaining precision control. Certain processes, such as weapon retrieval and carrier docking, are completely automated, and the Ingram even features a basic autopilot capable of limited movement.
Armor and Weapons[]
The AV-98's armor plating is made of a lightweight but extremely strong carbon fiber reinforced plastic. This provides a great deal of protection from many physical threats, while maintaining the agility required of a high-performance police labor. Everything about the armor was intentionally designed, even down to its physical appearance. SHI engineers paid close mind to the looks of the Ingram, designing it to appear heroic enough to instill a sense of hope and assurance in the public, and strong enough to instill a sense of fear in criminals.
Enhancing the type's versatility is its weapons loadout. The machine features built-in storage for a 37mm Revolver Cannon and an Anti-Labor Stun Stick, as well as a shield mounted on its left forearm. The revolver cannon was, at the time, the highest-caliber gun equipped by a patlabor, and is capable of disabling most construction labors with a single well-placed shot. At ranges where the cannon is unnecessary, the electromagnetic stun stick can be utilized to incapacitate a labor with minimal damage. When the standard revolver cannon is not enough, the Ingram is capable of utilizing a 90mm riot cannon (shotgun) that can fire a wide spread of small projectiles or large-diameter solid slugs. Additionally, for special operations, the type can equip an explosive-reactive armor system, which provides greater protection from explosive projectiles than the standard armor.
Reception[]
The Ingram was tentatively adopted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, assigning three units to the Special Vehicles Section 2, Division 2 in order to assess its effectiveness. Although Division 2 would soon gain a poor reputation, the Ingrams were initially welcomed by the public, who were weary of rampant labor crimes. The machine was highly effective, especially in the hands of a capable pilot, but this effectiveness came at a steep price, preventing the type from seeing mass adoption by the police. The three units sent to Division 2 were the only Ingrams to see active frontline use.
Variants[]
AV-98 Ingram Unit 2: Ingram Unit 2 belongs to Division 2 of the Second Special Vehicle Section and most notably piloted by Isao Ohta and, at times, Kanuka Clancy. There are a few visual distinctions between Unit 1 and Unit 2, most notably the head being different in shape. Ohta's machine consistently taking damage resulted in Unit 2 receiving a new experimental head, which has two visors instead of one. In Mobile Police Patlabor: The Early Days, Ingram Unit 2's right shoulder has been due to said constant damage to the machine, being red in coloration with a blue patrol light. The patrol light is blue due to the lack of red patrol lights available, however the red shoulder is another personal choice by Ohta. On numerous occasions it's suggested that Ohta customizes his machine, although the details of such are unknown.
Early Days Unit 2
Unit 2 was operated to bring out the shooting capabilities of the AV-98 Ingram. As a result, its movements are linear and there is more waste than Unit 1, but at the same time, its fire control capabilities far exceed that of Unit 1. However, although it has high accuracy when hitting stationary targets, taking aim at labors, most of which tend to move erratically, is no easy task, so the current hit rate in the field is less than 40%. In 2002 Ingram Unit 2 is used as an experimental machine by Shinohara Heavy Industries, it's head now using parts of the ARL-99 Helldiver. The data collected from it's extensive use of long range weaponry would be adopted into the fire control system of the AV-2 Valiant
AV-98 Ingram Unit 3: Unit 3 is the third Ingram to be delivered to Special Vehicles Section 2, and unlike Unit 2, had a nearly identical appearance to Unit 1 upon arrival. It wouldn't be used for dispatches and labor operations, rather it was a spare parts unit in the chance the other Ingrams took negligible damage. In the chance it was perfectly capable of being operated, it's used for data collection, training, and a test platform. Unit 3 would eventually be refurbished with electronic warfare equipment and a modified drive system by Shinohara Heavy Industries, making it 1.37 times more efficient than the original Unit 3. The electronic warfare equipment added includes ECM, EC CM, and anti-radio wave attack capabilities, which could be an attempt to counteract situations similar to that of the Phantom Incident where the opponent as EMP jamming abilities. Externally, the biggest changes are to the head and shoulders. Due to factors such as changes to the main camera and larger antennas, it is believed that electronic warfare equipment is housed in these areas. In the last Griffon encounter of the New OVA Unit 3 would have the drive system of the Peacemaker installed for Kanuka Clancy's use, as it was in an unfinished state as per usual. In 2002 Unit 3 would be sold to Shinohara Heavy Industries and underwent more extensive modification, it having new head featuring it's very own ECM jamming pod and stronger sensor system.
AV-H98 Ingram Kai: The AV-98 Ingram would continue to see development into the early 2000s. Division 2's unit 3 would be retrofitted with a modified sensor array for field testing, but the greatest advancement came with the model AV-H98 Ingram Kai. The name "Ingram Kai" refers to any AV-98 model patlabor equipped with the neural network-based operating system found on the AV-0 Peacemaker. While the Kai models feature identical appearances, outputs, and weapons systems, the enhanced performance allowed by the new control system grants them an undeniable advantage over the base model.
Ingram USA type (CLAT): All three CLAT Ingrams are identical in shape to their real Japanese counterparts, the difference being the actual color of the labors themselves. There is a blueish purple instead of white, and white where there was black, Unit 1's visor being red while Unit 2's remains green. There are also a unit 4 and 5 present in the hangar with their own numbered logo, though they go unused. Ingram Unit 1 would have "Andante" written in place of "Alphonse" which means "At a walking pace." Unit 2 has "Fortissimo" which is basically a very strong musical notation. On the chest of the machines would be CLAT's logo, and the shields have "CLAT" written on them as well. The riot cannon comes standard issue with the CLAT Ingrams, in contrast to it's "emergencies only" usage by the original team. The Ingrams also come with modular "Jet Wing" which allows them to take flight in the air, though this is only for scramble launches and they don't partake in aerial combat. The Jet Wing detaches after both Ingrams have landed safely on the ground.
AV-98P Ingram Plus: The Ingram Plus is a newer iteration of the AV-98 Ingram featured in Mobile Police Patlabor: EZY. Exact details are unknown, however there are a few distinctions between it and it's original predecessor. The overall design looks more slimmer and less wider than the regular AV-98, it's legs being thinner and it's feet shorter. The head appears mostly unchanged outside of the right antennae, now being a single solid piece. Unit 2's head is similar, though it's face plate appears to take after the second and third movie's design. The shoulders appear more detailed and geometric in design, with the patrol lights being almost completely separated from the actual shoulders. The waist seems to have added "headlights" and the hazard lights on the rear have been enlarged. There appear to be added hazard lights at the bottom of the leg above the feet, and the manipulators seem to have added grip to the fingers.
Unit 2's "labor catcher"
The cockpit also utilizes a headset instead of the usual headgear, likely part of an advancement in labor piloting technology. In terms of equipment, the revolver cannon and stun baton remain standard issue, though Ingram Unit 2 can be seen using a new piece of equipment. It's a long forked pole that can wrap around the target labor, which is attached to the right arm of the Ingram and can automatically extend and retract. A cord can also bee seen running from the pole into the main body of the labor. This is most likely a tool based on a real life sasumata or "man catcher" used by the Japanese police and in schools to restrain targets.
Operational History[]
Original Animated Timeline[]
The Ingram was first deployed in 1998 as a replacement for the outdated ASUKA-MPL-96. The type would mostly be used for standard police work, but saw some notable action.
During the 1999 military coup, which saw Tokyo occupied by radical JGSDF elements, an AV-98 Ingram piloted by Noa Izumi was deployed during the final operation to stop the launch of nuclear missiles from ferries approaching Tokyo Bay.
Later that year, when it was discovered that the Hyper Operating System (HOS) was intended to be used to cause a mass berserk labor incident, Ingrams piloted by Izumi and fellow Division 2 officer Isao Ohta were ferried to the Babylon Project construction site in Tokyo Bay, where they faced off against rogue labors, among them the highly advanced AV-X0 Prototype. The operation was successful, but saw the total destruction of the main structures of the Babylon Project, as well as severe damage to the Ingrams.
In 2000, a series of labors were damaged or destroyed by an unknown culprit. The investigation led to a biological weapons project, and its result, a fearsome monster. Once the monster was cornered, Ingram units were deployed to stop the string of destructive attacks.
In 2002, some time after the Ingram's retirement, rebellious elements of the JGSDF once again staged a coup, and in the process disabled the police's main patlabor units. An AV-98 was secretly pulled out of storage and equipped with explosive reactive armor to provide support during the operation to end the military coup.
Television Timeline[]
Like in the Original Animated Timeline, the Ingram was first used in 1998 as a replacement for the ASUKA MPL-96 patlabor. It would also be used for regular police work, but would be involved in some significant operations as well.
In 1998, Two AV-98 Ingrams were deployed as part of a police detachment sent to investigate reports of a large creature attacking labors. The culprit was discovered to indeed be an actual monster, so the labors were sent to capture or destroy it.
Later in 1998, the same Ingrams of Division 2 were sent to Mount Fuji to intercept a rogue military labor, a highly advanced HAL X-10 unmanned attack labor. The team was ultimately able to stop the X10 from attacking civilians.
Also in 1998, Division 2 labors were sent to the Tower City Project construction site, where foreign diplomats and media reporters were trapped inside due to a fire. The fire department had located the survivors, but was ill-equipped to rescue them from the hazardous structure and its heavy fire-resistant doors. After pilot Isao Ohta's Ingram was taken out by complications during the rescue, Noa Izumi used her labor to venture into the structure and free those trapped inside.
Late in 1998, Japanese authorities caught wind of terrorists attempting to steal Soviet military labors while a Russian ship was docked in the country to refuel. Division 2's Asuma Shinohara and Noa Izumi were sent to intercept the terrorists, and were able to apprehend a Soviet labor and its officer pilot.
On Christmas Eve, 1998, after Section 2, Division 1 went silent after investigating strange happenings around the Tokyo Port Tunnel, Division 2 was deployed to check things out. Upon arrival, the division discovered Division 1's damaged MPL-97S Python labors, but not the crews. The division deployed the Ingrams, which were soon met by Military labor type 7B "Brocken" labors, which they engaged in combat. Soon, they came face-to-face with the Type-R13EX Phantom labor, which quickly dispatched Ohta's machine. After a grueling battle and a miraculous save by Kanuka Clancy, Izumi sent the Phantom into Tokyo Bay, where it was presumed destroyed.
When the Tokyo Geo-City Project came under a terrorist bomb threat, Division 2's personnel and Ingrams arrived on the scene to assist with the location and defusal of the explosives.
During a combat exercise between Holly Security Services (HSS) and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), the Phantom labor appeared once again, destroying a Hishii Heavy IndustriesAL-97 Atlas military labor. Division 2's Ingrams were sent to the scene as military units attempted to subdue the Phantom. After Isao Ohta was beaten in combat, Noa Izumi was able to successfully defeat the Phantom and the SR-70 Saturn labor that had been supporting it. It was quickly discovered that HSS had been a mere front for Schaft, and was not an ordinary private security company.
Division 2 was on-hand at the 1999 Tokyo International Labor Show to provide security. After the event had concluded, a cargo truck drove onto the lot where the division was located, dispensing a smokescreen. The Type J-9 Griffon labor suddenly emerged from the truck, quickly attacking Isao Ohta's Ingram. Asuma Shinohara, who was piloting an AVS-98 Economy Ingram at the time, moved in to assist. Both pilots and labors proved no match for the advanced labor. After both were defeated, Noa Izumi entered the battle, moving into close range and attempting to capture the labor. However, the Griffon activated its flight mode and escaped the battle before she could subdue it. The Griffon appears to have crashed into a nearby mountainside, where it was assumed destroyed by the police higher-ups.
After being tracked down by Schaft Security System (SSS, or Three-S), Utsumi ordered the Griffon to engage their forces. SSS' Type M-5 Abraham labors proved no match for the Griffon, and were quickly dispatched. Division 2 arrived on scene with only one functional Ingram, Noa's Unit 1, with Ohta and Hiromi Yamazaki manually wielding Ingram Unit 2's revolver cannon. An intense slugfest of a battle ensued, with both labors taking heavy damage. Eventually, the Griffon was defeated and thrown into the ocean, leaving the Ingram badly damaged.
At the Babylon Project Conference, two terrorists botched their attack plan and wound up in the restaurant at the top of the hotel. The tower-top structure had been damaged by their explosives and was liable to fall, which would have led to their deaths as well as that of the bartender they'd taken hostage. What's more, the hotel sat on a jet fuel line supplying critical resources to the airport, and a sudden impact could have caused a massive explosion. Division 2's Ingrams arrived on scene, scaling the building and successfully preventing disaster.
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