The AVS-98 Economy (Popularly known as the AVS-98 Economy Ingram) was a proposed second-generation patlabor built by Shinohara Heavy Industries (SHI) in the anime timeline. It was intended to compete with the AV-98 Ingram, but cost significantly less. The type was ultimately unsuccessful and would be upgraded to the AVS-98 Economy Ingram Mk.II shortly after its debut.
Design & Development[]
The AVS-98 Economy was closely based off of the AV-98 Ingram, SHI's previous model. The driving force between the Economy's design was, as its name suggests, producing an Ingram for as little cost as possible. The main focus was on improving productivity by simplifying the sensors and monitoring system, changing to a direct-view cockpit with a clear canopy, and moving the cockpit hatch to the top to simplify the opening and closing method. The Economy saw a series of downgrades from the Ingram, and most components were replaced with low-cost alternatives. The cockpit was dramatically overhauled, and the output of the drive systems was markedly reduced. These modifications drastically reduced the overall cost of the labor, but its capabilities were, as a whole, very limited in comparison to the Ingram.
Rollout[]
The AVS-98 Economy was first shown to the public at the 1999 Tokyo International Labor Show. Representatives from SHI touted it as a true successor to the Ingram, and the type was popular with visitors to the show. By special request, Ingram pilots from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Special Vehicles Division, Section 2 were able to test the Economy outside the convention center. Pilots Noa Izumi and Asuma Shinohara both remarked that the type felt "cheap" and handled poorly, much to the dismay of the SHI representatives on-site. Nevertheless, SHI's engineers believed that they could work out the issues with the type in time to secure orders.
Unplanned Field Test[]
After the 1999 Tokyo International Labor Show had concluded, the site of the convention was attacked by the Type J-9 Griffon, deployed hoping to draw out SV2's Ingrams. However, the AVS-98, piloted by Asuma Shinohara, was the only active patlabor unit on the scene. While Ohta was able to quickly deploy his AV-98, Noa would be unable to deploy for some time, as Asuma had borrowed her operating disc for use in the Economy. Ohta was handily defeated by the Griffon, and Asuma stepped up to continue the fight against the black labor. The Economy was unable to match the Griffon's speed and strength, and was defeated even faster than Ohta's Ingram. Noa was able to reacquire her operating disc from the downed Economy and effectively mount a counteroffensive against the Griffon.
Project Cancellation[]
Following this embarrassing battle, it became evident to all that the AVS-98 Economy was not nearly up to the standard of the AV-98 Ingram, and SHI appeared to have halted all research on the Economy project. Although the Ingram would remain unchallenged in the patlabor market, SHI quietly continued developing the AVS-98, resulting in the AVS-98 Economy Mk.II. However, when it became apparent that this type would still be unable to truly compete with the Ingram, SHI finally cancelled the project and shifted all research and development to the AV-0 Peacemaker, which would hit the market almost a year later.
Specifications[]
Physical Specifications[]
- Height: 8.02 meters
- Width: 4.37 meters
- Empty Weight: 5.89 tonnes
- Loaded Weight: 6.12 tonnes
- Lifting Capacity: 2.45 tonnes
- Minimum Revolving Distance: 4.0 meters
- Armor Material: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP)
Armaments[]
- 37 Millimeter Revolver Cannon x1 (6 rounds, stored in right leg)
- Stun Stick x1 (stored in shield)
- Arm Shield x1
Gallery[]
Anime[]
Manga[]
References [1][]
