Update: English Translated Construction Manual can be found here.
The AMS-129 Geara Zulu from Gundam Unicorn. This is the mass production (cannon fodder) mobile suit of the Neo Zeon faction that will undoubtedly look good being blown up by the Gundam Unicorn *snicker*.
Definitely traces its roots from the Zaku's design from Gundam series of yore, with an even stronger influence of World War II German infantry design with the helmet shape, magazine case and weapons.
Its rifle looks modeled after the Stg 44 used by the German infantry in the latter part of the war. The Stg44 was the first ever assault rifle. I read before in a gun magazine that the Stg 44 was run with a 3 man crew despite the fact that one man was enough to wield it. The purpose of the other 2 guys was to protect it from falling into enemy hands.
It brought into the battlefield the advantage of high rate of fire in a portable package. Most world war II machine guns needed a tripod and a two man crew to work it, limiting it to a supporting role during an assault on a fixed position. It bridged the gap between the german submachine gun (short range, low caliber, high rate of fire) with their main battle rifle (long range, high caliber, bolt fed.) Despite it being too late to turn the tide for the Germans in world war II, it helped influence the design of modern assault weapons. Chiefly the iconic AK-47 assault rifle of the Russians.
The AMS-129 Geara Zulu is selling for 1318 yen at Amiami, 1800 yen at Hobby Search, 1260 yen at HWJapan, 1800 yen at Hobby Link Japan.
Color Guide was translated to English from the manual posted at Dalong.
