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|image          =1495170694 1576488672591e7e86716f5.jpg
|image          =1495170694 1576488672591e7e86716f5.jpg
|name            =ASTOL-MB93
|name            =ASTOL-MB93
|targets        =[[Godzilla]]
|targets        =[[Godzilla]], [[Mechani-Kong|Mechani-Kong II]]{{sup|[[Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Kodansha manga)|KM]]}}, [[Mechagodzilla (Showa)|Mechagodzilla III]]{{sup|[[Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Kodansha manga)|KM]]}},[[Anguirus]]{{sup|[[Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Kodansha manga)|KM]]}}, [[Gigan|Neo Gigan]]{{sup|[[Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Kodansha manga)|KM]]}}, [[King Godzilla]]{{sup|[[Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Kodansha manga)|KM]]}}
|pilot          =Multiple, [[Yosuke Kaneko]]{{sup|[[Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Kodansha manga)|GKotM]]}}
|pilot          =Multiple, [[Yosuke Kaneko]]{{sup|[[Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Kodansha manga)|GKotM]]}}
|height          =4.1 meters<ref name="GvsGFSWM">{{cite book|title=[[Godzilla vs. G-Force Superweapon Manual]]|date=10 April, 1995|publisher=MediaWorks, Inc|pages=58, 102|isbn=4073026984}}</ref>
|height          =4.1 meters<ref name="Manual p58">{{harvnb|Takenaka|1995|p=58}}</ref>
|length          =15.2 meters<ref name="GvsGFSWM"/><ref name="GvMSCW">{{cite book|title=[[Godzilla vs. Mothra Super Complete Works]]|date=20 December [[1992]]|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|page=27|isbn=978-4-09-101433-7}}</ref><ref name="Inconsistent" group="note">The 2012 publication ''[[Toho Special Effects Movie Complete Works]]'' (p. 234) erroneously lists the ASTOL-MB93's length as 13.2 meters.</ref>
|length          =15.2 meters{{R|Manual p58}}<ref name="GvMSCW">{{harvnb|Sagami|2014|p=52}}</ref><ref name="Inconsistent" group="note">The 2012 publication ''[[Toho Special Effects Movie Complete Works]]'' (p. 234) erroneously lists the ASTOL-MB93's length as 13.2 meters.</ref>
|weight          =8.2 metric tons<ref name="GvsGFSWM"/><ref name="GvMSCW"/>
|weight          =8.2 metric tons{{R|Manual p58|GvMSCW}}
|stat1          =6.3 meters<ref name="GvsGFSWM"/><ref name="TSEMCWorks">{{cite book|title=[[Toho Special Effects Movie Complete Works]]|date=28 September [[2012]]|publisher=[[villagebooks]]|page=234|isbn=4-864-91013-8}}</ref>|1=Width
|stat1          =6.3 meters{{R|Manual p58}}|1=Width
|firstappearance =''[[Godzilla vs. Mothra]]''
|firstappearance =''[[Godzilla vs. Mothra]]''
}}
}}
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{{TOC}}
{{TOC}}
==Name==
==Name==
The ASTOL-MB93 is referred to in [[Japan]]ese as the '''Type 93 Maser Attack Aircraft''' {{Nihongo|93式メーサー攻撃機|Kyūsanshiki Mēsā Kōgekiki}}<ref name="GvsGFSWM"/>{{rp|58}}—"93" referencing the year of its completion, 1993—or simply '''Maser Attack Aircraft''' {{Nihongo|メーサー攻撃機|Mēsā Kōgekiki}}.<ref name="GvMSCW"/><ref name="NewGodzillaDictionary">{{cite book|title=[[Godzilla Dictionary (New Edition)|Godzilla Dictionary [New Edition]]]|date=7 August 2014|publisher=Kasakura Publishing|page=274|isbn=9784773087253}}</ref> [[Toho]]'s official English website also uses the name '''Maser Attack Aircraft Type-93''',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.toho.website/movies/19/index.html|work=[[Toho|TOHO]]|title=Godzilla vs. Mothra|accessdate=12 August 2020}}</ref>  while the ASTOL model possessed by [[G-Force]] is described by the full title '''ASTOL-MB93 Maser Attack Aircraft''' {{Nihongo|ASTOL-MB93メーサー攻撃機|Asutōru Emubī Mēsā Kōgekiki}} in ''[[Godzilla vs. G-Force Superweapon Manual]]''.<ref name="GvsGFSWM"/>{{rp|102}} The craft is nicknamed the '''Maser helicopter''' {{Nihongo|メーサーヘリ|Mēsā heri}}, despite behaving more like a jet.<ref name="NewGodzillaDictionary"/>
The ASTOL-MB93 is referred to in [[Japan]]ese as the '''Type 93 Maser Attack Aircraft''' {{Nihongo|93式メーサー攻撃機|Kyūsanshiki Mēsā Kōgekiki}}{{R|Manual p58}}—"93" referencing the year of its completion, 1993—or simply '''Maser Attack Aircraft''' {{Nihongo|メーサー攻撃機|Mēsā Kōgekiki}}.{{R|GvMSCW}}<ref name="NGD">{{harvnb|Nomura|2014|p=274}}</ref> [[Toho]]'s official English website also uses the name '''Maser Attack Aircraft Type-93''',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.toho.website/movies/19/index.html|work=[[Toho|TOHO]]|title=Godzilla vs. Mothra|accessdate=12 August 2020}}</ref>  while the ASTOL model possessed by [[G-Force]] is described by the full title '''ASTOL-MB93 Maser Attack Aircraft''' {{Nihongo|ASTOL-MB93メーサー攻撃機|Asutōru Emubī Mēsā Kōgekiki}} in ''[[Godzilla vs. G-Force Superweapon Manual]]''.<ref name="Manual p102">{{harvnb|Takenaka|1995|p=102}}</ref> The craft is nicknamed the '''Maser helicopter''' {{Nihongo|メーサーヘリ|Mēsā heri}}, despite behaving more like a jet.{{R|NGD}}


Its designation '''ASTOL-MB93''' {{Nihongo|{{ruby|ASTOL|アストール}}-{{ruby|MB|エムビー}}93|Asutōru Emubī Kyūsan}} is derived from [[wikipedia:STOL|STOL]], standing for "short takeoff and landing." The MB portion stands for "[[Maser Cannon|maser beam]]," with the 93 again being a shortening of 1993.
Its designation '''ASTOL-MB93''' {{Nihongo|{{ruby|ASTOL|アストール}}-{{ruby|MB|エムビー}}93|Asutōru Emubī Kyūsan}} is derived from [[wikipedia:STOL|STOL]], standing for "short takeoff and landing." The MB portion stands for "[[Maser Cannon|maser beam]]," with the 93 again being a shortening of 1993.
==Origins==
==Origins==
The ASTOL-MB93 was jointly developed by Bill, Co. of the [[United States]] and Fuji Heavy Industries of [[Japan]].<ref name="GvsGFSWM"/>{{rp|58}}<ref name="NewGodzillaDictionary"/> Equipped with dual [[wikipedia:Turbojet|turbojet engines]] and the latest in Maser technology,<ref name="GvsGFSWM"/>{{rp|58}} the ASTOLs were employed by the [[JSDF|Japanese Ground Self Defense Force]], despite being aerial vehicles.<ref name="NewGodzillaDictionary"/> While it was originally believed impossible to fit a fighter jet with Maser cannons, the reduced power consumption of the newly developed Type 93 Masers allowed for the ASTOLs' success.<ref name="GvsGFSWM"/>{{rp|58}}
The ASTOL-MB93 was jointly developed by Bill, Co. of the [[United States]] and Fuji Heavy Industries of [[Japan]].{{R|Manual p58|NGD}} Equipped with dual [[wikipedia:Turbojet|turbojet engines]] and the latest in Maser technology,{{R|Manual p58}} the ASTOLs were employed by the [[JSDF|Japanese Ground Self Defense Force]], despite being aerial vehicles.{{R|NGD}} While it was originally believed impossible to fit a fighter jet with Maser cannons, the reduced power consumption of the newly developed Type 93 Masers allowed for the ASTOLs' success.{{R|Manual p58}}


Despite not appearing in another film after ''Godzilla vs. Mothra'', numerous books including ''[[Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla Super Complete Works]]'' describe [[G-Force]] as possessing ASTOL-MB93s in their arsenal,<ref name="GvSGSCW">{{cite book|title=[[Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla Super Complete Works]]|date=12 December [[1994]]|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|page=70|isbn=978-4-09-101444-3}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/BirthHopeMetor/status/887439994561769472?s=20|title=こちらになります。ASTOL-MB93メーサー攻撃機(Gフォース仕様)は児童書籍でも存在が確認できます。|author=@BirthHopeMetor|date=18 July 2017|work=Twitter}}</ref> possibly featured in cut footage from ''[[Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla]]''. The publication ''[[Godzilla vs. G-Force Superweapon Manual]]'' goes into further detail, describing the ASTOLs as the "primary forces" of G-Force's Air Force.<ref name="GvsGFSWM"/>{{rp|102}} While their firepower was inferior to that of G-Force's ground forces due to their comparatively more streamlined frame, the ASTOLs' aerial bombardment capabilities provided a significant advantage on the battlefield.<ref name="GvsGFSWM"/>{{rp|102}} A typical assault force consisted of twin ASTOLs.<ref name="GvsGFSWM"/>{{rp|102}}
Despite not appearing in another film after ''Godzilla vs. Mothra'', numerous books including ''[[Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla Super Complete Works]]'' describe [[G-Force]] as possessing ASTOL-MB93s in their arsenal,{{sfn|Abe|2014|p=70}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/BirthHopeMetor/status/887439994561769472?s=20|title=こちらになります。ASTOL-MB93メーサー攻撃機(Gフォース仕様)は児童書籍でも存在が確認できます。|author=@BirthHopeMetor|date=18 July 2017|work=Twitter}}</ref> possibly featured in cut footage from ''[[Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla]]''. The publication ''[[Godzilla vs. G-Force Superweapon Manual]]'' goes into further detail, describing the ASTOLs as the "primary forces" of G-Force's Air Force. While their firepower was inferior to that of G-Force's ground forces due to their comparatively more streamlined frame, the ASTOLs' aerial bombardment capabilities provided a significant advantage on the battlefield. A typical assault force consisted of twin ASTOLs.{{R|Manual p102}}
==History==
==History==
===[[Heisei era]]===
===[[Heisei era]]===
====''[[Godzilla vs. Mothra]]''====
====''[[Godzilla vs. Mothra]]''====
The ASTOL-MB93s received their baptism of fire after [[Godzilla/Heisei|Godzilla]] emerged from Mt. Fuji and advanced towards Yokohama. As soon as he finished demolishing [[JSDF]] ground forces attempting to drive him out to sea, two of the aircraft began their attack. While their rays held Godzilla at bay for a time, he soon shot down one with his atomic breath and continued his march.
The ASTOL-MB93s received their baptism of fire after [[Godzilla (Heisei)|Godzilla]] emerged from Mt. Fuji and advanced towards Yokohama. As soon as he finished demolishing [[JSDF]] ground forces attempting to drive him out to sea, two of the aircraft began their attack. While their rays held Godzilla at bay for a time, he soon shot down one with his atomic breath and continued his march.
==Weapons==
==Capabilities==
*Capable of flight at 650 kilometers per hour.<ref name="GvsGFSWM"/>{{rp|58}}<ref name="GvMSCW"/>
 
*Equipped with dual 800,000-volt Type 93 [[Maser Cannon|Maser cannons]].<ref name="GvsGFSWM"/>{{rp|58}}
=== Flight ===
*Outfitted with dual 20mm [[wikipedia:M61 Vulcan|Vulcan Gatling guns]] and a 70mm rocket launcher.<ref name="GvsGFSWM"/>{{rp|58}}
The ASTOL-MB93 is capable of flight at 650 kilometers per hour.{{R|Manual p58|GvMSCW}}
 
=== Type 93 Maser cannons ===
The ASTOL-MB93 is equipped with dual 800,000-volt Type 93 [[Maser Cannon|Maser cannons]].{{R|Manual p58}}
 
=== Additional weapons ===
The ASTOL-MB93 is outfitted with dual 20mm [[wikipedia:M61 Vulcan|Vulcan Gatling guns]] and a 70mm rocket launcher.{{R|Manual p58}}
 
=== Drill missiles ===
In the 1992-3 ''[[Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Kodansha manga)|Godzilla, King of the Monsters]]'' manga by [[Kodansha]], Yosuke's ASTOL-MB93 is equipped with rotating drill missiles during its engagement against [[Fake Godzilla]]. However, the missiles exploded on contact with its skin rather than penetrating it, giving an initial hint to its [[Mechagodzilla (Showa)|true identity]].
 
==Filmography==
==Filmography==
*''[[Godzilla vs. Mothra]]'' (1992)
*''[[Godzilla vs. Mothra]]'' (1992)
==Comics==
==Comics==
*''[[Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Kodansha manga)|Godzilla, King of the Monsters]]'' (1992-1993) [volumes 1-2]
*''[[Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Kodansha manga)|Godzilla, King of the Monsters]]'' (1992-1993) [volumes 1-2]
*''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]'' #25 (2015)
[[File:'92 Kodansha Manga - G-Team ASTOL-MB93.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Yosuke Kaneko]]'s ASTOL-MB93 in ''[[Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Kodansha manga)|Godzilla, King of the Monsters]]'']]
[[File:'92 Kodansha Manga - G-Team ASTOL-MB93.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Yosuke Kaneko]]'s ASTOL-MB93 in ''[[Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Kodansha manga)|Godzilla, King of the Monsters]]'']]
===''[[Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Kodansha manga)|Godzilla, King of the Monsters]]''===
===''[[Godzilla, King of the Monsters (Kodansha manga)|Godzilla, King of the Monsters]]''===
Shortly after the defeat of [[Megalon]] and [[Biollante|Neo Biollante]], [[Fake Godzilla|Godzilla]] appeared in [[Tokyo]] and began to rampage. [[Hideo Kaneko]] and his brother, [[Yosuke Kaneko|Yosuke]] knew that something was wrong, and Yosuke ran off, much to Hideo's objections. Shortly afterward, Yosuke returned piloting an ASTOL-MB93 owned by [[G-Team]] and began firing on Godzilla to try and drive him back. After shooting at 'Godzilla' several times, some of the giant monster's skin on its head and the upper right arm fell off, exposing [[Mechagodzilla/Showa|metal]] underneath and foiling its disguise. After firing several blasts out of his hands, the giant machine shed its failed disguise and revealed itself to be [[Mechagodzilla/Showa|Mechagodzilla III]].
Shortly after the defeat of [[Megalon]] and [[Biollante|Neo Biollante]], [[Fake Godzilla|Godzilla]] appeared in [[Tokyo]] and began to rampage. [[Hideo Kaneko]] knew that something was wrong, but his brother [[Yosuke Kaneko|Yosuke]] reasoned that Godzilla was now attacking humanity, and set off to mobilise along with the rest of [[G-Team]] to stop him, much to Hideo's objections. Shortly afterward, Yosuke returned piloting an ASTOL-MB93 and began firing on Godzilla to try and drive him back. After shooting at 'Godzilla' with the ASTOL-MB93's Drill Missiles, which exploded harmlessly against the monster's neck, it suddenly began firing [[Mechagodzilla (Showa)#Missiles|blasts]] from its hands. Yosuke followed up by firing his aircraft's masers at 'Godzilla', blowing off some of the giant monster's skin on its head upper right arm, exposing [[Mechagodzilla (Showa)|metal]] underneath and foiling its disguise. The giant machine shed its failed disguise and revealed itself to be [[Mechagodzilla (Showa)|Mechagodzilla III]]. Yosuke's ASTOL-MB93 came to Godzilla's aid again during the second half of the battle, in which it first stunned Mechani-Kong II with its Masers, allowing Godzilla to incapacitate the mechanical ape, then used its masers to destroy Mechagodzilla's Super Radar, leaving it unable to defend itself against Godzilla's Atomic Breath.


Yosuke's ASTOL-MB93 was later deployed during the fight between Godzilla and [[Anguirus]] at the dinosaur expo festival and fired its missiles at the two monsters. Godzilla managed to catch one of the two missiles launched from the ASTOL-MB93 and jammed it down Anguirus's throat. Anguirus attempted to escape, but the missile detonated, killing him instantly and destroying [[KIDS]] in the process.
Yosuke's ASTOL-MB93 was later deployed during the fight between Godzilla and [[Anguirus]] at the dinosaur expo festival and fired its missiles at the two monsters. Godzilla managed to catch one of the two missiles launched from the ASTOL-MB93 and jammed it down Anguirus's throat. Anguirus attempted to escape, but the missile detonated, killing him instantly and destroying [[KIDS]] in the process.
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Yosuke later received a second ASTOL-MB93 to pilot, but this was destroyed by [[King Godzilla]] in the penultimate chapter when he attempted to mobilize it against the chimeric kaiju.
Yosuke later received a second ASTOL-MB93 to pilot, but this was destroyed by [[King Godzilla]] in the penultimate chapter when he attempted to mobilize it against the chimeric kaiju.
===''[[Godzilla: Rulers of Earth]]''===
Following the end of the [[Trilopod]] threat, the [[Counter-Kaiju Reaction Forces]] expanded its fleet to include various new superweapons such as ASTOL-MB93s in their efforts to defend humanity from the monsters.


==Video games==
==Video games==
*''[[Godzilla: Battle Legends]]'' (1993) - NEC/Hudson Soft TurboDuo / PC Engine Duo
*''[[Godzilla (Alfa System video game)|Godzilla]]'' (1993) - NEC/Hudson Soft TurboDuo / PC Engine Duo
*''[[Godzilla: Giant Monster March]]'' (1995) - Sega Game Gear
*''[[Godzilla: Giant Monster March]]'' (1995) - Sega Game Gear
*''[[Godzilla: Trading Battle]]'' (1998) - Sony PlayStation
*''[[Godzilla: Trading Battle]]'' (1998) - Sony PlayStation
*''[[Godzilla (2014 video game)|Godzilla]]'' (2014) - Sony PlayStation 3 and 4
*''[[Godzilla (2014 video game)|Godzilla]]'' (2014) - Sony PlayStation 3 and 4
*''[[Godzilla: Kaiju Collection]]'' (2015) - Android and iOS
*''[[Godzilla Kaiju Collection]]'' (2015) - Android and iOS
*''[[Godzilla Defense Force]]'' (2019) - Android and iOS
*''[[Godzilla Defense Force]]'' (2019) - Android and iOS
===''[[Godzilla: Battle Legends]]''===
*''[[Godzilla Destruction]]'' (2021) - Android and iOS
===''[[Godzilla (Alfa System video game)|Godzilla]]''===
The ASTOL-MB93 is one of the opponents Godzilla may face in the bonus stage quiz following level 2.
The ASTOL-MB93 is one of the opponents Godzilla may face in the bonus stage quiz following level 2.
===''[[Godzilla: Giant Monster March]]''===
===''[[Godzilla: Giant Monster March]]''===
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===[[Godzilla (2014 video game)|''Godzilla'' (PlayStation 3 / PlayStation 4)]]===
===[[Godzilla (2014 video game)|''Godzilla'' (PlayStation 3 / PlayStation 4)]]===
Alongside [[MBT-MB92]] [[Maser Cannon]]s, ASTOL-MB93s spawn once the player reaches Disaster Level 4, and behave in a similar way as the [[Mitsubishi F-2]] fighter jets encountered at lower levels, making low passes towards the player's monster while firing their Maser beams at them. At Disaster Level 5 all remaining weapons, including the ASTOL-MB93, start using [[Cadmium]] missiles.
Alongside [[MBT-MB92]] [[Maser Cannon]]s, ASTOL-MB93s spawn once the player reaches Disaster Level 4, and behave in a similar way as the [[Mitsubishi F-2]] fighter jets encountered at lower levels, making low passes towards the player's monster while firing their Maser beams at them. At Disaster Level 5 all remaining weapons, including the ASTOL-MB93, start using [[Cadmium]] missiles.
===''[[Godzilla: Kaiju Collection]]''===
===''[[Godzilla Kaiju Collection]]''===
Seven ASTOL-MB93 variants are available in the game: default green, red {{nihongo|紅}}, olive green {{nihongo|鶯}}, blue {{nihongo|蒼}}, purple {{nihongo|藤}}, orange {{nihongo|桔}} and steel silver {{nihongo|鋼}}.<ref name="SGG">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOgyCoXxU7k |title=ALL MONSTERS & MECHA - Godzilla Kaiju Collection (ゴジラ怪獣コレクション) |author=SuperGodzillaGaming |date=16 May 2016 |work=YouTube}}</ref>
Seven ASTOL-MB93 variants are available in the game: default green, red {{nihongo|紅}}, olive green {{nihongo|鶯}}, blue {{nihongo|蒼}}, purple {{nihongo|藤}}, orange {{nihongo|桔}} and steel silver {{nihongo|鋼}}.<ref name="SGG">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOgyCoXxU7k |title=ALL MONSTERS & MECHA - Godzilla Kaiju Collection (ゴジラ怪獣コレクション) |author=SuperGodzillaGaming |date=16 May 2016 |work=YouTube}}</ref>
===''[[Godzilla Defense Force]]''===
===''[[Godzilla Defense Force]]''===
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<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
Astolgtb.png|ASTOL-MB93 in ''[[Godzilla: Trading Battle]]''
Astolgtb.png|ASTOL-MB93 in ''[[Godzilla: Trading Battle]]''
Kaiju Collection ASTOL-MB93.png|ASTOL-MB93 in ''[[Godzilla: Kaiju Collection]]''
Kaiju Collection ASTOL-MB93.png|ASTOL-MB93 in ''[[Godzilla Kaiju Collection]]''
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
===Concept art===
===Concept art===
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===Screenshots===
===Screenshots===
====''[[Godzilla vs. Mothra]]''====
====''[[Godzilla vs. Mothra]]''====
<gallery widths='120' position='center' captionalign='center' spacing='small'>
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
Tn astol mp93.jpg
Tn astol mp93.jpg
Type-3_Maser_Attack_Aircraft.jpg
Type-3_Maser_Attack_Aircraft.jpg
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===Merchandise===
===Merchandise===
====Toys====
====Toys====
<gallery widths='120' position='center' captionalign='center' spacing='small'>
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
SHMA EP1 4.jpg|ASTOL-MB93s in the first [[S.H. MonsterArts]] effect pack
SHMA EP1 4.jpg|ASTOL-MB93s in the first [[S.H. MonsterArts]] effect pack
SHMA Super X3 3.jpg|S.H. MonsterArts ASTOL-MB93s in the [[Super X3]] effect pack
SHMA Super X3 3.jpg|S.H. MonsterArts ASTOL-MB93s in the [[Super X3]] effect pack
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Though the ASTOL-MB93 is a fighter jet, it appears to be largely based on attack helicopters such as the [[wikipedia:Boeing AH-64 Apache|Apache]] and [[wikipedia:Bell AH-1 Cobra|Cobra]].
*Though the ASTOL-MB93 is a fighter jet, it appears to be largely based on attack helicopters such as the [[AH-64 Apache|Apache]] and [[AH-1 Cobra|Cobra]].
*The sound the ASTOL-MB93s make in flight resembles that of [[wikipedia:TIE fighter|TIE fighters]] from ''[[wikipedia:Star Wars|Star Wars]]''.
*The sound the ASTOL-MB93s make in flight resembles that of [[wikipedia:TIE fighter|TIE fighters]] from ''[[wikipedia:Star Wars|Star Wars]]''.
*Curiously, while the ASTOL-MB93 is listed as having an M61 Vulcan cannon, the weapon only has three barrels instead of the standard six. It is likely based off the [[wikipedia:M197 electric cannon|M197]] with a triangle muzzle clamp plate on the end or the experimental [[wikipedia:XM301|XM301]], both of which are three-barreled lightweight versions of the M61 Vulcan with the later designed in 1992, the same year ''[[Godzilla vs. Mothra]]'' came out.
*Curiously, while the ASTOL-MB93 is listed as having an M61 Vulcan cannon, the weapon only has three barrels instead of the standard six. It is likely based off the [[wikipedia:M197 electric cannon|M197]] with a triangle muzzle clamp plate on the end or the experimental [[wikipedia:XM301|XM301]], both of which are three-barreled lightweight versions of the M61 Vulcan with the latter designed in 1992, the same year ''[[Godzilla vs. Mothra]]'' came out.
*While official supplementary material states the ASTOL-MB93 is armed with a rocket launcher to fire 70mm rockets, no such weapon system is visible on it. It is unknown if rocket-pods are optionally attached to pylons under the wings or if the system is internal with a weapon bay opening up for firing rockets.
*While official supplementary material states the ASTOL-MB93 is armed with a rocket launcher to fire 70mm rockets, no such weapon system is visible on it. It is unknown if rocket-pods are optionally attached to pylons under the wings or if the system is internal with a weapon bay opening up for firing rockets.
==Notes==
==Notes==
{{Notelist}}
{{Notelist}}
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
===Bibliography===
*{{cite book|title=[[Godzilla vs. G-Force Superweapon Manual]]|editor-last=Takenaka|editor-first=Kiyoshi|date=10 April 1995|publisher=MediaWorks, Inc|isbn=4073026984}}
*{{cite book|title=[[Godzilla vs. Mothra Super Complete Works]]|edition=Kindle|editor-last=Sagami|editor-first=Yasuyuki|date=28 March 2014|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|isbn=978-4-09-101433-7}}
*{{cite book|title=[[Godzilla Dictionary (New Edition)|Godzilla Dictionary]]|edition=New|last=Nomura|first=Kohei|date=7 August 2014|publisher=Kasakura Publishing|isbn=9784773087253}}
*{{cite book|title=[[Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla Super Complete Works]]|edition=Kindle|editor-last=Abe|editor-first=Katsu|date=23 May 2014|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|isbn=978-4-09-101444-3}}
{{Vehicles}}
{{Vehicles}}
{{Comments}}
{{Comments}}

Latest revision as of 17:18, 10 February 2024

ASTOL-MB93
Two ASTOL-MB93s in Godzilla vs. Mothra
Height 4.1 meters[1]
Length 15.2 meters[1][2][note 1]
Weight 8.2 metric tons[1][2]
Width 6.3 meters[1]
Targets Godzilla, Mechani-Kong IIKM, Mechagodzilla IIIKM,AnguirusKM, Neo GiganKM, King GodzillaKM
Piloted by Multiple, Yosuke KanekoGKotM
First appearance Godzilla vs. Mothra

The ASTOL-MB93 (93式メーサー攻撃機,   Kyūsanshiki Mēsā Kōgekiki, lit. Type 93 Maser Attack Aircraft) is a Maser-equipped fighter jet that appears in the 1992 Godzilla film, Godzilla vs. Mothra.

Name

The ASTOL-MB93 is referred to in Japanese as the Type 93 Maser Attack Aircraft (93式メーサー攻撃機,   Kyūsanshiki Mēsā Kōgekiki)[1]—"93" referencing the year of its completion, 1993—or simply Maser Attack Aircraft (メーサー攻撃機,   Mēsā Kōgekiki).[2][3] Toho's official English website also uses the name Maser Attack Aircraft Type-93,[4] while the ASTOL model possessed by G-Force is described by the full title ASTOL-MB93 Maser Attack Aircraft (ASTOL-MB93メーサー攻撃機,   Asutōru Emubī Mēsā Kōgekiki) in Godzilla vs. G-Force Superweapon Manual.[5] The craft is nicknamed the Maser helicopter (メーサーヘリ,   Mēsā heri), despite behaving more like a jet.[3]

Its designation ASTOL-MB93 (ASTOL (アストール)-MB (エムビー)93,   Asutōru Emubī Kyūsan) is derived from STOL, standing for "short takeoff and landing." The MB portion stands for "maser beam," with the 93 again being a shortening of 1993.

Origins

The ASTOL-MB93 was jointly developed by Bill, Co. of the United States and Fuji Heavy Industries of Japan.[1][3] Equipped with dual turbojet engines and the latest in Maser technology,[1] the ASTOLs were employed by the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, despite being aerial vehicles.[3] While it was originally believed impossible to fit a fighter jet with Maser cannons, the reduced power consumption of the newly developed Type 93 Masers allowed for the ASTOLs' success.[1]

Despite not appearing in another film after Godzilla vs. Mothra, numerous books including Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla Super Complete Works describe G-Force as possessing ASTOL-MB93s in their arsenal,[6][7] possibly featured in cut footage from Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla. The publication Godzilla vs. G-Force Superweapon Manual goes into further detail, describing the ASTOLs as the "primary forces" of G-Force's Air Force. While their firepower was inferior to that of G-Force's ground forces due to their comparatively more streamlined frame, the ASTOLs' aerial bombardment capabilities provided a significant advantage on the battlefield. A typical assault force consisted of twin ASTOLs.[5]

History

Heisei era

Godzilla vs. Mothra

The ASTOL-MB93s received their baptism of fire after Godzilla emerged from Mt. Fuji and advanced towards Yokohama. As soon as he finished demolishing JSDF ground forces attempting to drive him out to sea, two of the aircraft began their attack. While their rays held Godzilla at bay for a time, he soon shot down one with his atomic breath and continued his march.

Capabilities

Flight

The ASTOL-MB93 is capable of flight at 650 kilometers per hour.[1][2]

Type 93 Maser cannons

The ASTOL-MB93 is equipped with dual 800,000-volt Type 93 Maser cannons.[1]

Additional weapons

The ASTOL-MB93 is outfitted with dual 20mm Vulcan Gatling guns and a 70mm rocket launcher.[1]

Drill missiles

In the 1992-3 Godzilla, King of the Monsters manga by Kodansha, Yosuke's ASTOL-MB93 is equipped with rotating drill missiles during its engagement against Fake Godzilla. However, the missiles exploded on contact with its skin rather than penetrating it, giving an initial hint to its true identity.

Filmography

Comics

Yosuke Kaneko's ASTOL-MB93 in Godzilla, King of the Monsters

Godzilla, King of the Monsters

Shortly after the defeat of Megalon and Neo Biollante, Godzilla appeared in Tokyo and began to rampage. Hideo Kaneko knew that something was wrong, but his brother Yosuke reasoned that Godzilla was now attacking humanity, and set off to mobilise along with the rest of G-Team to stop him, much to Hideo's objections. Shortly afterward, Yosuke returned piloting an ASTOL-MB93 and began firing on Godzilla to try and drive him back. After shooting at 'Godzilla' with the ASTOL-MB93's Drill Missiles, which exploded harmlessly against the monster's neck, it suddenly began firing blasts from its hands. Yosuke followed up by firing his aircraft's masers at 'Godzilla', blowing off some of the giant monster's skin on its head upper right arm, exposing metal underneath and foiling its disguise. The giant machine shed its failed disguise and revealed itself to be Mechagodzilla III. Yosuke's ASTOL-MB93 came to Godzilla's aid again during the second half of the battle, in which it first stunned Mechani-Kong II with its Masers, allowing Godzilla to incapacitate the mechanical ape, then used its masers to destroy Mechagodzilla's Super Radar, leaving it unable to defend itself against Godzilla's Atomic Breath.

Yosuke's ASTOL-MB93 was later deployed during the fight between Godzilla and Anguirus at the dinosaur expo festival and fired its missiles at the two monsters. Godzilla managed to catch one of the two missiles launched from the ASTOL-MB93 and jammed it down Anguirus's throat. Anguirus attempted to escape, but the missile detonated, killing him instantly and destroying KIDS in the process.

Yosuke continued to use the ASTOL-MB93 throughout the rest of the manga; it was ultimately destroyed deliberately during the fight against Neo Gigan as part of a plan to restore Godzilla's energy. Yosuke ejected from the aircraft to send it crashing into Godzilla's mouth, giving him the energy he needed to fight back against the cyborg.

Yosuke later received a second ASTOL-MB93 to pilot, but this was destroyed by King Godzilla in the penultimate chapter when he attempted to mobilize it against the chimeric kaiju.

Godzilla: Rulers of Earth

Following the end of the Trilopod threat, the Counter-Kaiju Reaction Forces expanded its fleet to include various new superweapons such as ASTOL-MB93s in their efforts to defend humanity from the monsters.

Video games

Godzilla

The ASTOL-MB93 is one of the opponents Godzilla may face in the bonus stage quiz following level 2.

Godzilla: Giant Monster March

ASTOL-MB93 units are available to the player in stages 3 and 4, based on Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II and Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla.

Godzilla: Trading Battle

The ASTOL-MB93 is a one-star Wind/Electricity Monster Card.

Godzilla (PlayStation 3 / PlayStation 4)

Alongside MBT-MB92 Maser Cannons, ASTOL-MB93s spawn once the player reaches Disaster Level 4, and behave in a similar way as the Mitsubishi F-2 fighter jets encountered at lower levels, making low passes towards the player's monster while firing their Maser beams at them. At Disaster Level 5 all remaining weapons, including the ASTOL-MB93, start using Cadmium missiles.

Godzilla Kaiju Collection

Seven ASTOL-MB93 variants are available in the game: default green, red (紅), olive green (鶯), blue (蒼), purple (藤), orange (桔) and steel silver (鋼).[8]

Godzilla Defense Force

Combat Airfield II sites available in Sydney, Australia and New York City produce ASTOL-MB93s for the player to command. An ASTOL card can also be obtained from card packs, providing a temporary +50% damage boost to aerial forces when used.

Gallery

Concept art

  • ASTOL-MB93 concept art

    ASTOL-MB93 concept art

  • ASTOL-MB93 concept art

    ASTOL-MB93 concept art

  • ASTOL-MB93 concept art

    ASTOL-MB93 concept art

  • ASTOL-MB93 concept art

    ASTOL-MB93 concept art

  • ASTOL-MB93 concept art

    ASTOL-MB93 concept art

  • ASTOL-MB93 concept art

    ASTOL-MB93 concept art

  • ASTOL-MB93 concept art

    ASTOL-MB93 concept art

  • ASTOL-MB93 concept art

    ASTOL-MB93 concept art

  • ASTOL-MB93 concept art

    ASTOL-MB93 concept art

  • ASTOL-MB93 concept art

    ASTOL-MB93 concept art

Screenshots

Godzilla vs. Mothra

  • Tn astol mp93.jpg
  • Type-3 Maser Attack Aircraft.jpg
  • ASTOL 2.jpg

Post-production

  • G-Force ASTOL-MB93.png

Merchandise

Toys

Trivia

  • Though the ASTOL-MB93 is a fighter jet, it appears to be largely based on attack helicopters such as the Apache and Cobra.
  • The sound the ASTOL-MB93s make in flight resembles that of TIE fighters from Star Wars.
  • Curiously, while the ASTOL-MB93 is listed as having an M61 Vulcan cannon, the weapon only has three barrels instead of the standard six. It is likely based off the M197 with a triangle muzzle clamp plate on the end or the experimental XM301, both of which are three-barreled lightweight versions of the M61 Vulcan with the latter designed in 1992, the same year Godzilla vs. Mothra came out.
  • While official supplementary material states the ASTOL-MB93 is armed with a rocket launcher to fire 70mm rockets, no such weapon system is visible on it. It is unknown if rocket-pods are optionally attached to pylons under the wings or if the system is internal with a weapon bay opening up for firing rockets.

Notes

  1. ↑ The 2012 publication Toho Special Effects Movie Complete Works (p. 234) erroneously lists the ASTOL-MB93's length as 13.2 meters.

References

This is a list of references for ASTOL-MB93. These citations are used to identify the reliable sources on which this article is based. These references appear inside articles in the form of superscript numbers, which look like this: [1]

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 Takenaka 1995, p. 58
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Sagami 2014, p. 52
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Nomura 2014, p. 274
  4. ↑ "Godzilla vs. Mothra". TOHO. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Takenaka 1995, p. 102
  6. ↑ Abe 2014, p. 70.
  7. ↑ @BirthHopeMetor (18 July 2017). "こちらになります。ASTOL-MB93メーサー攻撃機(Gフォース仕様)は児童書籍でも存在が確認できます。". Twitter.
  8. ↑ SuperGodzillaGaming (16 May 2016). "ALL MONSTERS & MECHA - Godzilla Kaiju Collection (ゴジラ怪獣コレクション)". YouTube.

Bibliography

 
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