VMF01-1VMS Orion

Model Number: VMF01-1VMS
Code name: Orion
Unit Type: Transformable mass production mobile suit
Manufacturer: VMF Research Group - Based on an old OZ design
Operator: Venus Military Force
First deployment: Early AC 216
Pilots: Venus Military Force pilots
Accommodation: Pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso
Height: 16.2 meters
Weight: 8.1 tons
Armor: Titanium alloy
Powerplant: Ultracompact fusion reactor, power output rating unknown
Equipment and design features: Head mounted sensors, range unknown; Shield mounted sensors, range unknown, flight mode use only
Fixed armaments: none
Optional fixed armaments: 1 x shield, mounted on left arm, forms nosecone in flight mode
Optional hand armaments: 1 x beam saber, stored in charge rack in shield, hand carried in use; 1 x beam gun, mounted on back of flight mode, hand carried in use; 1 x beam rifle, mounted on back of flight mode, hand carried in use

Part of the Venus Military's "Rapid Militarization Plan", the Orion was the second design to roll off the assembly line after the VMF01-2MS Serpent II. Again largely based on a pre-existing design, the Orion was quite blatantly built from the OZ-12SMS Taurus design to serve a similar function as a swift supporting unit for the ground-pounding Serpent II. Though lacking any real standard mounted armaments, the suit's inclusion of a beam saber automatically gave it an edge over the Taurus in common use at the time. It would remain a mainstay of the Venus military throughout the entire war, even as newer suits were put into production.