In the parlance of the GuardCorps, a ‘battle’ class zeoform is designated as one capable of mounting any of the Protocol weapons usually deployed only for high-intensity combat.

For a long time, such substantial zeoforms were viewed among the Hegemony spheres as little more than weapon-carriers, a role better served by the even larger ‘heavy assault’ class typified by the redoubtable UnB-140 Onslaught.

Due to issues of budget and transportation, most battle zeoforms found themselves in storage, and Hegemony designs for the class stagnated into virtual obsolescence.

It sometimes takes a rogue element to shake things up. In this case, two occurred in succession: firstly, a group of young designers and technicians split from Unitas to form a new bureau under Interhelios.

Secondly, the restricted terrain of the Windshear conflict severely limited the deployment of GuardCorps Heavy Assault teams.

Facing unacceptable fiscal losses to Pact Protocol weapon strikes, the GuardCorps detachment at Windshear broke its contract and withdrew just 19 days after arrival. 

Interhelios sensed opportunity and pushed ahead with a new battle-class zeoform design inspired by Unitas’ design process.

The new battle zeo took full advantage of the advanced Stormer armor shell and actuator layout.

The resulting IHT-82 Sakura follows much the same bipedal configuration, mated to a dual power source to drive its considerable weight.

Although notorious for the light touch required for control by its pilots, the Sakura remains a mainstay in the GuardCorps armory.