Zabat

Zabats are a type of Zoid, a race of mechanical lifeforms from the fictional "Zoids" universe.Zoids
Zoid_name = Zabat
ImageName = Zabats.jpg
Caption = Backdraft Group Zabats from "New Century Zero"
Model_number = EZ-044
Faction = Guylos Empire
Zoid_type = Bat
Crew = 1 or unmanned
Weight = 25
Length = 10.2
Height = 3.7
Speed = Mach 2.8
Weapons = Hyper Killer Claws (2), Homing Bomb, 145mm Laser Gun (2)
Equipment = Doppler Radar (2), Magnesser Wings, Infrared Scope

Overview

The Zabat is a Bat-type Zoid created by the Guylos Empire. The Zabat's form is based on the smaller insectivore bats that are well-known for their large ears and sophisticated sonar. It has two head designs; a longer muzzle that is a cockpit for a human pilot, and a shorter "face" almost reminiscent of Bulldog bats that implies it is being remotely controlled.

Its body is compact, and has a pair of long wings. The wings are fairly articulate and can fold around it like an organic bat's wings. Its legs are short, but appear to only be used for 'roosting' (upside-down, appropriately).

The Zabat is a small and nimble aerial Zoid. While not outstandingly fast by flying Zoid standards, it is very agile, making it a rather hard target. Its main guns are powerful for a Zoid of its size, giving it a fair punch. Its main weapon, however, is a self-guided homing torpedo that it can use to attack ground and seaborne targets.

While it is well armed, the Zabat is quite frail and easily destroyed. Its wings are quite vulnerable, and can be easily damaged, crippling the Zoid.

The Zabat comes in two forms, a piloted version and a remote-controlled “Drone” Version. The two versions are the same, save for the presence of a pilot. The drone versions have a decent artificial intelligence that allows them to be passably effective in a dogfight. They are often also used for kamikaze attacks.

Media appearances

Anime

New Century Zero

The Zabat initially appeared in "". Zabats are the aerial shock troops of the Backdraft Organization, and were never seen operated by any non-Backdraft pilots. When large groups of Zabats are released, there is often only one human pilot among them; the rest are remotely controlled, presumably by the single pilot.

Pierce, a Backdraft pilot who specializes in aerial units, piloted and controlled Zabats for much of the season, until she was offered a modified Storm Sworder by Doctor Layon.

Fuzors

Zabats also appear in "". A group of Zabats appeared in one episode, working for Marvis. It is unclear if these were piloted or remote-controlled.

Genesis

In "", Zabats were used by the Sky People, helping the Digald Suppression Army to fight the Digald Empire's Bio Zoids.

Models

New Japanese Release

*Assembly required. (Snap-together, no glue needed. Scissors or X-acto knife recommended for trimming off excess plastic bits.)
*Most of the model's colours are moulded into the plastic, but some details are pre-painted.

The kit comes as seven frames, a wind-up motor, two transparent green plastic pieces (the sensor unit and cockpit lens), two plastic missile release clamps, a small plastic pilot (in a lying-down position), 10 rubber caps, and a label sheet.

The Zabat model comes with two different head designs, 'Sensor Head Type' and 'Cockpit Type.' Switching 'modes' was accomplished by removing and replacing the face, and could be done at any time; removing its whole head, which would require taking apart its body, is not necessary. The Zabat is fairly unique for a non-Blox model, as the included motor is used to make the ground-crawling missile it carries move, not the model itself.

The Zabat was released in 2000 and discontinued around 2002. The Zoid sold poorly.

New American Release

The Zabat was later re-released in North America by Hasbro as a Toys "R" Us exclusive. No changes were made to the model; the only changes being to the packaging.

New Pacific Release

The Zabat was released at the same time as the "NAR"version, as part of the "New Pacific Release". The "NPR" Zabat was a general release, instead of an exclusive. This release of the Zabat was one of the poorest selling of the whole "NPR" line, with unsold Zabats lingering on shelves until late 2006.

New English Release

The Zabat was also re-released in England, by TOMY. There were no changes to the model; the only changes made were to the packaging.

Genesis

The Zabat was re-released as a part of the "Genesis" line. The Zabat was part of an initial wave of "filler" Zoids not based on ones in the anime. The "Genesis" version has been recoloured in metallic grey and white, with orange transparencies.

Like all its other versions, the "Genesis" Zabat was a poor seller, one of the worst of the "Genesis" line.