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PVN.44/1 Weasel

Six-wheeled armored vehicle used by the Principality of Zeon.
Jenxi Seow Published 23 Jun 2025 Updated 23 Jun 2025
PVN.44/1 Weasel

The PVN.44/1 Weasel was a six-wheeled armored vehicle used by the Principality of Zeon during the One Year War. It served as a scout vehicle for Zeon’s ground forces and was capable of amphibious operations.

History

The PVN.44/1 Weasel first saw deployment during the Third Landing Operation on 18 March UC 0079, when units were deployed to the Oceania Front as part of the 4th Terrestrial Mobile Division. The vehicle proved effective in reconnaissance and patrol missions across various theatres of the war.

During the middle stage of the war, Weasels were used extensively in the Far Eastern Front. Notably, the units deployed in this region featured only one antenna on the turret, compared to the standard three-antenna configuration, suggesting they were a different variant or had been modified for specific operational requirements.

In one notable engagement during the events at the Kojima Battalion, a Zeon Weasel fired upon a stolen MS-06V Zaku Tank being operated by Earth Federation soldiers Corporal Eledore Massis and Corporal Michel Ninorich. The encounter highlighted the vehicle’s effectiveness in pursuing and engaging enemy mobile weapons.

The Weasel continued to see service with Zeon forces throughout the One Year War, participating in operations across multiple continents. Some units remained operational with Zeon remnant forces even after the war’s conclusion.

Design

The PVN.44/1 Weasel featured a watertight hull structure that allowed it to traverse water obstacles. A deployable propeller mounted under the chassis enabled amphibious operations, giving the vehicle its aquatic animal namesake. This capability made it particularly valuable for operations in coastal regions and areas with significant water barriers.

The vehicle’s six-wheel drive configuration provided excellent mobility across varied terrain. Its relatively compact size allowed it to navigate areas inaccessible to larger vehicles whilst still maintaining a useful cargo and personnel capacity.

The Weasel could be configured for multiple mission types, including reconnaissance, patrol, troop transportation, and command duties. Command variants featured enhanced communications equipment to coordinate operations with other units.

Armaments

The Weasel’s standard weapons provided it with capability against light armored targets and infantry.

37 mm machine cannon

Mounted on an open turret atop the main body, the 37 mm machine cannon was manually operated by a gunner. The weapon was effective against lightly armored targets such as armored vehicles, jeeps, and infantry positions. Its open mounting provided good fields of fire but left the gunner exposed to enemy return fire.

MG74/S machine gun

A secondary machine gun provided additional firepower for close-range engagements and could be used to suppress enemy infantry. The weapon’s placement and exact specifications remain unclear from available records.

Smoke dischargers

Two 3-tube smoke dischargers were mounted on the left and right sides of the main body. These could launch smoke rounds to create an obscuring cloud around the vehicle, making it difficult for enemies to target accurately. This defensive capability was particularly valuable during reconnaissance missions where the Weasel might need to break contact quickly.

Optional missile armament

The Weasel could optionally mount up to twelve 4-tube missile launchers, significantly increasing its firepower for missions requiring heavy support capability. This configuration would have been used for assault operations or when the vehicle needed to engage harder targets.

Known operators

  • 4th Terrestrial Mobile Division
  • Far Eastern Front units
  • Various Zeon remnant forces

Behind the scenes

The PVN.44/1 Weasel was designed by Kimitoshi Yamane as part of the Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO 2: The Gravity Front series. The vehicle’s design drew inspiration from real-world reconnaissance vehicles, with the amphibious capability reflecting the varied operational requirements of forces during the One Year War.

Appearances

See also