ZM-S22S Rig Shokew – MechaBay | Mobile Suit Victory Gundam

The ZM-S22S Rig Shokew was a mass production general purpose mobile suit developed by BESPA for the Zanscare Empire during the Zanscare War. Based on test flight data from the ZMT-S12G Shokew prototype, the Rig Shokew represented a tremendous improvement over its already well-proven predecessor.

Development and design

The ZM-S22S Rig Shokew was mass produced as the next generation successor to frontline units such as the ZM-S06S Zoloat. The design incorporated numerous improvements over the original ZMT-S12G Shokew, including increased generator output, enhanced thruster power, and advanced armour technology.

Compared to the prototype Shokew, the Rig Shokew featured increased generator output, a new backpack design, additional verniers for greater manoeuvrability, and more powerful thrusters for better speed and acceleration. A higher amount of titanium was incorporated into the alloy of its armour, providing better durability. The Rig Shokew stood a metre taller than its predecessor, and whilst the added size increased the empty weight slightly, when fully loaded it was actually lighter than the original Shokew.

The mobile suit featured four hardpoints—two located on the backpack and two on the legs—that could be used to externally store weapons and equipment. This modular approach allowed the Rig Shokew to fulfil specific combat roles with maximum efficiency, making it a highly versatile mobile suit.

Armament

The ZM-S22S Rig Shokew featured substantial changes to its armament compared to the prototype Shokew.

Fixed armaments

Beam shield

The beam rotor of the original Shokew was replaced with a more standard beam shield mounted on the left forearm, though the beam rotor could be re-equipped if required. The beam shield could effectively block most beam and physical attacks, though it would fluctuate if the beam strike was too powerful. The beam shield could also be used as a cutting weapon or for ramming enemies.

3-barrel beam string emitter

Mounted on the head, this new weapon system released illuminated electromagnetic wires that could be used to restrain enemy units or protect the mobile suit from missiles. The beam strings could even cut through enemy armour, though the effectiveness of this application was limited by their relatively short reach.

Beam sabers

Standard close-range weapons powered by rechargeable energy capacitors. The beam sabers could cut through any armour not treated with anti-beam coating. When not in use, they were stored in recharge racks in the hips.

Beam fans

A new addition to the Rig Shokew’s arsenal, these handheld weapons deployed the beam in a fan shape and could be used for both attack and defence, combining characteristics of both beam sabers and beam shields.

Optional armaments

Beam rifle

The standard ranged armament powered by a rechargeable energy capacitor, providing reliable medium-range firepower for most combat situations.

Hand beam guns

The Rig Shokew could optionally carry two hand beam guns. Compared to beam rifles, they had reduced output and were intended for combat within space colonies where the use of full-power beam rifles might be restricted. These were mounted on the hardpoints when not in use.

Operational history

Because of its versatility and power, the Zanscare Empire had BESPA quickly produce the Rig Shokew so that they could replace older mobile suits on the frontlines. The mobile suit immediately proved to be as successful as the original prototype, with mass-produced units quickly being fielded during the Zanscare War.

One Rig Shokew that gave the League Militaire considerable trouble was piloted by League Militaire traitor turned Zanscare Empire supporter Katejina Loos. Her skilled piloting combined with the Rig Shokew’s capabilities made her a formidable opponent for League Militaire forces.

Known pilots

Katejina Loos - A former League Militaire supporter who defected to the Zanscare Empire, Katejina became one of the most skilled Rig Shokew pilots.
Various BESPA pilots - The Rig Shokew served as a standard frontline mobile suit for the Zanscare Empire, piloted by numerous BESPA personnel during mass production deployment.

Variants

The success of the ZM-S22S Rig Shokew led to the development of several variants:

ZM-S22SC Rig Shokew for Imperial Guard
A limited-production model featuring additional equipment for the protection of Queen Maria and other high-ranking officials.

ZM-S22S Rig Shokew Beam Rotor Equipment Type
Used by the Yellow Jackets, this variant mounted a beam rotor on its left forearm instead of the standard beam shield. Due to its green colour scheme, these units were said to resemble grasshoppers when performing jumps.

Behind the scenes

The ZM-S22S Rig Shokew was designed by Ishigaki Junya for Mobile Suit Victory Gundam. The mobile suit first appeared in episode 26 of the series and became one of the most commonly seen Zanscare Empire mobile suits throughout the latter half of the show, representing the mass production successor to the experimental ZMT-S12G Shokew.

The “Rig” prefix in the name is derived from “rigging,” appropriate for a mobile suit designed for versatility and equipment modularity through its hardpoint system. This reflected the mobile suit’s role as a flexible platform that could be adapted for various mission requirements.

Various publications have occasionally attributed different model numbers to this machine, sometimes referring to it as ZM-S22G or using other variations. However, ZM-S22S remains the most widely accepted and official designation.

In February 2019, the Japanese website Gundam.info announced that a hypothetical Master Grade Rig Shokew had won an online census where fans voted for potential new Victory Gundam-themed products during the “Mobile Suit Victory Gundam World” event. However, no follow-up information has been released since the announcement.

Appearances

Anime

Mobile Suit Victory Gundam - Episodes 26-51

Video games

SD Gundam G Generation series
Mobile Suit Gundam UC ENGAGE
Gundam Breaker Mobile

Manga

Mobile Suit Victory Gundam manga by Iwamura Toshiya

Model kits

Various 1/144 High Grade kits
1/100 Master Grade (hypothetical winner of fan poll)

External links

ZM-S22S Rig Shokew on MAHQ
ZM-S22S Rig Shokew on the Gundam Wiki