Zoids Index

RZ-046 Shadow Fox Technical Data シャドーフォックス

	Name Note:	None
	Alignment:	Helic Republic
	Rollout:	ZAC 2101
	Type:	Fox
	Length:	17.3 m
	Height:	8.0 m
	Weight:	52.0 t
	Max Speed:	290 km/h

Equipment Information
Weapons:	Equipment:
AZ 30mm Armor-Piercing Laser Vulcan x1 (Back) AZ 70mm Internal Electromagnetic Net Gun x1 (Tail) Electron Bite Fangs (Mouth) Strike Laser Claw x4 (Paws)	3D Radar & Multi-Ear Sensor x2 (Ears) Anchor x4 (Legs) Shoulder Weapon Rack (Upper Back) Smoke Discharger x6 (Legs, Tail)

Story Information
Pilots:	Introduction:
Ballad Hunter Gora Gori Goru Sayaka Queene	A high-speed medium-scale Zoid that was developed to support the Ray Force in situations where the Command Wolf AC wouldn't be fast enough. It excels at stealth reconnaissance missions. ^[1]

- Details of Design

Sound Muffling

One of the major benefits to the Shadow Fox's stealth is the fact that it's equipped with a sound muffling system. This system, referred to as the Silencer System in the New Century /ZERO anime, helps to hide the sound of the Zoid moving about on the battlefield. Combined with its optical camouflage the fox is able to perform a variety of special ops missions.

- Concept Art

Setting materials used as reference during the production of Zoids New Century /ZERO.

- Military History

ZAC 2101, July, Invasion of the Dark Continent

As the Republic prepared to invade the Dark Continent of Nyx following their victory in the Western Continent War, they knew they needed a new high-speed medium-scale Zoid that could support the Ray Force. While they still had the Command Wolf AC it couldn't always keep up, and so it was seen assisting Panzers in enemy bombardments. In its place they launched the Shadow Fox, a Zoid that hit the ground running and charged directly into enemy lines alongside ally Schneiders and Jagers.

While the foxes provided valuable support on the front lines they also had another purpose. To find out the enemy's true intentions. Foxes scattered in all directions as soon as the Ray Force landed, discovering a fight between Imperial Zoids. What they witnessed was the Eisen Dragoon leveling the numbers between the two armies by slaughtering their supposed allies, Guylos Zoids. The base at which this battle took place stood in the Ray Force's planned route. By attacking these Zoids, the Eisen Dragoons had ensured that the Republic wouldn't struggle too much with this obstacle. But why?

ZAC 2101, July, Eisen Dragoon Base

A Shadow Fox and its allies being attacked by SS Zoids.

The fox who had witnessed this battle remained hidden. It watched as the fight concluded and the mysterious Eisen Dragoons departed, then followed them back to their volcanic base. It properly identified their leader as a tyrannosaurus-type Zoid, the Berserk Führer.

The Ray Force headed for this base to investigate the mysterious new unit, and when they didn't answer an order to move on from the base and continue towards Valhalla, the unit was attacked. The Eisen Dragoon used grounchars to immobilize all of the Ray Force's Zoids, aside from Ray Gregg's Liger Zero, who Wolff Muroa, leading the Dragoons, wanted to confront. The rest of the Ray Force was then attacked by SS Zoids who, in spite of being much smaller in size, they were powerless to defend themselves against thanks to the jamming waves.

Even though Gunblusters arrived to provide reinforcements most of the Ray Force remained immobilized. In the middle of the battle the Bloody Demon, a monstrous Zoid being developed at the Eisen Dragoon's base attacked the Ray Force. Its particle cannon risked destroying them all, and when Wolff's Berserk Führer seemingly left, Ray was ordered to go after him. His Zero was the only one that could move to do so. Instead he defied orders, damaging his career for the rest of his life and choosing to stay and defend his allies. He defeated the Bloody Demon, and some of his fellow soldiers survived the terrifying battle thanks to his heroic efforts.

ZAC 2100, November, Fire Fox

Fire Foxes were depicted in the battle to attack the Imperial Palace during the Dark Continent War. In this battle they clashed with the PK Division, though they aren't specifically spoken about.

- Notable Facts

The Shadow Fox was touted for its impressive head movement when it was first released as part of the NJR line, and again when it was released by Kotobukiya as a High-End Master Model Kit.

- Equipment Information

- 3D Radar & Multi-Ear Sensor x2

3D Radar & Multi-Ear Sensor x2: 3Dレーダー&マルチイヤーセンサー×2

The Shadow Fox is one of a few Zoids who have additional equipment installed to the ears. In this case, a 3D Radar & Multi-Ear Sensor. The full extent of this equipment is not clarified, but one interesting note is that the ears can listen in on enemy radio transmissions. It's possible that outside of maneuvers that this was how the Shadow Fox was able to identify Wolff Muroa's Berserk Führer as the leader even though there were several of these Zoids present. ^[2]

- AZ 30mm Armor-Piercing Laser Vulcan x1

AZ 30mm Armor-Piercing Laser Vulcan x1: AZ30mm撤甲レーザーバルカン×1

This is a powerful weapon able to compete with the heavy armor of large-scale Zoids. It's attached to an incredibly articulate mount that tilts up, down, and rotates 360 degrees. When firing it rotates at high speeds and fires energy bullets as the wheels on the sides spin. ^[2]

- AZ 70mm Internal Electromagnetic Net Gun x1

AZ 70mm Internal Electromagnetic Net Gun x1: AZ70mm内臓型電磁ネット砲×1

The net gun is located in the tail, resting on top of a silver platform that deploys down when the weapon is in use. It fires a missile that detonates and releases a mid-air net to capture enemy Zoids. Those ensnared suffer powerful immobilizing shocks.

- Anchor x4

Anchor x4: アンカー×4

An anchor is installed to the bottom rear of each foot. These are depicted being used in climbing steep and dangerous slopes in New Century /ZERO, as well as to stabilize the fox when using large weaponry.

- Electron Bite Fangs

Electron Bite Fangs: エレクトロンバイトフャング

Shadow Fox, like most canine Zoids in the Republic possesses Electron Bite Fangs. It doesn't seem to be depicted using them in the core story. Since the Shadow Fox is the spiritual successor of the Command Wolf, however, we can assume that they share similar equipment. In this case, the Electron Fangs deliver a particularly destructive bite thanks to the added energy.

- Multi Weapon Rack

Multi Weapon Rack: マルチウエポンラック

The Multi Weapon Rack is installed in the back. It rotates up and down at the base as well as at the triangular joint, allowing it to point almost straight up in the air. The black part of the rack can rotate 360 degrees, giving weapons installed to it incredible directional control. A bar attached to the front further stabilizes weapons, and a variety of different weapon types can be installed to the rack.

- Optical Camouflage

Optical Camouflage: 光学迷彩

Shadow Fox possesses optical camouflage similar to the Helcat. This allows the Zoid to disappear, and if we go by the Liger Zero X's explanation of optical camouflage equipment, it functions by projecting images of its surroundings onto an energy screen around it. In the Republic, foxes regularly use this to sneak up on and ambush enemies.

- Shoulder Weapon Rack

Shoulder Weapon Rack: ショルダーウエポンラック

The Shoulder Weapon Rack is located on the upper back, and is one of the earlier attempts to camouflage joints for a better design flare. The black circle in the middle is a standard weapon peg and the silver discs around it can be removed to allow the full peg to be used for additional armaments.

- Silencer System

Silencer System: 消音システム

The Shadow Fox uses a silencer system. This system, installed to the legs, helps to dramatically decrease the sound of the Zoid in motion, which contributes to its keen stealth capabilities. ^[3]

- Smoke Discharger x6

Smoke Discharger x6: スモークディスチャージャー×6

Shadow Fox is covered in vent detailing, some of which serves a dual purpose. The six Smoke Dischargers refer to the shoulder vents (x2), rear leg vents (x2), and tail vents (x2). The vents deploy thick black smoke around the area. By deploying smoke the fox can shield itself and its allies from view, making it harder for enemies to land a direct hit. Alternatively it could be used to provide cover while they launch an ambush or make a quick escape. ^[2]

- Strike Laser Claw x4

Strike Laser Claw x4: ストライクレーザークロー×4

The Strike Laser Claws are used frequently in the anime, but not much in the story. They function the same as all other laser claws by charging the claws with a heated energy that allows them to slice through enemies more easily. Interestingly, in a promotional video for the Zoids Original Mirage Fox, the Laser Claws are depicted kicking backwards with the back feet as well.

- Merchandise

Model Kits

RZ-046 Shadow Fox

Yuji Kaida Fire Fox

Zoids Original Mirage Fox

HMM Shadow Fox

Assorted Items

CoroCoro Art Board

- Featured In Media

- Zoids New Century /ZERO

In spite of only making it into a few episodes, the Shadow Fox played a prominent role in New Century /ZERO following its debut in Episode 20. It originated as a Zoid of the Backdraft Group, developed by Dr. Laon, who trusted Ballad Hunter of Team Blitz to test pilot it after the pilot was caught stalking the mysterious Zoid of the forest.

- Zoids Fuzors

In Zoids Fuzors, Marvis, a former member of Mach Storm, stole a Shadow Fox and used it to go on a rampage. He was ultimately stopped by Maskman, and after spending 3 years in prison, managed to escape. He acquired his fox once more. What's interesting is that Marvis' Shadow Fox is equipped with a unique E-Shield.

- Zoids SS

In Zoids SS, a comic published through Dengeki Hobby Magazine, two foxes appear in the form of Mirage Foxes Type A & B, named Foxy and Lukexy respectively. They were piloted by two siblings, Tys and Kai. Both the Zoids and their pilots were shrouded in mystery, and when they realized that they were being hunted, they had to flee home for the sake of their father.

Other Media Appearances

Anime Media: Zoids Genesis

Book Media: Zoids Official Fan Book 3
Book Media: Zoids Official Fan Book 4

Game Media: Zoids Saga I
Game Media: Zoids Saga II
Game Media: Zoids Saga Fuzors
Game Media: Zoids Saga DS: Legend of Arcadia
Game Media: Zoids VS I
Game Media: Zoids VS II
Game Media: Zoids VS III
Game Media: Zoids Bonds of Steel
Game Media: Zoids Field of Rebellion

- Notable Variations

- Color Variations

- Notes

1. All information, unless stated otherwise, is from the box, official product info, or Official Fan Books. Media appearances reference their respective media.

2. CoroCoro April 2001 description. The weapon chart indicates the tail as the last x2 smoke dischargers.

3. Episode 20 of New Century Zero shows a diagram of the Shadow Fox's equipment, indicating the legs/feet for the Silencer System. The system itself is also mentioned in the descriptions seen on the box, but isn't listed in the equipment list itself.