- EZ-023 Helcat

For many people, the Helcat was their first Zoid. It has been an iconic bad guy in the anime for a long time, even if on the cannon fodder level, and its unique design makes it worth picking up.

- Lore

Information:	Technical Data:	Equipment:
Released: Nov 27th, 1999 Cost: 600 Yen Motor: Wind-Up Motor Pieces: 25 Caps: 12 (10 are used)	Length: 13.2 m Height: 5.0 m Weight: 24.0 t Max Speed: 190 km/h	3D Radar Antenna Anti-Zoid 20mm 2-Barrel Beam Gun Composite Sensor Unit Small-Calibre 2-Barrel Laser Machine Gun

- Zoids Battle Story

ZAC 2099... The battle between the Helic Republic and the Guylos Empire, which began on the western continent of Europa, is proceeding with the Imperial Army holding superiority. The Imperial Army, which conquered Mount Olympus, the most important base, has put their next plan into practice. That plan is to revive the strongest Zoid, the Death Saurer, using an ancient civilization technology that still remains in the ruins at the top of this mountain.

The Imperial Command, which was committed to the success of this project, assigned the EZ-023 Helcats as escorts at the ruins. Boasting a top speed of 190 km/h, this unit is a high-speed Zod that specializes in mountain warfare.

- Fuselage Explanation

Although it was developed during the early days of the Central Continent War, it's still a well-known machine that has achieved many great results in combat due to its versatility and ability to run over any rough terrain at high speeds. It's equipped with a sound-muffling function in the legs and an exhaust system that suppresses heat radiation to the utmost limit, so it's able to approach enemies without being detected.

* The translations on this page rely on google translate and may contain mistakes.

- Helcat Helcat Review

- Introduction

Helcat is a classic wind-up Zoid, originally released during the OJR period and then released again in 1999 as part of the NJR line. In this new release the silver was changed to gunmetal and the red a slightly brighter, less pink-toned color. The former red canopy lense was also changed to green.

Overall, this kit stands out from a period where dinosaurs and insects reigned supreme, with Helcat being one of the earlier mammals introduced to the series. It still shares a lot of those older design qualities while fitting in with newer kits as an abstract interpretation of a large cat, unique next to all others.

The kit is a delightfully simple build, able to be completed in 30 minutes or less, and it has some very basic articulation to play with. The colors look good, and the slightly metallic charcoal color looks much better in person than in photos.

- Images

- Gimmicks

- Head

The head attaches to a peg that sits on a flat plate beneath it (the red under the chin that you see in side views.) This allows the head to rotate from side to side.

- Cockpit

The Helcat's distinct head look still utilizes the "clamshell" cockpit design that was common among many small-scale Zoids in the old era. To make this blend into the design more, the Helcat is given a unique helmet design, which attaches at the cheeks and can rotate upwards a bit. The top of the canopy itself can also open up. The cockpit has mild detailing around the interior. A blue pilot figure is included. Like the other classic clamshell cockpits, the Helcat's head has thruster detailing on the back.

- Small-Calibre 2-Barrel Laser Machine Gun

A two-barrelled gun attached to the Helcat's chest. As it sits on a peg it can rotate from side to side, but the legs prevent it from making a full rotation.

- Anti-Zoid 20mm 2-Barrel Beam Gun

This gun is attached to the Helcat's lower back, and sits on a peg that allows it to rotate a full 360 degrees. It's a simple design, and thanks to the pegs also being on the upper back, you can swap around where it's equipped to.