Technology & Combat Characteristics
The second mobile suit built by the Martian colonists. They developed the Guardshell themselves using technologies acquired from the GSF-YAM01 Δ Astray. The transformable Guardshell usually moves around in its Mobile Armor mode, the Tripod mode, which resembles the GSW-M02 Mars Tank, to conceal its true identity and its three legs can function as claws for picking up objects. When transforming into its Mobile Suit (MS) mode, parts of the Tripod mode is discarded; this transformation system is designed using the MBF-P02 Astray Red Frame Mars Jacket as a reference. The sole rear leg of the Tripod mode folds up on the back during MS mode, and can be used as a claw when required.
The Guardshell specializes in defense as it is developed to protect the attack oriented GSF-YAM01 Δ Astray; the two MS is designed to work in tandem to cover each other's weakness. When it transform from Tripod mode to MS mode, some of its defensive capabilities are traded for higher combat power. The Guardshell's weapons consists of a beam gun, a pair of laser rods, a physical shield known as 'Tri Saucer' that is equipped with beam shield, three laser swords and three rocket anchors. In Tripod mode, the Guardshell can only use the beam gun and beam shield. In MS mode,it has full access to all its weapon and the shield can even function as a yo-yo-like melee weapon.
History
Created on Mars, the Guardshell was the personal mobile suit of Nahe Herschel, who used it on his journey around Earth. Nahe used the Guardshell during several encounters with the mobile suits of Phantom Pain.