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{{Vehicle Infobox
{|class="infobox" style="width: 21em; font-size: 90% text-align: left"
 
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|type1 =Cyber
!colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|[[Toho]] [[:Category:Vehicles|Vehicle]]
 
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|type2 =Steel
|-
 
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|header ={{Toho}} {{Vehicle}}{{Slash}}{{Superweapon}}
!colspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|[[File:Maser01.jpg|center|260px]]
 
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|caption =The Type 90 Maser Cannon in Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla
|-
 
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|image =Godzilla.jp_-_Maser_Cannon.jpg
!colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size: larger; background-color: #001; color: #ffa;"|<span style='color:white'>{{glow|color=olive|Maser Cannon}}<span> </span></span>
 
 
|name =Maser Cannon
|-
 
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|targets =[[Godzilla]],<br>[[Anguirus]],<br>[[Gaira]],<br>[[Sanda]],<br>[[Gigan]],<br>[[King Ghidorah]],<br>[[Megalon]],<br>[[Biollante]],<br>[[Destoroyah]]
!Height
 
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|pilot =Multiple
|4.8-7.9 meters
 
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|length =14.5 meters{{sup|[[War of the Gargantuas|WotG]]-[[Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla|GvMG]]}}<br>19 meters{{sup|[[Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla|GXMG]]-[[Godzilla: Final Wars|GFW]]}}
|-
 
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|height =6 meters{{sup|[[War of the Gargantuas|WotG]]-[[Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla|GvMG]]}}<br>6.1 meters{{sup|[[Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla|GXMG]]-[[Godzilla: Final Wars|GFW]]}}
!Length
 
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|first =[[War of the Gargantuas]]
|10.5-20 meters
 
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|last =[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]
|-
 
 
}}
!Weight
 
 
The '''Maser Cannon''' {{Nihongo|メーサー兵器|Mēsā Heiki|lit. ''Maser Weapon''}} is a fictional weapon featured in many of Toho Studio's sci-fi and fantasy films, making its first appearance in the [[1966]] {{TohoCo}} film ''[[War of the Gargantuas]]''. There have been several varieties, but each function in a similar way and have a similar appearance. Variations of the Maser have appeared in 12 films thus far.
|80-132 tons
 
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|}
 
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They presumably work on the same principle as real world [[wikipedia:Maser|Maser]] devices, of which their name is short for '''M'''icrowave '''A'''mplification by '''S'''timulated '''E'''mission of '''R'''adiation.
The '''Maser Cannon''' is a fictional weapon featured in many of Toho Studio's sci-fi and fantasy films. There have been several varieties, but each function in a similar way and have a similar appeareance. Variations of the Maser have appeared in 12 films thus far.
 
 
{{TOC}}
 
{{TOC}}
 
==Origins==
 
==Origins==
Many fans consider the inspiration for the final version of the Maser Cannon to be the [[Markalite Cannon]] from 1957's [[The Mysterians]]. The gigantic satellite-like weapon fired a ray/beam from its center, and proved to be very effective. A similar weapon also appeared in 1959's Battle in Outer Space. In 1961, the movie Mothra featured the famous [[Atomic Heat Ray Gun]], a Markalite-like weapon that took the basic design that was featured in the previous films and placed it on wheels. The tank-like form was taken to the next level five years later for ''[[War of the Gargantuas]]'', the first film to feature an official Maser Cannon.
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Many fans consider the inspiration for the final version of the Maser Cannon to be the [[Markalite Cannon]] from 1957's ''[[The Mysterians (1957 film)|The Mysterians]]''. The gigantic satellite-like weapon fired a ray/beam from its center, and proved to be very effective. A similar weapon also appeared in 1959's Battle in Outer Space. In 1961, the movie ''[[Mothra (1961 film)|Mothra]]'' featured the famous [[Atomic Heat Ray Gun]], a Markalite-like weapon that took the basic design that was featured in the previous films and placed it on wheels. The tank-like form was taken to the next level five years later for ''[[War of the Gargantuas]]'', the first film to feature an official Maser Cannon.
 
==Overview==
 
==Overview==
Although there are several different types of Masers, most have a similar appearance and all function in about the same way. The Maser is basically a large tank that supports a laser firing system in the form of a large arm ending in a satellite-like head. Usually, the arm lowers down when the tank is moving, and rises to take aim at the intended target. The head then fires a steady beam that resembles a laser beam or stream of lightning. The beam has proven to be very effective against some monsters, the best example being [[Gaira]]. Masers were also very effective in driving off such monsters as [[Anguirus]] and [[Godzilla]] (only in ''[[The Return of Godzilla]]''), and a variation of the Maser, called the DAG-MB96 or ULT Laser Cannon (which appeared in ''[[Godzilla vs. Destoroyah]]'') even succeeded in killing the monster [[Destoroyah]] at the film's climax. However, most of the time, the Masers fell before the might of the monsters. Maser weapons were utilized by [[Kiryu]], as mouth cannons and the chest-mounted Hyper Maser Cannon, in the Millennium series films.
+
Although there are several different types of Masers, most have a similar appearance and all function in about the same way. The Maser is basically a large tank that supports a laser firing system in the form of a large arm ending in a satellite-like head. Usually, the arm lowers down when the tank is moving, and rises to take aim at the intended target. The head then fires a steady beam that resembles a laser beam or stream of lightning. The beam has proven to be very effective against some monsters, the best example being [[Gaira]]. Masers were also very effective in driving off such monsters as [[Anguirus]] and [[Godzilla]] (only in ''[[Godzilla vs. Gigan]]''), and a variation of the Maser, called the [[DAG-MB96]] or ULT Laser Cannon (which appeared in ''[[Godzilla vs. Destoroyah]]'') even succeeded in killing the monster [[Destoroyah]] at the film's climax. However, most of the time, the Masers fell before the might of the monsters. Maser weapons were utilized by [[Kiryu]], as mouth cannons and the chest-mounted Hyper Maser Cannon, in the Millennium series films.
==Types==
 
*Type 66 Maser Cannon
 
*Hyper Laser Cannon
 
*MBT-92
 
*MBAW-93
 
*DAG-MB96 (also known as the ULT (Ultra Low Temperature) maser Cannon)
 
*Type 90 Maser Cannon
 
*Type 90 Maser Cannon (Second Generation)
 
*Cryogenic Tank (''[[Godzilla: Unleashed]]'')
 
 
==History==
 
==History==
===Type 66 Maser Cannon===
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===[[Showa era|Showa Series]]===
  +
====''[[War of the Gargantuas]]''====
Created back in the mid 1960's, this piece of machinery would soon be the leader in Japan's military forces. Able to emit a thin, jagged beam of plasma energy, the weapon proved to be able to hurt many a kaiju. Leading against such foes as Gaira, Gigan, King Ghidorah, and Megalon, the weapon gained respect within minutes. Unfortunately the weapon did have its flaws, like all the others. Because of the fragility of the reactor's core, the machine could not handle any extreme heat. Meaning if that it was struck with a monster's energy blast, it would definitely not survive.
 
  +
The Type 66 Maser cannons were first utilized in an attempt to kill [[Gaira]]. They nearly succeeded until Gaira's "brother" [[Sanda]] stepped in and saved him. They were used again in [[Tokyo]], where Gaira and Sanda fought each other before taking their fight out to the harbor, and then the ocean.
===Hyper Laser Cannon===
 
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====''[[Godzilla vs. Gigan]]''====
In secret, the Japanese government developed highly advanced technologies during the waning years of the Cold War. Among these military vehicles were the aerial battle-mech: the Super X, and the ground-based beam weapon: the hyper laser cannon. When Godzilla attacked Tokyo in 1984, almost 30 years after his predecessor's initial strike, the JSDF finally put these weapons into commission, to help rid the nation of this terror. Meanwhile, an esteemed professor continued his work on a crude, yet highly effective mind-control device, a brilliant blueprint for what would be Godzilla's not-so-ultimate defeat.
 
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Maser Cannons were deployed by the [[J.S.D.F.]] when [[Anguirus]] was sent from [[Monster Island]] by [[Godzilla]] to investigate the activities of the [[M Space Hunter Nebula Aliens]]. Maser Cannons were lined up on the shore and opened fire on Anguirus, who did not retaliate but turned around and returned to the island to get Godzilla's help.
   
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Later, when [[Gigan]] and [[King Ghidorah]] were attacking [[Tokyo]], Maser Cannons were deployed to stop them. The cannons seemed to be effective against Gigan, but were destroyed by King Ghidorah's gravity beams.
As the Japanese government continued to allow Dr. Hayashida's experiment to run its course, two hyper laser cannons were dispatched to contend with the towering terror. The avian frequency device, used to trick Godzilla's mind into following whoever wields the machine, began to lead the monster barreling straight into Dr. Hayashida's lab. Those trapped within the laboratory watched in horror as the cold eyes of the lumbering leviathan approached, but luckily, the piercing chirp of a concentrated beam collided with Godzilla. The curious creature turned to face this exotic weaponry, and in the process, damaged the building in which Dr. Hayashida was conducting his experiments. The beast continued to turn toward the laboratory from which he sensed the familiar frequencies, but was quickly distracted by the mild challenge that the relatively diminutive hyper laser cannons posed...
 
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====''[[Godzilla vs. Megalon]]''====
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Maser Cannons were among the many weapons deployed to stop [[Megalon]]'s rampage. However, Megalon destroyed them and the rest of the attacking vehicles present in the battle.
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===[[Heisei era|Heisei Series]]===
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{{Main|s=s|MBT-92|, [[MBAW-93]], [[ASTOL-MB93]] and [[DAG-MB96]]}}
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====''[[The Return of Godzilla]]''====
 
{{Main|Hyper Laser Cannon}}
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[[File:Hyper_Laser_Cannon_firing.jpg|thumb|200px|A [[Hyper Laser Cannon]] firing its red laser beam]]
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The [[Hyper Laser Cannon]] was created as a weapon during the Cold War. They were deployed when [[Godzilla]] attacked [[Tokyo]] in [[1984]], and managed to distract him long enough for the [[Super X]] to arrive. They then retreated. The technology used in the Hyper Laser Cannon was later used to create the [[MBT-92]] and other Maser Cannons.
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{{Clear}}
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====''[[Godzilla vs. Biollante]]''====
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{{Main|MBT-92}}
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The [[MBT-92]] was developed by the [[J.S.D.F.]] using similar technology used in the Hyper Laser Cannon. Several MBT-92s were deployed against [[Godzilla]] on the Wakasa plain in an attempt to raise his body temperature so the [[Anti-Nuclear Energy Bacteria]] could take effect.
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====''[[Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah]]''====
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After [[Godzilla]] defeated [[King Ghidorah]], he traveled to [[Sapporo]]. The [[J.S.D.F.]] deployed two MBT-92 Maser Cannons to stop him alongside units of infantry, fighter jets and conventional tanks. The MBT-92s relentlessly fired on Godzilla, and he fell through a building in an attempt to reach the J.S.D.F. units, roaring in pain as the beams from the two MBT-92s rained down on him. Once Godzilla regained his footing, he quickly dispatched the MBT-92s with his Atomic Breath, then continued on his rampage across Japan.
  +
====''[[Godzilla vs. Mothra]]''====
  +
A new model of Maser Cannon, the [[MBAW-93]], was deployed against the larval [[Battra]] when he attacked [[Nagoya]]. However, the weapons had no effect on the armored larva and were easily defeated.
   
  +
Later, when [[Godzilla]] emerged from [[Mount Fuji]], several MBT-92s, MBAW-93s, and a new Maser Cannon-armed aircraft, the [[ASTOL-MB93]], were deployed to stop him from reaching [[Yokohama]]. The various Maser weapons were ineffective against Godzilla, who made short work of them with his atomic breath.
Both tanks continued to unleash their powerful beams at Godzilla, but the monster barely reared at the searing strikes. The two devices, firing from two separate angles, blasted Godzilla and managed to lure the monster through the park and away from the lab. Fortunately, the ultimate weapon, the Super X, had finally arrived to relieve the burden off of the ineffective beam cannons. It was certain that this new weapon would be the device that would succeed where so many others failed. The hyper laser cannons bid a silent retreat.
 
  +
====''[[Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla 2]]''====
===MBT-92===
 
  +
[[File:GvsMG2_-_MBAW-93.jpg|thumb|right|200px|An [[MBAW-93]] Maser Cannon in ''[[Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla 2]]'']]
[[File:Freezer_Tanks_01.jpg|thumb|280px|A DAG-MB96 ULT Maser cannon (left) with a modified MBT-92 (center) and MBAW-93 (right)]]The MBT-92 would replace the hyper laser cannon when the threat of Godzilla return in the late 80s. It would first encounter Godzilla in 1989 were it would prove its usefulness against the atomic dragon. Later throughout the the 1990s the MBT-92 would encounter Godzilla multiple times. However despite the combination of firepower, armor and mobility the MBT-92 would eventually in every encounter with Godzilla or an other {{kaiju}} be defeated. The MBT-92 Is six wheeled and very armored with An maser cannon that can project an single ray. In ''[[Godzilla vs. Destoroyah]]'' the MBT-92 is equipped with an Ultra-Low Temperature laser and additional missile pods.
 
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After [[Godzilla]] initially defeated [[MechaGodzilla (Heisei)|MechaGodzilla]], [[G-Force]] deployed several MBT-92s and MBAW-93s along with other conventional forces to try and halt Godzilla's approach to [[Kyoto]]. The Masers were still unable to faze Godzilla, who obliterated them with his atomic breath and crushed the other vehicles under his feet.
===DAG-MB96===
 
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====''[[Godzilla vs. Destoroyah]]''====
A new spin was placed on the favored Maser Cannon design that had so aided Japan's Self Defense Force in the mid 1990's. The go-ahead to produce this new "freezing gun" was given when Godzilla was transformed into a ticking time bomb. The new Burning Godzilla threatened to be overtaken by his nuclear heart and detonate, taking all of Japan with it in a Chinese Syndrome. A plan of action to cool down the giant was immediately taken into play. Oddly enough, though, Godzilla wasn't the first monster to face the improved DAG-MB96. Instead, the machines were called against the gathering Destoroyah forces. Joined with the Apaches and Type 90 tanks, the DAG-MB96's unleashed their fury. Freezing missiles, and glacier blast of ionized energy cut into the armies of the Destoroyahs. The weapon was proving its worth, until the Precambrian life forms merged into a single giant. Within seconds they outgrew the pitiful gnat like stings of the Freezing masers and destroyed all that laid before it.
 
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[[File:Freezer_Tanks_01.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A [[DAG-MB96]] ULT Maser cannon (left) with a modified [[MBT-92]] (center) and [[MBAW-93]] (right) in ''[[Godzilla vs. Destoroyah]]'']]
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A new type of Maser Cannon, the [[DAG-MB96]], was developed by the [[J.S.D.F.]] and [[G-Force]] with new freezer technology. These vehicles were now armed with new ultra-low temperature (ULT) Maser Cannons, also known as cryolasers. The DAG-MB96s were deployed alongside MBT-92s and MBAW-93s and other conventional forces armed with [[Cadmium]] shells to engage the juvenile [[Destoroyah]]s on the outskirts of [[Tokyo]]. [[Kensaku Ijuin]] proposed that cold-based weapons would liquefy the [[Micro-Oxygen]] in the creatures' bodies and kill them. The combination of freezer weapons and Maser beams seemed effective at first, until the Destoroyahs merged together into a single giant monster. The aggregate Destoroyah destroyed some of the military's forces before transforming into a flying form and flying away.
   
  +
Later, the DAG-MB96s and other Maser Cannons were deployed during [[Godzilla]] and Destoroyah's final battle near [[Haneda Airport]]. When Destoroyah tried to fly away, the Maser Cannons and the [[Super X3]] fired their cryolasers at the beast's wings, causing him to plummet to the superheated ground below and disintegrate. When Godzilla began to melt down, they unleashed their entire payload of freezing and Cadmium weapons in an attempt to freeze him while he melted and minimize the damage. This tactic proved successful in preventing Godzilla from burning into the Earth's core, while the deadly excess radiation was absorbed by the fallen [[Godzilla Junior]], reviving him as an adult Godzilla.
Worrying over their losses, the second wave of vehicles were used a bit more wisely. The Self Defense Force waited until the closing minutes of Burning Godzilla and Destoroyah's fight before striking. As the armored giant tried to flee from Godzilla's grasp, the military was deployed. They stole the victory from the nuclear giant, killing and ending Destoroyah's reign of terror forever. However, there was no time to gloat over the victory, as their next target, the overheating Godzilla, was about to reach critical mass. They showered the monster with icy man made weapons, but they could not halt the inevitable. However, in Godzilla's fleeting moments of life he was able to instill his energy in Junior, reviving him, and avoiding the explosion for which the SDF feared.
 
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====''[[Godzilla Island (Series)|Godzilla Island]]''====
===Type 90 Maser Cannon===
 
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[[File:GI_Maser_Cannon.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Zaguresu]]'s stationary Maser Cannon in ''[[Godzilla Island (Series)|Godzilla Island]]'']]
Following in a line of effective maser weapons, the Type 90, which shares similarities in such things such as design with the earlier Type 66 Maser Cannon, was one of the most powerful weapons in the arsenal of the Japanese Self Defense Forces. Unfortunately, it did have a few weaknesses with the most important being that if it had to fight against a kaiju in a rainstorm, the rain would reduce the power of the energy beam.
 
  +
In one episode, a stationary Maser Cannon was employed by [[Zaguresu]] to prevent [[Godzilla]] and the other monsters from reaching [[Godzilla Junior]]. The weapon was also guarded by [[Megalon]] and [[Battra]]. When Godzilla attempted to rescue his son, the Maser Cannon fired on him, sending him into full-on retreat from the weapon's painful beam. [[Rodan]] arrived, and carried Godzilla to safety, where they then formulated a plan. A combined effort by Godzilla, Rodan, [[Mothra]] and [[M.O.G.U.E.R.A.]] succeeded in distracting the enemy monsters, and Godzilla deactivated the Maser Cannon by firing his Atomic Breath at it.
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===[[Millennium era|Millennium Series]]===
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====''[[Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla]]''====
  +
[[File:Type-90 Maser firing.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A Type 90 Maser Cannon firing at Godzilla in ''[[Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla]]'']]
  +
In [[1966]], Maser Cannons were developed using the same technology as the [[Atomic Heat Ray Gun]] in order to fight [[Gaira]]. Following this success, the Anti-Megalosaurus Force (AMF) mass-produced the vehicles for use in case of other {{kaiju}} attacks on [[Japan]]ese soil.
  +
  +
In [[1999]], when [[Godzilla]] attacked [[Tateyama]], the AMF deployed their newest Maser Cannon model, the Type 90, to stop him. The Masers' power, already reduced by the rain, was ineffective against Godzilla, who wiped out a large portion of the AMF's forces. Following this failure, the AMF began construction of a new anti-Godzilla weapon, [[Kiryu]], which featured an oral-mounted Maser Cannon.
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====''[[Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.]]''====
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When [[Godzilla]] came ashore in [[Tokyo]], several Type 90 Maser Cannons were deployed to stop him while [[Kiryu]] was being repaired. When the AMF realized they could not repair Kiryu's Absolute Zero Cannon, it was replaced by the chest-mounted Triple Hyper Maser Cannon.
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====''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]''====
  +
Maser Cannons were deployed by the [[Earth Defense Force]] alongside the [[Gotengo]] to battle [[Godzilla]] in [[Antarctica]] in the 1960's. The Maser Cannons proved ineffective, as they were all destroyed early in the battle.
  +
  +
When the Gotengo was recommissioned as the [[Gotengo#New Gotengo|New Gotengo]] decades later, it was outfitted with a Maser Cannon on the tip of its drill, along with an Absolute Zero Cannon.
  +
===[[MonsterVerse]]===
  +
====''[[Godzilla: King of the Monsters]]''====
  +
Maser cannons are part of [[Monarch]] Outpost 54's defense system. When [[Godzilla (MonsterVerse)|Godzilla]] starts approaching Outpost 54, the Maser cannons are manned by Chief Warrant Officer [[Jackson Barnes]] and several Monarch soldiers with the intent on shooting Godzilla if he comes close enough to the Outpost. The Maser cannons are not used against Godzilla, however, as Doctor [[Ishiro Serizawa]] orders the Monarch team to stand down and disarm the Maser cannons at the suggestion of [[Mark Russell]], who believed that Monarch would lose in a fight with Godzilla at this stage.
   
Eventually they met their match in 1999 at the hands of Godzilla who easily destroyed the Type 90s maser cannons during a battle around Tateyama. Their ineffectiveness persuaded the Japanese Prime Minister at the time, Machiko Tsuge, to sanction the development of new weapons, including one that used the bones of the original Godzilla as its basis. Despite the weapon's ineffectiveness against Godzilla, the Type 90 maser cannon continued to see action in subsequent battles against the king of the monsters.
 
===Type 90 Maser Cannon (Second Generation)===
 
One of the many military weapons in the arsenal of the Japanese Self-Defense Force, the Type 90 Maser Cannon was utilized during an epic battle with Godzilla in the mid-1960s. The snow and ice of the Antarctic landscape gave way to these technological wonders as they made their approach toward Godzilla. The searing streams of electricity fired, and along with a wide variety of other military weaponry and a brutal storm, it appeared as though the advantage was immediately on the side of the humans. Shortly after the assault commenced, however, the wretched reptile began to regain his composure and retaliate. Among his primary targets were these devices that inflicted pain and agony in their flowing currents, and it did not take long for a single atomic ray to wipe out the maser resistance. Their usefulness was immediately proven worthless...
 
 
==Filmography==
 
==Filmography==
 
*''[[War of the Gargantuas]]''
 
*''[[War of the Gargantuas]]''
Line 64: Line 87:
 
*''[[Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.]]''
 
*''[[Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.]]''
 
*''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]''
 
*''[[Godzilla: Final Wars]]''
  +
==[[Toho monsters in video games|Video Game Appearances]]==
 
*''[[Godzilla: The Game]]''
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
  +
===Production===
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
 
  +
====''[[Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.]]''====
Maser Cannon.png
 
  +
<gallery widths='120' position='center' captionalign='center' spacing='small'>
Godzilla.jp - 22 - Maser Cannon.jpg
 
Suit_and_Puppet_Museum_-_Toho_Vehicles.png|A Maser Cannon Prop (Top left)
 
 
Maser_and_tanks.png|The Maser Cannon and tank props on the set of ''[[Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.]]''
 
Maser_and_tanks.png|The Maser Cannon and tank props on the set of ''[[Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.]]''
 
Masertank.png
 
Masertank.png
  +
</gallery>
  +
===Screenshots===
  +
====''[[War of the Gargantuas]]''====
 
<gallery widths="120" position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small">
 
Maser Cannon.png
  +
WOTG_-_Maser_Cannon_-_1.jpg
  +
WOTG_-_Maser_Cannon_-_2.jpg
  +
WOTG_-_Maser_Cannon_-_3.jpg
  +
WOTG_-_Maser_Cannon_-_4.jpg
  +
</gallery>
  +
====''[[Godzilla vs. Destoroyah]]''====
  +
<gallery widths='120' position='center' captionalign='center' spacing='small'>
 
Godzilla.jp - 22 - Maser Cannon.jpg|A [[DAG-MB96]]
  +
</gallery>
  +
====''[[Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla]]''====
  +
<gallery widths='120' position='center' captionalign='center' spacing='small'>
  +
Maser01.jpg
  +
GAMG_-_Maser_Cannon_-_1.jpg
  +
GAMG_-_Maser_Cannon_-_2.jpg
  +
</gallery>
  +
====''[[Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.]]''====
  +
<gallery widths='120' position='center' captionalign='center' spacing='small'>
  +
Godzilla.jp_-_2_-_Maser_Cannon.jpg
  +
</gallery>
  +
===Post Production===
  +
<gallery widths='120' position='center' captionalign='center' spacing='small'>
 
Suit_and_Puppet_Museum_-_Toho_Vehicles.png|A Maser Cannon prop (Top left)
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
 
*The original Maser that appeared in ''[[War of the Gargantuas]]'' had a head that always remained parallel to the ground beneath it. This was due to the fact that the light bulb used to light the Maser prop could only function parallel to the floor of the set.
 
*The original Maser that appeared in ''[[War of the Gargantuas]]'' had a head that always remained parallel to the ground beneath it. This was due to the fact that the light bulb used to light the Maser prop could only function parallel to the floor of the set.
*In George Lucas' ''[[w:c:starwars:Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones|Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones]]'', during the climactic battle between the clone and droid armies on the planet Geonosis, the clones unleash a laser tank against the escaping Trade Federation starships that bears a striking resemblance to Toho's Maser Cannon. Both rest on tanks and fire a blue beam from a satellite-like head. While it is unknown weather or not Lucas used the Maser Cannon for inspiration, it is extremely likely given the similarities. (This is not without precedent; Lucas had referenced Japanese cinema previously in the ''Star Wars'' series. The characters of C-3PO and R2-D2 were based on the always bickering peasants in Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece ''The Hidden Fortress''. Also, the Rancor, a giant alien monster that had made an appearance in ''[[w:c:starwars:Star Wars Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi|Star Wars Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi]]'', was based on Godzilla himself, and was originally planned to be realized via suitmation.)
+
*In George Lucas' ''[[w:c:starwars:Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones|Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones]]'', during the climactic battle between the clone and droid armies on the planet Geonosis, the clones unleash a laser tank against the escaping Trade Federation starships that bears a striking resemblance to Toho's Maser Cannon. Both rest on tanks and fire a blue beam from a satellite-like head. While it is unknown whether or not Lucas used the Maser Cannon for inspiration, it is extremely likely given the similarities. (This is not without precedent; Lucas had referenced Japanese cinema previously in the ''Star Wars'' series. The characters of C-3PO and R2-D2 were based on the always bickering peasants in Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece ''The Hidden Fortress''. Also, the Rancor, a giant alien monster that had made an appearance in ''[[w:c:starwars:Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi|Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi]]'', was based on Godzilla himself, and was originally planned to be realized via suitmation.)
  +
*Star Wars references the Godzilla series again in the animated series ''[[W:C:Starwars:Star Wars: The Clone Wars|Star Wars: The Clone Wars]]'', which features the RX-200 Falchion-class assault tanks in the Episodes ''[[w:c:starwars:The Zillo Beast|The Zillo Beast]]'' and ''[[w:c:starwars:The Zillo Beast Strikes Back|The Zillo Beast Strikes Back]]'', which feature a Kaiju-sized monster as well as a large number of other Godzilla references.
 
*In episode 70 of Sgt. Frog series, Maser cannons make a cameo.
 
*In episode 70 of Sgt. Frog series, Maser cannons make a cameo.
  +
*The Transformer Signal Flare's alternate mode is based off a Maser cannon.
 
{{Vehicles}}
 
{{Vehicles}}
 
{{Era|TOH|SHO|HEI|MIL|JSD}}
 
{{Era|TOH|SHO|HEI|MIL|JSD}}
 
[[Category:G-Guard Mechas]]
 
[[Category:G-Guard Mechas]]
 
[[Category:Vehicles]]
 
[[Category:Vehicles]]
  +
[[Category:Superweapons]]
  +
[[Category:Land Vehicles]]

Revision as of 16:14, 13 June 2019

Template:Vehicle Infobox The Maser Cannon (メーサー兵器,   Mēsā Heiki?, lit. Maser Weapon) is a fictional weapon featured in many of Toho Studio's sci-fi and fantasy films, making its first appearance in the 1966 Toho film War of the Gargantuas. There have been several varieties, but each function in a similar way and have a similar appearance. Variations of the Maser have appeared in 12 films thus far.

They presumably work on the same principle as real world Maser devices, of which their name is short for Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Template:TOC

Origins

Many fans consider the inspiration for the final version of the Maser Cannon to be the Markalite Cannon from 1957's The Mysterians. The gigantic satellite-like weapon fired a ray/beam from its center, and proved to be very effective. A similar weapon also appeared in 1959's Battle in Outer Space. In 1961, the movie Mothra featured the famous Atomic Heat Ray Gun, a Markalite-like weapon that took the basic design that was featured in the previous films and placed it on wheels. The tank-like form was taken to the next level five years later for War of the Gargantuas, the first film to feature an official Maser Cannon.

Overview

Although there are several different types of Masers, most have a similar appearance and all function in about the same way. The Maser is basically a large tank that supports a laser firing system in the form of a large arm ending in a satellite-like head. Usually, the arm lowers down when the tank is moving, and rises to take aim at the intended target. The head then fires a steady beam that resembles a laser beam or stream of lightning. The beam has proven to be very effective against some monsters, the best example being Gaira. Masers were also very effective in driving off such monsters as Anguirus and Godzilla (only in Godzilla vs. Gigan), and a variation of the Maser, called the DAG-MB96 or ULT Laser Cannon (which appeared in Godzilla vs. Destoroyah) even succeeded in killing the monster Destoroyah at the film's climax. However, most of the time, the Masers fell before the might of the monsters. Maser weapons were utilized by Kiryu, as mouth cannons and the chest-mounted Hyper Maser Cannon, in the Millennium series films.

History

Showa Series

War of the Gargantuas

The Type 66 Maser cannons were first utilized in an attempt to kill Gaira. They nearly succeeded until Gaira's "brother" Sanda stepped in and saved him. They were used again in Tokyo, where Gaira and Sanda fought each other before taking their fight out to the harbor, and then the ocean.

Godzilla vs. Gigan

Maser Cannons were deployed by the J.S.D.F. when Anguirus was sent from Monster Island by Godzilla to investigate the activities of the M Space Hunter Nebula Aliens. Maser Cannons were lined up on the shore and opened fire on Anguirus, who did not retaliate but turned around and returned to the island to get Godzilla's help.

Later, when Gigan and King Ghidorah were attacking Tokyo, Maser Cannons were deployed to stop them. The cannons seemed to be effective against Gigan, but were destroyed by King Ghidorah's gravity beams.

Godzilla vs. Megalon

Maser Cannons were among the many weapons deployed to stop Megalon's rampage. However, Megalon destroyed them and the rest of the attacking vehicles present in the battle.

Heisei Series

Main articles: MBT-92, MBAW-93, ASTOL-MB93 and DAG-MB96.

The Return of Godzilla

Main article: Hyper Laser Cannon.
Hyper Laser Cannon firing

A Hyper Laser Cannon firing its red laser beam

The Hyper Laser Cannon was created as a weapon during the Cold War. They were deployed when Godzilla attacked Tokyo in 1984, and managed to distract him long enough for the Super X to arrive. They then retreated. The technology used in the Hyper Laser Cannon was later used to create the MBT-92 and other Maser Cannons.

Godzilla vs. Biollante

Main article: MBT-92.

The MBT-92 was developed by the J.S.D.F. using similar technology used in the Hyper Laser Cannon. Several MBT-92s were deployed against Godzilla on the Wakasa plain in an attempt to raise his body temperature so the Anti-Nuclear Energy Bacteria could take effect.

Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah

After Godzilla defeated King Ghidorah, he traveled to Sapporo. The J.S.D.F. deployed two MBT-92 Maser Cannons to stop him alongside units of infantry, fighter jets and conventional tanks. The MBT-92s relentlessly fired on Godzilla, and he fell through a building in an attempt to reach the J.S.D.F. units, roaring in pain as the beams from the two MBT-92s rained down on him. Once Godzilla regained his footing, he quickly dispatched the MBT-92s with his Atomic Breath, then continued on his rampage across Japan.

Godzilla vs. Mothra

A new model of Maser Cannon, the MBAW-93, was deployed against the larval Battra when he attacked Nagoya. However, the weapons had no effect on the armored larva and were easily defeated.

Later, when Godzilla emerged from Mount Fuji, several MBT-92s, MBAW-93s, and a new Maser Cannon-armed aircraft, the ASTOL-MB93, were deployed to stop him from reaching Yokohama. The various Maser weapons were ineffective against Godzilla, who made short work of them with his atomic breath.

Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla 2

GvsMG2 - MBAW-93

An MBAW-93 Maser Cannon in Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla 2

After Godzilla initially defeated MechaGodzilla, G-Force deployed several MBT-92s and MBAW-93s along with other conventional forces to try and halt Godzilla's approach to Kyoto. The Masers were still unable to faze Godzilla, who obliterated them with his atomic breath and crushed the other vehicles under his feet.

Godzilla vs. Destoroyah

Freezer Tanks 01

A DAG-MB96 ULT Maser cannon (left) with a modified MBT-92 (center) and MBAW-93 (right) in Godzilla vs. Destoroyah

A new type of Maser Cannon, the DAG-MB96, was developed by the J.S.D.F. and G-Force with new freezer technology. These vehicles were now armed with new ultra-low temperature (ULT) Maser Cannons, also known as cryolasers. The DAG-MB96s were deployed alongside MBT-92s and MBAW-93s and other conventional forces armed with Cadmium shells to engage the juvenile Destoroyahs on the outskirts of Tokyo. Kensaku Ijuin proposed that cold-based weapons would liquefy the Micro-Oxygen in the creatures' bodies and kill them. The combination of freezer weapons and Maser beams seemed effective at first, until the Destoroyahs merged together into a single giant monster. The aggregate Destoroyah destroyed some of the military's forces before transforming into a flying form and flying away.

Later, the DAG-MB96s and other Maser Cannons were deployed during Godzilla and Destoroyah's final battle near Haneda Airport. When Destoroyah tried to fly away, the Maser Cannons and the Super X3 fired their cryolasers at the beast's wings, causing him to plummet to the superheated ground below and disintegrate. When Godzilla began to melt down, they unleashed their entire payload of freezing and Cadmium weapons in an attempt to freeze him while he melted and minimize the damage. This tactic proved successful in preventing Godzilla from burning into the Earth's core, while the deadly excess radiation was absorbed by the fallen Godzilla Junior, reviving him as an adult Godzilla.

Godzilla Island

GI Maser Cannon

Zaguresu's stationary Maser Cannon in Godzilla Island

In one episode, a stationary Maser Cannon was employed by Zaguresu to prevent Godzilla and the other monsters from reaching Godzilla Junior. The weapon was also guarded by Megalon and Battra. When Godzilla attempted to rescue his son, the Maser Cannon fired on him, sending him into full-on retreat from the weapon's painful beam. Rodan arrived, and carried Godzilla to safety, where they then formulated a plan. A combined effort by Godzilla, Rodan, Mothra and M.O.G.U.E.R.A. succeeded in distracting the enemy monsters, and Godzilla deactivated the Maser Cannon by firing his Atomic Breath at it.

Millennium Series

Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla

File:Type-90 Maser firing.jpg

A Type 90 Maser Cannon firing at Godzilla in Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla

In 1966, Maser Cannons were developed using the same technology as the Atomic Heat Ray Gun in order to fight Gaira. Following this success, the Anti-Megalosaurus Force (AMF) mass-produced the vehicles for use in case of other kaiju attacks on Japanese soil.

In 1999, when Godzilla attacked Tateyama, the AMF deployed their newest Maser Cannon model, the Type 90, to stop him. The Masers' power, already reduced by the rain, was ineffective against Godzilla, who wiped out a large portion of the AMF's forces. Following this failure, the AMF began construction of a new anti-Godzilla weapon, Kiryu, which featured an oral-mounted Maser Cannon.

Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.

When Godzilla came ashore in Tokyo, several Type 90 Maser Cannons were deployed to stop him while Kiryu was being repaired. When the AMF realized they could not repair Kiryu's Absolute Zero Cannon, it was replaced by the chest-mounted Triple Hyper Maser Cannon.

Godzilla: Final Wars

Maser Cannons were deployed by the Earth Defense Force alongside the Gotengo to battle Godzilla in Antarctica in the 1960's. The Maser Cannons proved ineffective, as they were all destroyed early in the battle.

When the Gotengo was recommissioned as the New Gotengo decades later, it was outfitted with a Maser Cannon on the tip of its drill, along with an Absolute Zero Cannon.

MonsterVerse

Godzilla: King of the Monsters

Maser cannons are part of Monarch Outpost 54's defense system. When Godzilla starts approaching Outpost 54, the Maser cannons are manned by Chief Warrant Officer Jackson Barnes and several Monarch soldiers with the intent on shooting Godzilla if he comes close enough to the Outpost. The Maser cannons are not used against Godzilla, however, as Doctor Ishiro Serizawa orders the Monarch team to stand down and disarm the Maser cannons at the suggestion of Mark Russell, who believed that Monarch would lose in a fight with Godzilla at this stage.

Filmography

Video Game Appearances

Gallery

Production

Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.

Screenshots

War of the Gargantuas

Godzilla vs. Destoroyah

Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla

Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.

Post Production

Trivia

  • The original Maser that appeared in War of the Gargantuas had a head that always remained parallel to the ground beneath it. This was due to the fact that the light bulb used to light the Maser prop could only function parallel to the floor of the set.
  • In George Lucas' Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, during the climactic battle between the clone and droid armies on the planet Geonosis, the clones unleash a laser tank against the escaping Trade Federation starships that bears a striking resemblance to Toho's Maser Cannon. Both rest on tanks and fire a blue beam from a satellite-like head. While it is unknown whether or not Lucas used the Maser Cannon for inspiration, it is extremely likely given the similarities. (This is not without precedent; Lucas had referenced Japanese cinema previously in the Star Wars series. The characters of C-3PO and R2-D2 were based on the always bickering peasants in Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece The Hidden Fortress. Also, the Rancor, a giant alien monster that had made an appearance in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, was based on Godzilla himself, and was originally planned to be realized via suitmation.)
  • Star Wars references the Godzilla series again in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which features the RX-200 Falchion-class assault tanks in the Episodes The Zillo Beast and The Zillo Beast Strikes Back, which feature a Kaiju-sized monster as well as a large number of other Godzilla references.
  • In episode 70 of Sgt. Frog series, Maser cannons make a cameo.
  • The Transformer Signal Flare's alternate mode is based off a Maser cannon.

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