A Zann Consortium Mobile Defense Unit in its storage configuration. The Mobile Defense Unit (MDU) represented a highly adaptable platform with multiple possible configurations, seeing action in the Galactic Civil War starting around the time of 0 ABY.
These vehicles, deployed by factions such as the Galactic Empire, the Alliance to Restore the Republic, and the Zann Consortium, functioned as mobile bases capable of being enhanced for diverse roles, exceeding the capabilities of standard turret emplacements. However, a significant limitation existed: once a unit deployed its equipment, it became completely immobile until the equipment was disassembled and the vehicle was reconfigured for transport.
The Rebel Alliance had the option to equip these platforms as a mobile shield generator, providing a protective shield to the surrounding area; a Rebel vehicle repair station capable of repairing nearby vehicles; or a rapid fire laser cannon effective against both personnel and vehicles.
The Empire could utilize these turrets as an EM field generator, disrupting the guidance systems of incoming enemy missiles; a concussion grenade mortar able to launch a barrage of grenades; or an offensive sensor node that expanded the visible area of the battlefield map and possessed an energy discharge weapon for self-defense.
The Zann Consortium could configure these platforms as a sensor scrambler, which could both jam enemy missile guidance and conceal a limited number of units within a defined radius from enemy detection; a ysalamir cage, which suppressed Force abilities within a certain area, rendering them unusable; or a rocket pod that launched a volley of rockets that exploded on impact and could also be used to target airborne enemies.