Aphrodite A/TV

Aphrodite A (アフロダイA | Afurodai Ēsu), pronounced Aphrodite Ace, is a piloted giant robot debuting in the Mazinger Z TV series. It was initially built as a labor robot by Dr. Gennosuke Yumi and piloted by his daughter, Sayaka Yumi, but was later repurposed into a support robot for Mazinger Z in its battle against the Underground Empire.  
==Technological Overview==
Aphrodite A was designed by Dr. Gennosuke as a symbol of peace, a geological survey robot primarily used for the excavation of Japanium. Its armor composition is made out of Goukin Z, and it is powered using a Photon Power Engine. Consequently, it is extremely lacking in offensive and defensive capabilities compared to Mazinger Z due to being built as a non-combat robot. Improvements made on Aphrodite A throughout the series were few and far in between despite Sayaka's pleas. When the question of whether or not to upgrade Aphrodite A first arose in Episode 8, the majority of the Photon Power Laboratory, including Koji and Dr. Yumi, were against the idea, prefering to rely mostly on Mazinger Z to fight Dr. Hell's force. Nevertheless, as the ongoing battle against the Underground Empire intensified, Aphrodite A underwent several enhancements in order to increase its combat capabilities. The geological survey rockets on its chest were replaced with Koushiryoku Rockets in Episode 4, which were subsequently enhanced in ammo count and firing rate in Episode 60. Its initial Goukin Z armor was replaced with the more resilient Chougoukin Z at least by the time of Episode 41. 
However, Aphrodite A still occasionally found it challenging to withstand the assault of Mechanical Beasts, frequently losing limbs and sustaining extensive damage in combat. Aphrodite's sacrifices do contribute a large part in Mazinger Z's victories though, as they allow for the revelation of the enemy Mechanical Beasts' special abilities and weapons, which was pointed out by the Three Scientists in Episode 44. 
===Equipment===
*Electric Wave Survey Device (電波調査機 | Denpa Chousa Ki)
Used in an attempt to uncover Gorongo S2's location in Episode 13.
*Electromagnetic Wave Erasing Gun (電磁波消去銃 | Denjiha Shoukyo Juu)
A specialized giant handheld gun developed by the Three Scientists in Episode 31 as a countermeasure against Megaron P1, Megaron P2 and Megaron P3's electromagnetic wave attacks. Aphrodite A used the gun to disable the Megarons' electromagnetic wave bursts, granting the Hover Pilder and Mazinger Z a chance for a counterattack. 
*Space Observation Rocket (宇宙観測ロケット)
A pair of these rockets were installed with Photon Power Rockets within them and loaded into Aphrodite A in place of the standard Koushiryoku Missiles in Episode 32. During Mazinger Z's second round against Gerberos J3, Aphrodite released these missiles towards a dashing Mazinger Z, followed by Z grabbing hold of the missiles and taking off into the sky for the first time, allowing the Super Robot to defeat Gerberos. 
* High-Voltage Current (高圧電流 | Kouatsu Denryuu)
Aphrodite A can discharge a powerful electric current from its body. Used to disable Basil F7's electromagnetic plates latching onto Mazinger Z in Episode 45.
*Welder
A welding tool built into Aphrodite A's fingertip, used to repair Boss Borot in Episode 70.
===Armaments & Attacks===
*Aphrodite A Kick (アフロダイAキック)
A simple flying kick. Used in Episode 17. 
*Koushiryoku Missile (光子力ミサイル)
Aphrodite A's one and only armament, missiles powered by Photon Energy modified from geological survey missiles, first installed on Aphrodite in Episode 4. Initially, only a single pair were loaded into the breast sections of Aphrodite A, limiting the robot to only 2 missile shots per battle. Following Aphrodite A's renovation in Episode 60, the robot is now capable of firing multiple Koushiryoku Missiles from its breast launching ports in rapid succession. 
==History==
Aphrodite A was built by Dr. Yumi to assist his geological research, such as mining for and researching Japanium, with Sayaka Yumi as its pilot. When Dr. Hell's Mechanical Beasts began their attacks, Aphrodite A was repurposed into a combat role to assist Mazinger Z in their battles. Aphrodite did not put up much of a fight and usually suffered more damage than Mazinger Z, partly due to lacking Z's Chougoukin Z armor (at least until Episode 44) and not possessing any powerful weapons which could rival that of Z's. 
Eventually, Dr. Hell was lended the stronger Ghost Mechanical Beasts from Archduke Gorgon. In Episode 74, the Ghost Mechanical Beast Harpia π7 was deployed to take down the Photon Power Laboratory. Mazinger and Aphrodite's backs were against the wall when facing Harpia's deathly feather projectile barrage, and in order to save Mazinger and Koji, Sayaka sacrificed Aphrodite to protect Mazinger from Harpia's feathers, resulting in the feminine robot exploding in a blaze of glory, with Sayaka being unharmed. Looking at Aphrodite's remains, Sayaka asked Kouji to give it a wind funeral with the Rust Hurricane, blowing the remains away into the skies. Sayaka's sorrow over losing Aphrodite A resulted in hallucinations in Episode 75. Later, in Episode 76, Aphrodite A was finally succedded by the stronger Diana A as Sayaka's partner.
== Gallery ==
Aphrodite Ace Settei.png|Settei.
Lady Aphrodite.jpeg
AphroditeA.jpg
SRWCrossOmega_Aphrodite_Ace.jpg|As seen on Super Robot Wars X-Ω.
SRWCrossOmega_Aphrodite_Ace2.jpg|As seen on Super Robot Wars X-Ω.
==Trivia==
*Aphrodite A is named after the Greek Goddess of love and beauty.
*Aphrodite A is the first Mazinger robot to have a feminine appearance as well as being the first robot to have the Oppai Missile System.
*The head of Aphrodite was changed from the design in the original manga by the anime's character designer Shoetsu Hane to make Aphrodite look more visually appealing and to make it look like Sayaka has less of a chance of getting injured like she was in the encounter with Kingdan X10.
==References==
Category:Mazinger Z Mecha
Category:Mecha