Data Evolution:The MS Encyclopedia (ＭＳ大全集) is a single volume that collects images and descriptions of every mobile suit from every Gundam series. First published by Bandai in February 1988, it's been updated several times over the following decades to cover new series, and has become the closest thing to a comprehensive official guide to the machines of the Gundam universe.
The MS Encyclopedia was originally compiled by the Shindosha studio, whose members participated in the production of Z Gundam and Gundam ZZ, and went on to write several volumes of the Entertainment Bible and Data Collection series. As of the 2009 edition, all the original Shindosha text was replaced with new material written by the editorial staff of Dengeki Hobby Magazine. For historical purposes, I've translated the original Shindosha text here, including some articles that discuss the technological background of the Universal Century setting.
The following text is based on the New MS Encyclopedia Ver. 3.0, the third and final version published by Bandai, which was released in June 1992. Since the mobile suit profiles in the Entertainment Bible and Data Collection books are usually just longer versions of the MS Encyclopedia descriptions, it would be redundant to translate them separately, and I've combined them all into a single version here.
Note that this is currently an incomplete translation. There are a few background articles I haven't yet translated, and I still need to add the Gundam F90 and Gundam F91 machines featured in the 1992 edition.
The following text is copyright © 1992 Sotsu • Sunrise.
| Composition & Editing: | Shindosha, Toshihiro Watanabe, Toru Inoue, Soichi Shimizu, Ken'ichi Isobe |
| Design: | Mitsuo Shiba, Kenji Shiba |
| Cooperation: | Sunrise, Masao Izuka, Koichi Inoue, Yoshiyuki Takei |
Translator's Note: The following text article appeared in the first edition of the MS Encyclopedia.
In U.C. (Universal Century) 0079, Side 3 began a war of independence against the Earth Federation government under the name of the Principality of Zeon.
Although Zeon was inferior in terms of material resources, the development of the mobile weapon known as the mobile suit allowed it to proceed with the war from a position of superiority. The mobile suit was a form of mobile infantry ten times larger than a human being. It was powered by a nuclear fusion reactor, and its body was more heavily armored than a tank. In an airspace where the dispersal of Minovsky particles had rendered radar useless, the power of the mobile suit, which was developed for visual-range combat, was tremendous. During the Battle of Loum, a fleet battle in the early stages of the war, the actions of the MS-05 Zaku I and MS-06 Zaku II reversed a several-fold difference in fighting strength and secured victory for Zeon.
The Federation Forces took this situation very seriously, and using captured Zakus as research materials, they launched a plan to develop and mass produce new mobile suits. Using Colony 1 of Side 7, which was still under construction, as a base, they subsequently completed the RX-78 Gundam. The Federation Forces had surpassed Zeon in two areas, namely the development of new materials and the miniaturization of beam weapons. In the Gundam, Luna Titanium (Gundarium) was adopted as an armor material and combined with ceramics to achieve a dramatic reduction in weight. This alloy was also used as insulation for the fusion reactors, making it possible to create a compact and high-output reactor. Meanwhile the mega particle cannon, which could previously be installed only on large warships, was made compact enough to become a mobile suit's main gun. Thus the performance of the Federation Forces' mobile suits matched and even surpassed that of Zeon's.
However, most of Earth was already under Zeon control, and Zeon was introducing a succession of improved mobile suits for local warfare. By repeatedly sending prototype machines straight to the battlefield and then using their data to create the next round of prototypes, Zeon was able to complete new machines in a very short time. Ultimately, however, the training of pilots could not keep up with the evolution of the weapons, and the Federation Forces' great counteroffensive became a war of material resources. Zeon rushed to develop psycommu-equipped mobile armors that allowed a single pilot to produce the maximum possible combat results, but only a few prototypes of these machines were deployed before Zeon was defeated.
Translator's Note: The following machines were originally profiled in the first edition of the MS Encyclopedia. I've also incorporated some additional text from Entertainment Bible 1 and Data Collection 2.
A long-range artillery support mobile suit developed at the same time as the RX-78. Equipped with cannons that fire 120mm explosive shells, and 40mm quadruple gun launchers in both arms, it covers the RX-77 and RX-78 from the rear. It has a core block system like that of the other two machines, but its cannons are operated from a cockpit in the head, making it the only two-seater machine of the RX series. It is later modified for use by a single pilot.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 1, Data Collection 2
A medium-range artillery mobile suit developed at the same time as the RX-78 and RX-75. It uses the same core block system as the other machines. Although it has lower maneuverability than the RX-78, its armor is thicker and it does not need a shield. Its beam rifle is also designed for higher targeting precision than that of the RX-78, giving it greater accuracy.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 2
The first mobile suit created by the Earth Federation Forces based on the thorough analysis of data from recovered Zakus, which is also highly valued as the very first machine to carry beam weapons. It uses a core block system that is compatible with the other RX series machines developed at the same time. The core block contains the cockpit and control computer, and can separate and escape even if the mobile suit is destroyed, giving the RX series a degree of survivability seen in no other models. The core block also transforms to become an interceptor fighter known as the Core Fighter.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
The core block used in the RX series transforms into this interceptor support fighter. It can operate both in the atmosphere and in outer space. Although it is armed with two missile launchers (with 8 rounds) and two 30mm twin vulcan guns, it cannot handle mobile suit combat.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
A booster developed to compensate for the Core Fighter's low firepower and poor cruising performance. It carries a large quantity of propellant and is equipped with two mega particle cannons. It is capable of handling even anti-mobile suit combat.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
A heavy fighter-bomber that combines the RX-78 and the G-Mecha. Its main role is to transport the RX-78 to the battlefield. Its armament is the same as that of the G-Fighter, but it can employ three-dimensional tactics by detaching from the RX-78. Because it conforms to the core block system standard, it can respond flexibly to the combat situation and fully support the RX-78.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
A fighter made up only of the RX-78 armor enhancement system known as the G-Parts. It is equipped with two beam cannons, two nose missiles, and one twin missile launcher in its tail.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
A heavy tank made up of a Core Fighter and the A parts of the G-Mecha and the RX-78. The Core Fighter serves as a cockpit, and it is armed only with beam cannons.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
A support fighter made up of a Core Fighter and the B parts of the G-Mecha and the RX-78. Aside from the tail missiles of the G-Mecha, the armament of this form is no different from that of the Core Fighter.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
This machine is a G-Sky without the B parts of the RX-78. This demonstrates the flexibility of the G-Parts, which can operate regardless of the current condition of the RX-78 itself.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
This experimental form was devised after the experience of fighting against the mobile armors of the Zeon forces. Although it retains the fighting strength of a mobile suit, it can achieve mobile armor-class mobility.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
The mass production model of the RX-78. All surplus equipment has been removed, in particular the structurally complex core block system, which has been replaced with a Zeon-style cockpit. It is armed with a beam saber, a beam spray gun, and two vulcan guns.
A combat pod produced to support the RGM-79. It is based on the SP-W03 worker space pod used by both military and civilians, and is equipped with upgraded armor and an improved version of the RX-75's main cannon.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
The first mass production type mobile suit of the Principality forces. It was used during Operation British in the first stage of the war, but as mass production of the MS-06 progressed, it was withdrawn from the front lines and reassigned to the transport corps.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
An improved machine based on the MS-05. It can use various weapons depending on its task or mission, and many local warfare types were also developed using this machine as a base. Including all variations, its production numbers were the highest of both sides. This machine also served as a basis for the development of the Federation Forces' RX series. It is armed with a 120mm machine gun, and a 240mm bazooka with nuclear warheads was also used in operations during the early stages of the war.
When equipped with triple-layered composite armor that largely blocked the radiation of a nuclear explosion, its base weight reached 72 tons. But these radiation countermeasures were removed from the F type constructed after the conclusion of the Antarctic Treaty, which had lighter armor and whose generator was replaced with a higher output model. This F type was produced in the greatest numbers of any Zaku II type.
An MS-06F modified for land warfare is classified as an MS-06J type. This served as the main land warfare weapon until the appearance of the MS-07B and MS-09.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
A machine developed from the MS-06F in response to the demands of commanders and skilled pilots. Although its engine output is 30 percent higher and its propellant is also increased, it was not a great improvement over existing machines. However, this difference was significant to veteran pilots, and is believed to account for their many remarkable achievents in the early stages of the war.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
A machine developed as a successor to the land warfare (J type) Zaku II. Anticipating that the Federation Forces would also develop mobile suits in the later stages of the war, the Principality forces designed this new machine for anti-mobile suit combat. Its fixed armament consists of a five-barreled 75mm machine gun in its left arm and a heat rod in its right, and it can also be equipped with a heat saber and shield for melee combat. Its backpack thrusters are also enlarged, giving it higher mobility and maneuverability. Many variation types have been indentified, although not as many as with the Zaku.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
A land warfare mobile suit capable of hovering movement thanks to its nuclear thermal jet engines. This dramatically increased its unassisted operating range, and resolved the ground movement issues which had been the greatest problem with previous land warfare mobile suits. This machine was also upgraded to fill a gap in the development of space mobile suits, which had been delayed because of the Earth invasion. As the MS-R09 Rick Dom, it served as a provisional main mobile suit until the MS-14A entered mass production.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
A general-purpose machine which entered mass production in the final stage of the war. Using knowhow gathered from every mobile suit, including the amphibious types, it became the first machine of the Principality forces to carry a beam rifle and beam sword as standard equipment. Although it is larger than the MS-R09, its maneuverability is actually higher, thanks to the machine's improved responsiveness and the greater thrust of its apogee motors.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
A next-generation main mobile suit candidate developed at roughly the same time as the MS-14. It was defeated by the MS-14 when the time came to choose a mass production machine. As it was developed mainly for melee combat against the RX series, its firepower is little different from that of the MS-06F. It is armed with a beam saber and a shield that contains missiles and mines (hide bombs).
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
The prototype MS-06M was a Zaku II type mobile suit remodeled for underwater use. It was canceled because its performance problems could not be resolved, and this machine was subsequently developed. Although it was developed as an amphibious machine, its operating time on land is limited. But thanks to its two mega particle cannons, two underwater missile launchers, and an anti-mine defensive weapon known as the "freeziard," this machine produced good results during landing operations.
This was the first amphibious mobile suit of the Zeon forces to employ a water cooling system for its nuclear fusion reactor. Thanks to the surplus power made possible by the adoption of water cooling, it was also the first Zeon machine to be successfully equipped with mega particle cannons. During underwater movement, its arms retract into its shoulder armor to reduce water resistance, and its mono-eye moves upward to maintain its field of vision in the direction of movement.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1, Data Collection 2
Although its development began after that of the MSM-07, this machine was completed and deployed in combat while the MSM-07 was still undergoing round after round of improvements. This was partly because it could use parts from the MS-06 series. Since this machine emits little heat, and its armor materials are also modified to improve its stealth capabilities, it was often used for reconnaissance and spy missions. Both its flexible arms are equipped with claws, and its right arm has a mega particle cannon.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
This machine is a more complete form of the amphibious mobile suit, which employs both air and water cooling systems to enhance its operating performance on land. Its mono-eye is designed to revolve completely around, eliminating blind spots, and its mega particle cannons are moved to the arms so that they can fire over a wide area. Its armament also includes six rocket launchers and claws for melee combat. Its propulsion system can switch between hydro rocket engines and high mobility verniers, giving it higher mobility and maneuverability than the MSM-03 both on land and in the water.
The improved MSM-07S type has better reactor output, maneuverability, and armor materials. Not only was it used by commanders, but the later stages of production shifted entirely to the S type.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 1, Data Collection 2
An amphibious mobile suit designed with an emphasis on offensive power. It has a distinctive shape because it was produced during a transition period from mobile suits to mobile armors, and its unique design is symmetrical front to back. As its legs are structurally incapable of walking, it moves on land by hovering. Its reactor has two to three times the usual output, and it can rapidly fire all nine of its mega particle cannons, giving it the firepower of a movable gun platform. Its armor level is also of the highest rank among the mobile suits of the Principality forces.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1, Data Collection 2
A movable heavy gun platform which predates the establishment of the mobile armor concept. While it could be called a prototype for the mobile armor, it is really just a variant of the movable ground attack weapon known as the G87 Lunatank, modified for use on Earth and with improved armament. It can fly for short periods using a Minovsky craft system, and it is equipped with two twin mega particle cannons and a special weapon known as the Adzam Leader, which first disperses a catalyst and then inflicts heat damage via high-frequency waves.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
This machine is an underwater mobile armor developed in parallel with the MSM series. Its main armament consists of underwater missiles and anti-air/anti-ship missiles, and the huge claws attached to its flexible arms are powerful enough to sink a battleship with one blow. In order to reduce water resistance, its flexible arms are pointed to the rear while cruising.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 1, Data Collection 2
A space mobile armor whose development began before that of the MAM-07 and MA-05, but was abandoned along the way. Although its maneuverability and acceleration performance fell short of the planned levels, its power condenser was satisfactory, and it could support the use of beam weapons for a long time. Its best feature is its diffuse beam cannon, and the machine is valuable for this reason alone. This beam cannon was later reused in the Skiure.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
The first mobile armor capable of fighting in space. Like the MAM-07, it was designed to attack independently, and no mobile suit can match its maneuverability and acceleration. It is based on existing space pods and equipped with one mega particle cannon, eight missile launchers, and claw arms for use in close combat.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
This heavy mobile armor is the first mobile weapon equipped with an anti-beam barrier. Completely shielded from beam weapons, and armed with countless high-output mega particle cannons, it has firepower rivaling that of a small fleet. For the sake of maximum offensive power, it carries four large reactors, but its full operation is nonetheless limited to roughly 15 minutes.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
A space mobile armor which can perform all-range attacks using its four wired mega particle cannons. It normally requires a crew of three, but a single pilot can operate it via psycommu. Because it carries a psycommu system, this machine is the size of a large assault boat. Were it not for this machine, the first psycommu weapon, the MAN-08 and MSN-02 could never have been developed. It is made up of two engine blocks and three body modules, and each of its body modules can fly and fight independently.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
A mobile armor for Newtypes, whose operation is performed mainly via psycommu. Although the machine itself is equipped with two mega particle cannons, it fights primarily with the unmanned "bit" attack machines which are deployed from its main body. Ten bits are stored in the rear of the machine, and each is equipped with a mono-eye. They can attack with their mega particle cannons via remote control, regardless of range or radio interference.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
The final mobile suit of the Zeon forces. The five-barreled mega particle cannons in its arms are remotely operated via wired psycommu. One mega particle cannon is also installed in its head, and two in its abdomen. As with the MAN-03, the parts of this machine are designed to separate and fight independently. However, the completion of its legs was delayed, and so it entered the Battle of A Baoa Qu with no legs and without part of its arm armor.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
Translator's Note: The following text article appeared in the first edition of the MS Encyclopedia. It accompanies a section that covers the MSV and MS-X series, as well as some vintage mobile suits from Z Gundam and Gundam ZZ.
In U.C.0080, with the fall of A Baoa Qu and the destruction of the Zabi family, the Principality of Zeon became a republic and concluded a peace agreement with the Earth Federation government.
For the Earth Sphere, the six years between the end of the war and U.C.0086 were a time of even greater confusion than during the war. Although the Zeon forces had been defeated, they still possessed greater military strength than the Federation Forces. The lunar base Granada was undamaged, and Side 3 also retained its fighting strength. However, the loss of their commanders was a severe blow, and the Zeon forces temporarily retreated to the asteroid base Axis they had constructed in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The Zeon forces left behind on Earth were unable to escape into space, and the majority of them surrendered to the Federation Forces. But there were also some among them who continued fighting as guerillas.
The victorious Federation Forces began a postwar settlement process. The mopping up of Zeon remnants on Earth continued for a few years, and restoring public order in space had to be postponed.
The Federation Forces used mobile suits confiscated from Zeon to equip their own forces, because it was more economical than producing more GM units to replace those lost in the war. The mobile suit production facilities at the Granada base, and at the California Base on Earth, were put to use without modification, continuing the production of Zeon mobile suits with higher performance than the GM.
Among the confiscated mobile suits were some types whose existence was not confirmed during the war itself. According to the available data, these were created as part of the local warfare mobile suit development project known as Pezn. The Zeon forces were continuing to develop new machines in anticipation of the Federation Forces' Operation Star One. However, the invasion began sooner than expected, and after the fall of Solomon the development team was transferred along with its prototype machines from A Baoa Qu to the Zeon homeland. It was here that the war ended. Had Operation Star One begun three months later, it is said that the Federation Forces would have been unable to win.
Because most of the mobile suits codenamed MS-X were local warfare versions, their production was not continued. Thanks to their superior performance, however, the MS-11 Act Zaku and MS-17B Galbaldy Beta were placed into mass production. (The Galbaldy Beta was later given the Federation model number RMS-117.)
Having obtained the technology of the Zeon forces, the Federation Forces began the process of converting to new models. Although it was still incomplete, the linear seat developed by Zeon engineers, which used computer graphics to project external images onto the inner wall of the cockpit, could display a wider field of view than traditional monitors. The seat itself also became a mechanism for absorbing impact and G-forces. The very first machine to incorporate this linear seat was the RMS-106 Hizack, and improvements were subsequently added to create the panoramic monitor. Once this had been completed, all mobile suits were refitted with linear seats.
Meanwhile, the Zeon forces which had fled to Axis used mobile suits to expand their asteroid base. Since these proved insufficient, they also developed the worker mobile suits Gaza-A and -B. But these were merely stopgaps, and in order to restore their national strength, they began the development of new mobile suits. In particular, the Luna Titanium (Gundarium) which the Federation Forces had used for the armor of the RX-78 was improved to create Gundarium Gamma alloy, and this technology was brought back to the Earth Sphere by Char Aznable. Certainly, they had not given up on a return to the Earth Sphere. Their goal was to restore the Principality of Zeon, and they were steadily mass producing mobile suits.
At the same time, the Federation government continued to fear the shadow of Zeon, and the Titans were allowed to gain power as a result. Although these six years came after one war, they also preceded a new one.
Translator's Note: The following machines were originally profiled in the first edition of the MS Encyclopedia. I've also incorporated some additional text from Entertainment Bible 1.
The RX-75, which had many problems as a mobile suit, was redesigned into this fighting vehicle for local defense use. As a fighting vehicle, it had few shortcomings and was immediately approved for mass production. Its armament is heavier than that of the RX-75, and includes two 120mm cannons, a 180mm quadruple rocket pod, a triple missile launcher, an 80mm machine gun, and two twin smoke dischargers. Its two-man crew consists of a driver and a gunner.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
While the RX-77-1 used gunpowder-based cannons, in the RX-77-3 these are replaced with beam cannons. Its other armament includes a beam rifle and a grenade rack on its left hip, but no unique weapons were developed for it.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
A variation of the RGM-79. Like the Light Armor type, this machine was developed for use by skilled pilots. But where the Light Armor derives its mobility from its lighter weight, this type achieves higher overall performance with features such as a visor, an enhanced backpack, and extra verniers and thrusters. Its armament gives it firepower comparable to that of the RX-78, and its armor is also reinforced.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
This machine is based on the RGM-79 and redesigned for artillery fire. It is equipped with a cannon on its right shoulder, and its armor is also reinforced. Originally, the RX-77-3 was meant to have been a mass produced artillery machine, but due to limited resources and development time this RGC-80 was used as a mass production type instead.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
An unarmed reconnaissance machine based on the MS-06F and equipped with high precision cameras. Its modifications include a wider range of movement for the head mono-eye, the addition of sub-cameras, and the installation of emergency escape thrusters. It was later used by the Federation Forces as well.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
This machine was originally developed for anti-air defense but, after intelligence was obtained on the RX-77 type of the Federation Forces, it was redesigned to provide support in anti-mobile suit combat. In the process its mono-eye became an all-round type, and the 180mm cannon that was once considered optional equipment was integrated into its backpack, which can be exchanged for those of other machines. Although it was meant for land warfare, the Federation Forces later deployed it in space.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
An underwater mobile suit developed using the MS-06F type as a base. The performance of this so-called Zaku II variation failed to meet the initial expectations, and only a few units were built as the development of new underwater mobile suits began. This amphibious machine was seized from Zeon by the Federation Forces, who called it the Marine Hizack.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
On the front lines, it was hard to replace worn-out mobile suit parts. As a result, many recycled machines were made by combining the parts that remained undamaged. This V type used a Magella Base in place of legs, giving it a coincidental resemblance to the RX-75 of the Federation Forces. Although many units were equipped with weapons and deployed in combat, it is classified as essentially a worker type. The Federation Forces later used it without modification.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
A prototype machine created to give land warfare mobile suits flight capabilities. Based on the MS-07B, its weight was radically reduced and it was equipped with nuclear thermal jet engines. Its thrust proved fundamentally inadequate, and the project was abandoned after the failure of the fourth unit, but the hover propulsion of the MS-09 was developed as a byproduct. Although its development was originally canceled, it was continued by the Federation Forces after the war.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
Translator's Note: The following machines were originally profiled in the first edition of the MS Encyclopedia. I've also incorporated some additional text from Entertainment Bible 1.
A mass production machine based on the MS-09, created as part of a local warfare mobile suit development plan. It has hover capabilities, and is equipped with a heat saber and an improved model of Giant Bazooka.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
A revised version of the MS-06 series, designed for improved overall maneuverability. A magnet coating process has been experimentally applied to its joints. Thanks to its excellent performance the Federation, having seized the facilities, put it into mass production after the end of the war.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
An anti-air defense mobile suit equipped with a 180mm recoilless cannon and a quadruple 120mm gun. Instead of leg units, it uses three wheels and four support thrusters for movement. It is easy to produce and could be placed in mass production.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
A general-purpose machine which incorporates the concept of the MSM-07. It is equipped with claw-shaped combat nails, two quadruple missile pods, and two anti-ground sensors on its back.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
A machine with excellent maneuverability and high melee combat capabilities. This is a successor to the MS-15, but its design could be considered a compromise with that of the MS-14. Its weight was reduced, its thruster output increased, and nuclear thermal jet engines added to its arms in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to give it atmospheric flight capbilities. However, its development continued, producing a B type designed exclusively for space combat.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 1
Translator's Note: The following text article was added to the MS Encyclopedia as of the 1989 edition.
In December of U.C.0079, the final stage of the One Year War, the Principality of Zeon carried out a comprehensive upgrade of its general-purpose mass production mobile suits. Because the Principality's mobile suits had been created as the design of the mobile suit itself was still being established, their control systems varied from one type to another. Had there been adequate training time for pilots switching between machine types, this would have posed few problems, but after the battles of Loum, Odessa, and Solomon, most of the skilled pilots trained before the outbreak of war had been lost.
In September of this year, the Principality forces had begun a student mobilization, conscripting students who had previously been exempt from military service. Naturally, they were trained as pilots as well as other types of soldier. As they were sent to the front lines after three short months of training, even if they were given new machines, they were usually scattered in space without making effective use of their machines' capabilities.
The upgraded machines, which consisted of the general-purpose mass production machines MS-06 Zaku, MS-09R Rick Dom, and MS-14 Gelgoog, had a completely standardized control system to simplify the process of switching from one type to another. The new control system alone would probably have provided a considerable performance improvement over previous machines.
A comprehensive upgrade of the MSM-03 Gogg and MSM-07 Z'Gok was also carried out at the California Base on Earth. In fact, these were closer to newly designed machines than mere improvements, and they were given the names Hy-Gogg and Z'Gok E. They did not, however, specifically operate alongside general-purpose mass production machines.
The Federation Forces, meanwhile, produced many variations of the GM type during this period. Unlike the Principality's Zaku, these differed only enough to be local warfare versions, and their basic design was essentially unchanged.
One particularly noteworthy Federation Forces mobile suit was the RX-78NT-1, the first prototype Gundam unit for Newtypes. This machine was developed exclusively for the RX-78 pilot Ensign Amuro Ray. With the RX-78-3, a magnet coating process had been perfected which dramatically improved its maneuverability and responsiveness over that of the RX-78-2. But for Ensign Amuro Ray, with his unusually advanced Newtype abilities, such minor improvements were not sufficient. Thus the NT-1 was developed as a machine exclusively for Newtypes. Unlike the Newtype mobile armors of the Principality forces, however, it was not equipped with a psycommu system. Instead the machine's overall performance was increased for use by Newtypes with magnet coating, a high-performance computer, and a newly developed panoramic monitor. In this sense, it is hard to call it a pioneering machine, but it served as a bridge to the next generation of mobile suits.
Translator's Note: The following machines were originally profiled in Entertainment Bibles 1 and 3, and added to the MS Encyclopedia as of the 1989 edition.
The RX-77D is a mass production model of the Guncannon which was created after the RX-77-2 and 77-3. Its main weapons are two 240mm cannons which retract into the backpack so as not to create blind spots for the cameras during close combat. It has extra apogee motors for use in space, and its armor thickness is also increased. However, few units were actually produced, and the medium-range support mobile suit production plan subsequently switched over to the RGC-83 GM Cannon II.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 3, Data Collection 3
The RX-78NT1 is the fourth Gundam developed by the Federation Forces during the One Year War. Because this machine was redesigned for the exclusive use of Ensign Amuro Ray of the White Base corps, who was rumored to be a Newtype, it was given the model number NT1. Unlike later Newtype machines, however, it did not use technologies like the psycho-communicator of the Principality forces.
In order to increase the machine's responsiveness, the NT1 features the newest magnet coating technology (a magnetic membrane treatment which reduces friction in the drive system), extra apogee motors, and increased thrust, as well as a panoramic monitor. A high-speed, high-capacity computer is also installed to manage all these features. This computer naturally incorporates a learning AI and is even more advanced than that of the second unit used by Ensign Ray.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
A prototype set of extra armor made from Chobham armor (composite or hybrid armor) was created for the NT1, based on the Full Armor Operation which was already in progress. This raises its full weight to 95 tons, dramatically lowering its maneuverability.
This machine was designed as the RGM-79 GM production system entered its later stages. Its performance is not much different from that of a normal RGM-79, and it is distinguished mainly by the installation of parts adapted to cold climates and the change of armament from a beam spray gun to a machine gun.
Thanks to its superb versatility, the mass production type RGM-79 series could be adapted to a variety of missions. This machine is simply equipped for colony combat, and has no differences in performance. However, because it appeared at a time when the RGM-79 series itself was producing many variations, its specifications, appearance, and armament differ from those of the normal version.
Although the RGM-79GS is a higher performance verson of the RGM-79, it has no specialized function like those of the Light Armor and Sniper Custom. At this point, the knowhow required to create these variations was becoming firmly established, and this machine is simply equipped for space combat with no particular improvements aside from its armament and appearance.
Although the GM series could be considered a representative of the low-cost mobile suit, a handful of high-performance versions also existed. This SP type is one example. Its thrust is increased, and sections of its armor are also reinforced. The shape of its backpack resembles that of the later MSA-003 Nemo. The head visor is equipped with laser targeting sensors and high-power electro-optical cameras, which are used for long-range sniping attacks.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
A middle mobile suit used by the Federation Forces' Side 6 garrison, also known as the Riah Army. It is also known as the Postman. Its lower arms house double manipulators, which can hold miniature beam sabers.
Like the MS-09RII and MS-14JG, this machine is a second stage mobile suit upgraded as part of the United Maintenance Plan. However, unlike the other types, its model number is unchanged even though it has been thoroughly improved. This is due to the number of units produced.
Major improvements include the cockpit, larger apogee motors throughout the body, and enlarged thrusters. As a result, its total thrust is increased by 70 percent, but because its propellant capacity is unchanged the duration of combat maximum power is halved. Its armament is also updated with hand grenades and a machine gun that can mount a grenade launcher, allowing it to keep up with the RGM-79.
This machine was made as a result of field repairs, or possibly based on a designed requested by a pilot. In the last stage of the war, each unit was allowed to apply its own markings and detailing, as long as it didn't obviously impede the machine itself. As a result, the MS-06 series produced a large number of variations.
Starting in the middle stages of the war, the MS-09R was produced in large numbers as the main space combat mobile suit of the Zeon forces, and many modified machines adapted for local warfare were also produced. This MS-09RII is one of these variations, and its performance is also improved over that of the previous MS-09R. The machine that served as a design base for the later AMX-009 Dreissen was also of the same type.
The MS-14 series was designed to surpass the RX series of the Earth Federation Forces. While the A, B, and C types are classified according to their respective equipment, no special differences can be identified in the equipment of this machine. However, it is equipped with propellant tanks on its backpack and a beam machine gun. This beam machine gun has high precision, and the JG type that carries it is also known as the "Gelgoog Sniper Type." As the final mass production type of the MS-14 series, it it was produced in extremely small numbers.
The MS-18E Kaempfer is the final mobile suit of the Principality of Zeon forces (excluding the MSN-02 Zeong, of course). Its name means "fighter" in German, and unlike previous general-purpose machines, it was developed for the sake of an operational objective.
The MS-18E is a specialized machine presently classified as an assault type, and its whole body is equipped with high-output thrusters and apogee motors for attitude control. Thanks to this, it achieves a level of high maneuverability that would be inconceivable with traditional mobile suits. However, the propellant used in its nuclear thermal rocket engines is consumed very rapidly, and its combat duration is short. As an assault type, it excels at hit and run tactics, in which it fires barrages with the weapons that are attached all over its body (because a reduction in generator output would decrease its thruster power, it has few beam weapons) and then immediately leaves the battlefield. Consequently, it carries no spare magazines for its weapons, and when its guns run out of ammunition they are discarded as dead weight. Even the latches that fix the weapons to its body are detached for the sake of thoroughness.
Although the MS-18E was an excellent machine, it sadly had no chance to demonstrate its unique characteristics. The prototype was destroyed, and the war ended immediately thereafter, so only a few even know of its existence. The appearance of the NZ-333 Alpha Azieru in U.C.0093, however, inspired a reconsideration of the assault mobile suit idea.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
Although many machines such as the MSM-04G and MSM-04N were derived from the MSM-04, there were very few variations of the MSM-03. This machine was developed as a comprehensively remodeled type based on the MSM-03. It became a transitional machine to the AMX-109, whose development was frozen until the second Earth invasion.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 1
Of all the amphibious types, the MSM-07 Z'Gok was regarded as having the highest land warfare capabilities, and its later production switched over to the S (commander) type. This machine is an experimentally remodeled version, which is equipped with a jetpack to increase its underwater movement speed and extend its cruising range.
Translator's Note: The following machines were originally profiled in Entertainment Bibles 42 and 46, and added to the MS Encyclopedia as of the 1992 edition. I've also incorporated some additional text from Data Collection 3.
An experimental Gundam type mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics as a prototype for the Federation Forces' next-generation main mobile suit. Based on the mechanical concept of the RX-78, its body structure has been revised in order to achieve movement patterns closer to those of a human. While it retains the core block system, it uses a "horizontal in the body" design rather than the previous "vertical in the body" one, in order to compensate for the fragility of the mobile suit's abdomen.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 3
A general-purpose fighter based on the FF-X7 Core Fighter and equipped with nuclear thermal jet/rocket engines. It was developed to serve as the cockpit of the Gundam GP01. The beam guns installed under its wings can be used as beam sabers in mobile suit form, and its engine sections become the mobile suit's main thrusters.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 42, Data Collection 3
The Gundam GP01 was converted from a gravity version to a space version at an Anaheim factory on the lunar surface. It was originally designed so that it could operate in space with the replacement of its Core Fighter and a handful of body parts, and so its basic frame is not significantly altered aside from the addition of thrusters to its legs. Thanks to the thrusters added at various points, its mobility and maneuverability are dramatically improved.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 3
The Core Fighter that serves as the cockpit of the GP01 was converted to a space version along with the mobile suit itself. The atmospheric wings, which are unnecessary in zero gravity, have been removed. It is equipped with combination vernier pods and propellant tanks, and its generator output is also increased, giving it the highest standard of performance as a space fighter.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 42
Like the GP01, this Gundam type mobile suit was developed by Anaheim. This machine was developed to use strategic nuclear weapons, and the bazooka on its back can be loaded with a nuclear warhead. The armor throughout its body was also designed with the use of nuclear weapons in mind, and is treated for heat and shock resistance. The barrel of the bazooka is stored inside its large shield, which also contains cooling systems, and because its backpack has no propulsion systems its shoulders are equipped with active thruster units. This machine was stolen by Zeon remnants just before it began testing under gravity at a Federation base in Australia.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 46
The Gundam GP03 was developed by Anaheim for base defense in space, using the concept of a mobile weapon that combined the versatility of a mobile suit and the offensive strength of a mobile armor. It is made up of a Gundam type mobile suit unit, plus an armed base equipped with heavy armament and containers that store carried weapons for the mobile suit. Its codename is Dendrobium.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 46
The mobile suit unit of the Gundam GP03 is also known as the Stamen. Unlike the GP01 and GP02A, this machine was developed exclusively for space combat, and it has high mobility thanks to its tail binders. It is also equipped with folding support arms that change into claws to retrieve the carried weapons stored in the containers of the armed base Orchis.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 46
A variation of the RGM series introduced after the end of the One Year War. Thanks to generator improvements and modifications to its backpack and beam saber, it is powered up compared to the wartime machine.
An experimental GM type machine equipped with a larger backpack and new shock absorbers in its legs, which was developed with the objective of enhanced mobility and maneuverability. It was deployed to certain Federation Forces bases to gather data for the development of new mobile suits, and was tested at the Torrington base in Australia.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 3
An improved GM model with enhanced generator output and apogee motors, which was designed to improve the overall performance of mass production machines as part of a military reinforcement plan. Its thrust is roughly doubled, and its mobility and maneuverability are increased accordingly. However, few units were actually produced, and it was assigned mainly to ace-class pilots.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 42, Data Collection 3
A medium-range support mobile suit completed using data feedback from the RX-77D. Its shoulder cannons have been changed to a beam type, and stabilizer gear is installed in its pelvis. Its left arm is also equipped with a beam saber for use in melee combat.
This machine is an improved model of the mass produced MS-06F Zaku II, which was designed for reduced weight and higher generator output. However, the One Year War ended shortly thereafter, and many of these machines were confiscated by the Federation Forces as part of the disarmament that followed the conclusion of the peace treaty. In many cases, they were used more or less unmodified. The reexamination of these machines by the Federation Forces would later become the main reason for the creation of the mass produced mobile suit Hizack.
A variation of the MS-09 Dom modified for local warfare. Like the MS-09G that was deployed in desert combat, this machine was developed for high performance in land warfare. The thruster intakes in its legs are equipped with dust filters for desert operation, and the mount latches on its waist allow it to select from a variety of carried weapons depending on the mission.
A variation of the MS-14B Gelgoog High Mobility Type that was developed in the final stage of the One Year War. The improvements made included reduced weight and increased propellant. Although its performance was lower than that of the MS-14JG Gelgoog-J, it was superior in terms of cost, and many units were produced.
The personal machine of Cima Garahau, the commander of the Zanzibar-class cruiser Lili Marleen. As a commander version of the MS-14F Gelgoog Marine, it has even higher mobility and maneuverability than the mass production type. Unlike the mas production type, its head is equipped with a crest and vulcan guns, and it also carries a high-output beam rifle and a special shield.
A prototype two-seater heavy mobile suit developed by the Zeon forces in the final stage of the One Year War. Its main weapon is a folding 68cm cannon. It can hover at high speeds thanks to the nuclear thermal jet engines in its legs and rear skirt, and the upper part of its large skirt also serves as ammunition storage for its main gun and missile launcher. Since it has no close combat armament other than a 20mm vulcan gun, it is essentially useless in melee combat.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 42, Data Collection 3
An assault mobile suit developed by the Delaz Fleet using Zaku bodies. It emphasizes mobility in space combat, and its shoulders are equipped with thruster pods. The legs are replaced with thrusters that double as large propellant tanks. Although it was developed for assault use, this machine is at a disadvantage in melee combat against other mobile suits, and is often used for patrol and reconnaissance missions instead.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 3
This machine is a mobile suit that was under development at Anaheim as a candidate plan for a prototype Gundam. Its development proceeded independently with no connection to the Federation Forces, and as with the GP02A its staff may have included many former Zeonic engineers, since its final silhouette was very different from that of a Gundam. After camouflage was applied to various parts, it was delivered to the Delaz Fleet via a secret agreement with Anaheim. Although its function is similar to that of the assault mobile suits created in the final stage of the One Year War, its performance is qualitatively different.
A mobile armor developed during the One Year War. After the war, it was hidden in the lunar city of Von Braun by Kelley Layzner. In addition to heavy armament such as a large mega particle cannon, missile pods, beam guns, and vulcan guns, it is also equipped with special anti-mobile suit weapons called plasma leaders.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 42
A prototype mobile armor developed by the Zeon remnants known as Axis, who fled the Earth Sphere and hid themselves in the asteroid belt after their defeat in the One Year War. Because it was developed exclusively for space combat, it has no legs for walking. Although it can perform all-range attacks, this places a great strain on the pilot. This machine was given to the Delaz Fleet as a gesture of cooperation, based on their shared goal of reviving Zeon.
Translator's Note: The following machines were originally profiled in the first edition of the MS Encyclopedia. I've also incorporated some additional text from Entertainment Bible 2 and Data Collections 4 and 5.
A mobile suit developed by the Titans at Gryps using only Federation technology. It is a general-purpose type, but designed with an emphasis on combat within colonies. Although this machine is a redesign of the RX-78, the core block system is omitted. As the first machine to fully adopt the movable frame, it has unprecedented maneuverability.
Due to numerous problems in areas such as the armor materials, its development was halted at three prototype units. After it was captured by the AEUG, its performance was further increased by several rounds of improvements.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 4, Data Collection 5
This equipment was developed to enhance the defensive capabilities, armament, and cruising range of the RX-178. Its concept was based on that of the G-Armor of the One Year War era. It was developed in parallel with an FA-178 equipped with an extra weapons system, but this latter plan was rejected. The G-Defenser is highly valued because it not only serves as extra equipment, but can also function by itself as an independent space fighter that rivals mobile suits.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 5
This enhances the armament and output of the RX-178 when functioning as a mobile suit. The G-Defenser cockpit block is separated and operates as a small core fighter.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 2, Data Collection 5
A long-range flight form which contains the RX-178. Its mobility and cruising range are dramatically increased.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 2, Data Collection 5
An upgraded version of the wartime machine. Minor improvements have been made to its armament, sensors, cockpit area, and armor materials, but its basic performance is only slightly improved, and production ended in the mid-0080s. The version produced at Gryps has the code RMS-179.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 5
The first machine developed by Anaheim for the AEUG's use. Unlike the RMS-106, it was developed mainly by Zeon engineers, and is very well balanced. It is also famous as the first machine to adopt Gundarium Gamma armor. The introduction of this armor dramatically reduced its weight, allowing a corresponding increase in its propellant capacity. Its formal number was MSA-099, but it was given its present number to mislead the Federation Forces.
A prototype mobile suit created by the AEUG's Zeta Project. It was intended to be a transformable Gundam type mobile suit, but its development was halted when structural flaws became apparent. However, due to the high potential of the machine itself, it was hastily redesigned into a non-transformable type. Thanks to its movable frame and wing binders, it boasts the highest standard of maneuverability. Its model number was intended to be MSN-001, but at the insistence of Doctor M. Nagano it was renamed the MSN-100 Hyaku-Shiki.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 5
An AEUG mass production machine whose design was based on the RGM-79R. Its maneuverability in space is remarkably improved, and its weight is also reduced thanks to its Gundarium armor. Due to its performance, it was deployed in greater numbers than the RGM-79R during the Jaburo landing operation. For the sake of mass production, it is equipped with a saber borrowed from the RMS-009 and a rifle borrowed from the RGM-79R.
A Zeta Project prototype mobile suit which was created for the sake of transformable mobile suit development. It has no problems with maneuverability or acceleration, and has high attack capabilities in mobile armor form, but the machine itself is quite fragile and so it never entered mass production. Nonetheless, all its parts are easy to produce, and it is simple to restore.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 2, Data Collection 5
A prototype transformable mobile suit developed by the AEUG as part of the Zeta Project. The only mobile suit with independent atmospheric entry capabilities. It was created by adding transformation functions to the MSZ-006X that was under development at Anaheim, and it also incorporates the ideas of Kamille Bidan and design elements from the RX-178 that was captured from the Titans. A bio-sensor was later added to the control system, dramatically increasing the machine's responsiveness.
The Z Gundam transforms in order to enter the atmosphere. Shockwaves are formed on the underside of the machine, which is called a Wave Rider because it obtains lift from these compressed shockwaves. In addition to atmospheric entry, this form can also be used as air or space fighter.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 5
This machine is an RMS-099 remodeled by Karaba to adapt it for operation on Earth. Its generator output and other features are adjusted for terrestrial use. As with the RMS-099, many former Principality engineers participated in its development.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 2, Data Collection 5
The first machine newly developed and mass produced by the Federation Forces after the One Year War. Based on the MS-06 of the former Zeon forces, it is a half-baked combination of both sides' technology, and the performance of the resulting machine is unremarkable. Moreover, its low output makes it incapable of driving multiple beam weapons at the same time.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 4
A modified type of RMS-106, with reinforced armor and increased mobility. It is also equipped with a special sniper rifle, enabling it to perform long-range attacks.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 2
A machine based on the RMS-106. Its dry weight is reduced because it uses Gundarium alloy for its armor, and it also has increased generator output and can use multiple beam weapons simultaneously. It was developed and produced by Anaheim.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 4
An upgrade of the MS-17A. Its exterior was completely redesigned and its weight reduced, thus improving its maneuverability. After the war, it was partially improved by the Federation Forces and put into mass production.
A machine developed by the Federation Forces as a main mobile suit to replace the RMS-179. Because it was based on the RX-178, it has a high level of basic performance, as well as a good cost/performance ratio. However, since it had no remarkable characteristics, it never really entered mass production.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 4
A Federation Forces transformable mobile suit designed mainly by Scirocco. It has high performance in both bombardment and melee combat. In mobile armor form, its armor is concentrated at the front and its thrusters at the rear, increasing both its durability and its mobility. Its exposed movable frame becomes an "aggressive frame" equipped with giant claw arms.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 4
A Federation Forces transformable mobile suit. Its transformation mechanisms are simpler than those of the RX-110, making it easy to mass produce. It also has high power, and can perform distinctive electrical attacks with its special "sea serpent" weapon.
Because its transformation reduces its overall length, its moment of inertia is similar to that of a space fighter, giving it increased mobility. The stabilizers attached to each part of its body make it highly maneuverable, and because its arms have a high degree of freedom even in mobile armor form, it also displays high fighting capabilities in close combat.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 2, Data Collection 4
A Federation Forces mobile suit with atmospheric flight capabilities. It can also operate in space if its thrusters are replaced.
The Federation Forces' first transformable mobile armor for aerial combat, which has a distinctive disc-like shape. In mobile armor form, its aerial combat capabilities rival those of a conventional fighter, and its shape also gives it high durability. This machine was deployed to various Federation Forces bases which needed to replenish the fighting strength they had lost in the One Year War.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 2, Data Collection 4
A transformable mobile armor developed by the Federation Forces and equipped with a psycommu system. The final adjustment of its psycommu system was performed by the Augusta Newtype research institute. Although it was an experimental machine, three units were produced, and these were used to gather data for later models.
In mobile armor form, it has overwhelming acceleration and defensive capabilities, and its legs function as giant claws. In mobile suit form, it also demonstrates superb close combat capabilities.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 2, Data Collection 4
A transformable mobile armor developed by the Federation Forces for high-altitude interception. It displays overwhelming mobility thanks to its active thruster units. Although it has high thrust when transformed, this machine was originally designed for use in space and cannot fly for long periods in the atmosphere. With the attachment of a booster, however, it is capable of reaching satellite orbit.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 2, Data Collection 4
A transformable mobile armor developed by Paptimus Scirocco aboard the Jupitris. It is equipped with powerful thrusters in order to resist Jupiter's high gravity, and roughly 40 percent of this large machine is made up of booster and thruster units. The mega particle cannons housed in its booster units enable it to perform long-range attacks, and its transformation mechanisms allow it to change into mobile suit form for close combat. Thus this machine also excels as an anti-mobile suit weapon.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 4
A heavy mobile suit developed by Scirocco aboard the Jupitris. It can carry large anti-ship missiles, and boasts a variety of other weapons such as a twin beam gun and a shield that contains missiles. It also performs well in close combat thanks to its leg claws and movable shields. Its firepower rivals that of a mobile armor but, because it weighs 91.5 tons when fully equipped, its maneuverability is unavoidably reduced.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 4
A mobile suit developed by Scirocco aboard the Jupitris. The performance of the machine itself is unremarkable, but most of its armament is designed for close combat, and the shield itself can also function as a weapon. As its head contains a radome-type compound sensor system, it has excellent reconnaissance and enemy search capabilities, and performs adequately as a scout.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 2, Data Collection 4
A heavy mobile suit developed by Scirocco aboard the Jupitris. It includes a great deal of experimental equipment, starting with its drive system, and aspects such as the leg structure use design concepts completely different from those of previous mobile suits. Because its cockpit is equipped with a bio-sensor, a kind of psycommu system, its responsiveness is unusually high.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 2, Data Collection 4
A transformable mobile armor developed by the Murasame Newtype research institute. Its form is modeled on the RX-78, but its design concept is based on that of the MSN-02.
This machine makes extensive use of the psycommu system developed by the Principality forces during the One Year War, and is the first genuine Newtype mobile weapon of the Federation Forces. Psycommu is used for fire control and to control the machine itself, which can also be operated remotely. In mobile armor form, it can use a Minovsky craft system for flight.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 4
A machine based on the MRX-009, equipped with various psycommu weapons. As well as having extra cannons on its body, it is capable of more advanced all-range attacks, such as using wired psycommu for remote operation of its forearm beam swords or performing multi-directional attacks with its reflector bits. Although the first unit was deployed with insufficient equipment and destroyed, its remains were recovered and restored by Neo Zeon.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 4
A transformable mobile suit developed at Axis, based on the worker mobile suits Gaza-A and Gaza-B which were used to develop Axis and build the spherical residential block Mousa. It is easy to mass produce. It is known as MMT-1 to the Federation, and AMX-003 to Axis.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 5
A prototype mobile suit for Newtypes that was developed at Axis. It was designed as a mobile suit version of the MAN-08, and is equipped with funnels instead of bits. While bits were equipped with generators, funnels use the energy CAP system, making them compact and lightweight. On the other hand, their operating time is reduced, and they must recharge their energy supply inside the funnel pod.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 2, Data Collection 5
The operational scope of mobile suits has been dramatically increased thanks to atmospheric entry equipment and ballute systems. The Flying Armor used by the Gundam Mk-II is also capable of fighting as it descends, and it can even travel on the ground by hovering.
In Z Gundam, these mobile suits are displayed at Hayato's museum. They may be prototype Federation Forces machines, but the one on the right seems familiar from somewhere...
Translator's Note: The following text article appeared in the first edition of the MS Encyclopedia.
Anaheim Electronics began the Zeta Project in order to develop new mobile suits, and the MSZ-006 Z Gundam and MSZ-010 ZZ Gundam were completed as a result. Behind them, however, were many prototypes and test machines. In fact, the MSN-100 Hyaku-Shiki and MSA-005 Methuss were prototypes created for the development of transformable mobile suits. These two machines were refitted and deployed in combat, but there were many others that never entered the battlefield.
The main development obstacle was the transformation mechanisms. While these were necessary for a complex transformation, they reduced the strength of the machine itself as well as increasing its failure rate. Even today, these problems have yet to be resolved, but the value of the transformable mobile suit can be retained by minimizing the drawbacks and maximizing the advantages.
Following the completion of the MSZ-006, the development of a mass production type began. Many test machine development plans were proposed, leading to the completion of the RGZ-91, but ultimately this never entered mass production. Mass production and local warfare versions of the RMS-099 Rick Dias, MSA-005, MSN-100, and other types were also produced.
Nonetheless, much was gained from the development of these seemingly useless prototype machines, and their accumulation became the impetus for revolutionary new mobile suits.
Translator's Note: The following machines were originally profiled in the first edition of the MS Encyclopedia. I've also incorporated some additional text from Entertainment Bible 2 and Data Collection 5.
An RX-178 equipped with extra armor made from Gundarium alloy. Its development was halted at the prototype stage because the G-Defenser, which was developed in parallel, was determined to have an advantage in combat.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 5
A machine developed by Anaheim's engineering staff after obtaining the RX-178. Its movable frame is flexible enough to move almost like a human being. This is an advanced model of the Gundam Mk-II.
An improved model of the RMS-099. Unlike the RMS-099B, in which only the binders are replaced, each part of the machine is dramatically improved based on operating data from machines like the MSK-008.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 5
An improved model of the MSN-100. It is equipped with high mobility devices instead of random binders, and its weapons payload is also increased.
A version of the MSA-004 with reinforced armament. Its firepower, maneuverability, and defensive capabilities are all enhanced.
A machine developed using the mainframe and transformation mechanisms of the MSA-005. Most of its structural materials and avionics are newly designed. It was delivered to Karaba and used for land warfare.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 5
A bombardment version of the MSA-005. All its joints are reinforced, and its high mega cannon can fire horizontally.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 2
The prototype of the MSZ-006, which was developed before the RX-178 reached Anaheim. The transformation mechanisms had not yet been introduced at this point. The MSZ-006 was completed in a short time using the frame and avionics from this machine.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 2
A mass production type developed without transformation mechanisms. However, the project was canceled in favor of the MSR-100S.
A model based on the MSZ-006. Its transformation mechanisms are simplified, improving its handling and ease of production. Although it cannot enter the atmosphere, it excels as a space fighter. Its performance was flawless, but it was abandoned since priority was given to the development of the MSZ-010.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 2
An ultrahigh-performance machine based on the MSK-008. It incorporates various innovative features, and could be considered a completely different machine.
Translator's Note: The following machines were originally profiled in the first edition of the MS Encyclopedia. I've also incorporated some additional text from Entertainment Bible 2 and Data Collection 6.
A transformable mobile suit that combines the mechanisms of the RX-78 and the G-Armor. Core Fighters can be attached to its separated parts, which then operate as two combat weapons. It is also equipped with many high-output beam weapons. Its weak point is its severe energy consumption, and it cannot sustain combat for long periods.
The mobile suit form can transform directly into this heavy fighter-bomber form.
The core block which forms the core of the system transforms into this fighter form.
A fighter form made up of the upper body, double beam rifle, and core block of the MSZ-010. It can be used even without the core block.
An attacker form made up of the lower body and core fighter of the MSZ-010.
An MSZ-010 equipped with extra armor to compensate for the fragility of its transformation mechanisms. It also incorporates a large quantity of weapons. The backpack of the machine itself is enhanced to match this armor, and its model number is MSZ-010S.
A weapon made by Anaheim using the concept of the old Bustliner. It combines the functions of a Mega Bazooka Launcher and a Base Jabber, extending the mobile suit's movement range. It also includes short-term living quarters.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 2
A machine based on the RGM-79 that was mass produced during the One Year War era. While the RGM-79R was merely a minor revision, this machine actively incorporates new technology, while retaining its emphasis on mass production. One noteworthy point is that it can be equipped with various types of missile as optional armament, establishing the RGM-86R as a support mobile suit.
A land warfare mobile suit developed by the Neo Zeon forces for use in their Earth invasion. As a successor to the Zaku series of the old Zeon forces, it is easy to produce, but its performance is low compared to that of the AMX-009.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 6
A machine developed for joint operations with the AMX-101. Its main roles are assault and rear support, and it can fly in the atmosphere when equipped with a booster. This machine could be considered a mobile suit version of the space assault boats of the One Year War era. However, when the booster and missile pods are removed, it can also be used in melee combat.
A high-performance machine with thrusters all over its body. It was meant to be equipped with a wired psycommu system capable of all-range attacks, but because the development of a psycommu system that could be used by ordinary people was behind schedule, it never entered mass production.
A machine developed with the same design concept as the MS-15. It has high melee combat capabilities. Although this prototype was not chosen for mass production, it was customized for use by a knight (commander) and deployed in combat.
This transformable mobile suit separates into two parts which each transform, using a mechanism similar to that of the AEUG's MSZ-010. It has a single pilot, and the lower body transforms into a Bawoo Nutter that is operated by wireless control. This feature can be employed to create unprecedented new tactics. The prototype version is orange, and the mass production type is colored green.
An amphibious mobile suit based on the MSM-03, which was developed by the Neo Zeon forces for use in their Earth invasion. Its limbs can retract into the torso, which could be considered a kind of transformation mechanism, and together with its two layers of Gundarium armor this greatly increases its durability. However, because this machine was created at Axis, pilots prefer to use the Federation-made Zaku Mariner.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 2
An upgrade of the MS-17B produced during the One Year War, which is used exclusively by the royal guard. Two types were developed to guard the right and left sides of Haman Karn's AMX-004. Its performance is higher than that of the RMS-117 used by the Federation Forces, in terms of everything from thrust and generator output to armor materials. Its protruding shoulder armor can house a variety of weapons.
An improved version of the first prototype unit used by Haman Karn. Although its basic performance is the same, improvements have been made to some minor details. The beam saber, which doubles as a beam gun, can extend its beam in three directions. The third unit can also be remote controlled from the outside using a psycommu controller.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 6
Although this is a mass production model of the AMX-004, its performance is actually improved. In particular, it is equipped with active cannons, and its enlarged funnel container has an increased funnel capacity.
A model based on the AMX-003. Its transformation mechanisms are basically identical to those of the AMX-003, so it can be mass produced simply by changing some parts on the production line, and it eventually replaces the AMX-003 as the main mobile suit of the space forces. The firepower of its armament is comprehensively increased, and it has greater fighting strength in mobile suit form.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 6
The final model of the Gaza series. If the AMX-006 is a fighter type, then this could be classified as an attacker type, and its offensive capabilities are greater than those of the AMX-006. Although its exterior is rather different, it shares many of the same parts, and is easy to produce.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 2
The final model of the MS-09 series. This machine was originally designed for land warfare, and like the AMX-101 and AMX-102 it was developed for use in Earth landing operations. However, since it also displayed adequate performance in space combat, it was classified as a general-purpose type. It carries a great deal of melee combat equipment, including the unique weapons known as tri-cutters.
This machine was developed as the final model of the MS-06 series. Its basic concept is a body with high potential that can be adapted to its mission by attaching different equipment. This applies to its backpack and skirt armor as well as its weapons. However, the prototype was completed at the same time as the AMX-014, and since its firepower and thrust were inferior it never entered mass production.
This is a modified version of the AMX-011, but since it was created using optional parts, it has few special modifications. The biggest change is that its head has no mega particle cannon, and is equipped with 30mm vulcan guns in its temples. It was created using assault equipment, and has dramatically increased thrust and greater fuel capacity to extend its operating time.
A heavy mobile suit equipped with a psycommu system that can be operated by ordinary people. It was developed using the MRX-010 as a base, and has a variety of hidden weapons. Rakan's machine is equipped with "hidden hands," but the mass production type has wire-guided arms.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 2
A heavy mobile suit designed exclusively for enhanced humans. Two large bits known as mother funnels are attached to its back, and each of these contains 14 smaller child funnels. Thanks to these mother funnels, it can perform long-range funnel attacks, and its firepower rivals that of the AMX-014.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 6
The most powerful mobile suit of the Neo Zeon forces. This machine was developed exclusively for Newtypes, and incorporates knowhow from every previous Neo Zeon mobile suit. Mega particle deflection systems are installed in its shoulder binders, and mega particle cannons are installed throughout its body. Its tail binder is a huge funnel container which carries three times as many funnels as the AMX-004, and its head can fly independently like those of the MSN-02 and MRX-010.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 2, Data Collection 6
A transformable mobile armor that was completed by attaching a makeshift head and limbs to a body that was already in development. It is equipped with a mega particle cannon as powerful as that of a warship, and can dock with a Mega Booster to increase its cruising range for long-range travel.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 6
A model of the RMS-099 with increased firepower. The major modification is the replacement of the random binders on its back with gly binders that house mega particle cannons. Naturally, it was developed by Anaheim, but several machines were tranferred from the AEUG to Neo Zeon as a result of political maneuvering. These were originally meant to be provided to an elite pilot team selected from among the Rick Dias teams.
A reconnaissance mobile suit based on the RMS-106, with improvements to the head and backpack. This machine was captured by the Neo Zeon forces from the bases of the Federation Forces who developed it.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 2
A machine based on the MS-06M and redesigned by the Federation Forces. Its hydrojets are jettisoned during land warfare. These were captured by the Neo Zeon forces.
A modified version of the MS-06D. These machines were customized by the Rommel corps using materials captured from Federation Forces bases. The modifications include increased fuel capacity.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 2
The final mass production model of the MS-09. Its land warfare capabilities are extremely high, and its additional fuel tanks give it greatly extended hovering operation time. However, its armament is little improved, and consists mainly of weapons such as the Giant Bazooka and heat saber.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 6
A modified version of the G type, which serves as the personal machine of the famous desert warfare expert Rommel. It has extra boosters on its shoulders, and other modifications at various points.
A high mobility model of the MS-14 with thrusters installed in its wing binders. These were created at Axis after the war by remodeling and converting existing machines.
A worker mobile suit created by the Shangri-La junk dealer Gemon Bajack. It is equipped with four manipulators and a movable cockpit, and although it is a worker type, its raw power rivals that of a combat mobile suit.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 6
A worker mobile suit found at the lost colony Moon Moon. It was used for colony construction and moves by hovering, and was abandoned for almost 50 years.
A medium type worker mobile suit used by Shangri-La's junk dealers. It can also be used in space.
A small type worker mobile suit. It is unsuitable for heavy-duty work, but it has an airtight cockpit and can be used in space. Unlike the junior mobile suits used on the lunar surface, it cannot be used in combat.
Translator's Note: The following machines were profiled in Entertainment Bible 2.
A modified version of the MS-06M. It has deep-sea navigation abilities surpassing those of previous amphibious machines.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 2
A personal custom type of the MS-06D, which is also equipped with unique armament.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 2
A modified version of the MS-14, upgraded for desert warfare. It is equipped with a special weapon known as the armed buster.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 2
Translator's Note: The following machines were originally profiled in Entertainment Bible 3, and added to the MS Encyclopedia as of the 1989 edition.
The MSA-0011 is the sixth Gundam developed by Anaheim, and bears the codename "Iota." It goes without saying that this machine is a redesign of the MSZ-010 ZZ Gundam, with further enhancements and improvements.
Just as the A parts of the G-Fortress become a fighter known as the Core Top, with independent flight capabilities, the A parts of the S Gundam's G-Cruiser mode become an attack fighter known as the G-Attacker equipped with two large-caliber beam cannons.
The B parts of the G-Cruiser can assume a flight form known as the G-Bomber. Equipped with the beam smartgun that serves as the S Gundam's main weapon, it has considerable attack strength.
This G-Core is the core fighter of the S Gundam. It also has combat capabilities as a fighter, and of course it can fly in the atmosphere as well.
A core booster for use within and outside the atmosphere. Main wings are attached to the booster unit used by the S Gundam.
The type without wings is limited to use outside the atmosphere. Thrusters are also added at many points.
A type whose adapter unit has extended tanks, increasing its propellant capacity, is used for long duration operations.
The MSA-0011Bst is an assault version equipped with four of the enhanced backpack units used by the Ex-S. Even at full weight, its 10G acceleration puts it in the same class as the mobile armors of the old Zeon forces, but since it does not have much propellant its combat operating time is short and its usefulness limited.
Options such as extra armor, boosters, and heavy weapons were included in the design of the MSA-0011 from the beginning. As a result, it retains its balance even with this extra equipment. The Ex-S is a heavy equipment type in which an I-field generator, reflector incoms, and enhanced booster packs are added to the normal machine. The I-field generator installed in the chest parts forms a beam-deflecting field around the cockpit to protect the pilot. Its knee parts are also equipped with beam sabers and reflector incoms. These reflector incoms contain I-field generators that reflect the beams fired by the machine itself, so that they can strike the enemy from unexpected directions. However, they cannot be used for defense.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
Just as the MSZ-010 has the ability to transform into G-Fortress form, the S Gundam and Ex-S can likewise transform into G-Cruiser mode.
The Zeta Plus Type A1 was developed exclusively for atmospheric use, and since it role is entirely limited to operation in the atmosphere, it achieves a better cost/performance ratio and flight capabilities than the prototype Z Gundam. The Type A2 is equipped with a mega cannon in its forehead.
The Zeta Plus is a prototype MSZ-006 redesigned as a mass production machine. First the Type A1 was created as an exclusively atmospheric machine, and then the Type C1 was redesigned for space use. The Type C1 is also capable of atmospheric entry. In wave rider form, its beam smartgun is mounted on the underside of the machine. Its thigh beam cannons can also be used while transformed.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
The FAZZ, an abbreviation for "Full Armor ZZ Gundam," is a prototype of the machine that saw a limited deployment in the first Neo Zeon Conflict. Unlike the completed machine, the mega cannons in its head and abdomen are dummies, and no anti-beam coating has been applied. However, the hyper mega cannon attached to its backpack boasts the highest firepower of any weapon that can presently be carried by a mobile suit.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
A mass production machine of the GM series, which was created as a result of the development of ultrahigh-performance Gundam series machines. It is designed for high basic potential.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
An early warning machine based on the MSA-007. Its huge head contains radar antennas, and data processing and communications systems are installed in its backpack. It can also use RPVs (remotely piloted vehicles), wired cameras, and various other intelligence gathering equipment. Due to the nature of its mission, two extra propellant tanks are added to extend its operating time.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
A type equipped with binders that combine thrusters and AMBAC mechanisms. Its mobility is higher than the standard type, and it is used for pilot training.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
A mobile suit equipped with a quasi-psycommu system, which was developed by the Augusta Newtype Research Institute as a smaller version of the MRX-009. Two incoms are installed in its shoulders. This machine was intended for use by ordinary humans with low Newtype abilities, and thanks to computer backup it can operate psycommu weapons. One prototype unit was given to Axis, and became the basis for the AMX-014 Doven Wolf.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
A general-purpose mass production machine that inherits the design concepts of the Zaku series. This is a commercial mobile suit whose simple design incorporates only high reliable proven technology. The shoulder armor includes a multipurpose latch and mount system that allows it to carry heavy weapons such as long-range beam smartguns, machine guns, and clay bazookas.
Although its full weight exceeds 150 tons, this ultraheavy mobile suit is highly maneuverable thanks to its powerful thrusters and apogee motors. Two simple sub arms are attached to each arm. These are used to hold weapons and support the main arms.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
A transformable mobile suit of the Gaza series that emphasizes flight performance. In mobile armor form it can fly within the atmosphere while carrying other mobile suits as a sub flight system. Judging from its model number, this mobile suit occupies a position between the AMX-006 Gaza-D and the AMX-008 Ga-Zowmn.
Translator's Note: The following machines were originally profiled in Entertainment Bible 3. Most of them were added to the MS Encyclopedia as of the 1989 edition, but the J Gundam, BR-GM, Guza, Quel Doga, and GD series have never been included in the MS Encyclopedia.
The D Gundam First (or D First) is a worker mobile suit created from various mobile suit junk parts by its pilot Dary Niel Guns, with the help of the Monotone Mouse company, a subsidiary of Anaheim Electronics. It was made to resemble the form of a Gundam as per the preferences of Dariel, a passionate Gundam fan.
As a pure worker machine that is not meant for combat use, its armor has conspicuous gaps, but its cockpit section forms an airtight block. Because its movable frame and generator are taken from top-of-the-line mobile suits from the Neo Zeon conflict, it also has high basic performance. It has no offensive armament, but carries "seven tools" for working use.
The D Gundam First, which was a mishmash of junk parts, was modified for combat use by the Arahas factory team to create the D Second. All its front armor is replaced with Gundarium composite, and its thrusters are also tuned up to increase its thrust. The main nozzles of its backpack are retractable, and are exposed only when at full throttle. Its armament is also renewed and enhanced, but because its pilot Dary has no combat training, it still carries some of its original "seven tools." Its offensive weapons include a cord connected beam rifle that is capable of rapid fire.
Although the D Third is a modified version of the D Second, it retains less than 30 percent of the D First's original parts. Because it was made according to a plan devised by the Federation Forces weapons development bureau at Granada, based on previous combat data, it was recognized by the Federation Forces as the RGX-D3. (The military purchased the machine from the Monotone Mouse company when it was still the D Second.)
Its armor is completely replaced with Gundarium alloy. The avionics of its movable frame, and drive system components such as the generator and thrusters, have also been replaced with the newer versions. The buster shot and shield guns which serve as its main armament demonstrate the improved beam weapon technology of the U.C.0090s, and the knuckles it has retained from the D First have also been upgraded to electromagnetic pulverization-type G blast knuckles.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
The D Fourth is the final model of the D Gundam, a mere plan which never became an actual project. As of the D Third, the machine was under military jurisdiction, and the goal of this project was to enhance its generator and develop a G-Cruiser based on the Full Armor concept in order to improve its mobility during operational maneuvers.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 3
The original design for the D Gundam, which was designed as an upgrade of the Hyaku-Shiki Kai and Jegan. However, it became a more decrepit machine thanks to later design changes.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
This machine was developed by the Arahas factory team in order to further increase the performance of the Federation Forces' main mobile suit Jegan. The design of the MSN-00100 Hyaku-Shiki was reexamined, and experimentally adopted in this test machine so that its high quality could be incorporated in a mass produced machine.
A successor to the Barzam, produced to AEUG specifications.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
A general-purpose machine in a new Federation Forces mass production series. "GD" stands for "Gun Defender."
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
A bombardment machine of the GD series.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
A mobile suit with an integrated Base Jabber.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
A small worker mobile suit produced by the Monotone Mouse company. It originated just after the One Year War, when the head parts of destroyed Zakus were reused due to a chronic shortage of materials.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
An improved version of the former Neo Zeon mobile suit AMX-102 Zssa. In order to improve the melee combat capabilities of the Zssa, which was equipped with countless missile pods to provide rear support from behind the front lines, its missile payload was reduced and its beam guns correspondingly increased. This successfully reduced its full weight far beyond that of the base machine, making this machine an upgrade in terms of mobility as well. Other versions of its attack pack also exist.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 3
This machine is a preliminary step to the Geara Doga.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
A transformable worker mobile suit.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
An improved version of the AMX-003 Gaza-C, the standard mass production mobile suit of the former Neo Zeon. Unlike the Zssa Type C, which has improved combat performance, this machine was intended to improve ease of operation in mobile armor form. While the base machine had a cockpit in its abdomen, in this machine it is moved to the nose section, providing an improved field of vision in mobile armor form.
A variation of the AMX-011, which the former Neo Zeon intended to serve as a general-purpose mass production machine during the first Neo Zeon conflict. After the war, it continued to undergo improvements at development bases hidden from the Federation Forces, and a few units of this later type were produced. The Zaku III offered high thrust and heavy armament and, with further performance enhancements, it became a touchstone for the new Neo Zeon mobile suits as they transitioned to the Doga series.
The machine on the left is a land warfare version with added equipment such as smoke dischargers, extra armor, and a sand scope.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
This heavy mobile suit is a variation of the wartime Zaku series.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
This machine was developed by the design group behind the Zssa series as a general-purpose mobile suit with enhanced melee combat performance. Missile launchers are installed inside the spike armor on its shoulders.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
This transformable heavy mobile suit is the final model of the Gaza series. It is also capable of atmospheric flight, thanks to the nuclear thermal jet/rocket engines inside its shield binders. Its crotch unit houses an anti-ground radar system.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 3
This Newtype test machine represents a transition to the AMS-119 Geara Doga and MSN-03 Jagd Doga of the new Neo Zeon. Newtype research institutes descended from the Flanagan Agency participated in its development. It is equipped with anti-personnel and anti-ship psycommu weapons known as mobile bits.
A type of powered suit, which can carry a 20mm machine gun. It is used in the story by Tau, a Neo Zeon Newtype.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 3
Translator's Note: The following machines were originally profiled in the first edition of the MS Encyclopedia. More extensive profiles later appeared in Entertainment Bible 3, and both versions were combined in the profile text of Data Collection 7, so I've used the latter source here.
A Federation Forces mobile suit for Newtypes, developed by Anaheim based on a design plan by Amuro Ray. This the true successor to the RX-78 Gundam, and it incorporates a psyco-frame around the cockpit, linking it to the psycommu system. It could surely be called a machine made exclusively for the Newtype Amuro.
The most distinctive feature of the Nu Gundam is its use of fin funnels. These weapons can generate I-fields to form an anti-beam barrier, thus combining both offense and defense.
* Source: Data Collection 7
A prototype mobile suit developed by Anaheim in an attempt to mass produce the MSZ-006 Z Gundam. The transformation mechanisms are removed from the machine itself, and it uses a method which relies completely on additional equipment known as the Back Weapon System. However, because this system is discarded during the change from mobile armor form to mobile suit form, it cannot change back. Due to its high production cost, it never entered mass production.
* Source: Data Collection 7
The RGM-89 Jegan is based on the Federation Forces' GM series, but it was developed and produced by Anaheim, rather than at a Federation Forces base. Because it combines the design concepts of the GM and Nemo series, which have a history of repeated improvements, it is highly reliable and was placed in mass production as the main machine of Londo Bell.
* Source: Data Collection 7
A mobile suit for Newtypes equipped with funnels and a psycommu system. It was designed by Neo Zeon, but developed and constructed by Anaheim. Thanks to its heavy armor and varied armament, it has superb firepower and defensive capabilities, and the thrusters and apogee motors installed throughout its body also give it higher maneuverability than any ordinary machine. Because it was made exclusively for Char, the machine was painted in crimson.
* Source: Data Collection 7
A Neo Zeon mobile suit for Newtypes, developed by Anaheim based on the AMS-119 Geara Doga. It is equipped with six funnels and a psycommu system. Although it uses the movable frame of the AMS-119 on which it is based, it has a larger generator and dramatically higher power output. The layout of its apogee motors and thrusters is also changed, so the machine looks completely different from the outside.
Two prototype units were made, and used by Gyunei and Quess. Despite their various external differences, these two units have essentially the same performance. Gyunei's blue machine is equipped with a beam assault rifle, and has a large antenna and eye markings on its head. Quess's red machine is equipped with a beam gatling gun.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 7
The main mass production mobile suit of the revived Neo Zeon. This machine was designed in the time of the previous Neo Zeon, and due to its simple design, ample variety of armament, and good cost/performance ratio, it became the main machine of the new Neo Zeon. As per Zeon tradition, the command machines used by team leaders have crests on their heads.
* Source: Data Collection 7
A super-large mobile armor for Newtypes, constructed by the Neo Zeon forces with reference to every previous psycommu-equipped mobile suit and mobile armor. When fully equipped, its overall length exceeds 100 meters. Its armament is controlled via the psycommu system, and the sturm booster units on its underside can be detached after use. These boosters enable this huge machine to reach the battlefield faster than any mobile suit.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Data Collection 7
Gyunei uses this machine to collect Char when he leaves the secret peace negotiations at Londenion. It is a Hizack that has been sold off by the Federation Forces, with all its armament removed. Although it is a military surplus machine, its maneuverability is not that bad.
* Source: Data Collection 7
A type of worker mobile suit which uses a unique four-legged walking system. Since it is airtight, it can be used for working in space, and its legs also function as manipulators.
A long-range transport boat for mobile suits which was newly developed by the Earth Federation Forces. It has a maximum crew of two and can be equipped with boosters. Its top and bottom sides can carry one machine each, but when it is carrying only one, extra tanks are attached on the underside. It can also be remotely operated from a mobile suit.
A long-range transport boat for mobile suits used by Neo Zeon. It has a crew of one. Like the Base Jabber, it can be remotely operated from a mobile suit. Although its thrust is greater, it can only carry a single mobile suit.
Translator's Note: Three of the CCA-MSV designs originally appeared in the 1988 edition of the MS Encyclopedia, and I've reproduced the original profile text here.
A machine halfway between the Nu Gundam and the Re-GZ, with apogee motors installed at three points on its waist. Although its Back Weapon System is detachable, it can be carried on the back even in mobile suit form. Its armament consists of a beam assault rifle, two vulcan guns, and two beam sabers (which can be used as mega particle cannons in mobile armor form). The grenade launchers in its side armor are replaced with beam guns, but the grenade launchers installed in its arms remain unchanged. In mobile armor form, it also has a large mega particle cannon in its nose.
* Source: MS Encyclopedia 1988
Aside from the installation of machine guns in its chest, the machine itself is only slightly modified, and the armor added to the waist and legs can be removed as necessary. Triple missile launchers are attached to the shoulders, and it is also equipped with four nuclear missiles and a disposable bazooka as a hand weapon. The stabilizers that extend upward and downward from the backpack are used to counter the recoil of firing missiles. It is also equipped with skirt armor that contains apogee motors.
* Source: MS Encyclopedia 1988
Because the Lange Bruno gun is a gunpowder-based weapon, it has immense recoil, which must be canceled out by apogee motors when it is fired. A balancer is also installed on the left side to correct the mass balance. Large propellant tanks are attached to the backpack, and these have bulletproof plates on their front surface, although these are ineffective against a direct hit from a beam weapon. The belt that connects the gun to the backpack is used for cooling.
* Source: MS Encyclopedia 1988
Translator's Note: The following machines originally appeared in Bandai's SD Club magazine, and shorter versions of the SD Club profile text later appeared in Entertainment Bible 25 and the 1992 edition of the MS Encyclopedia. I've used material from the earlier and more complete versions to supplement the brief descriptions in the MS Encyclopedia.
Because the Guncannon was meant for medium-range support, it was given heavy armor instead of close combat equipment. Naturally, this increased weight made it less mobile, and various plans were evaluated to determine the most effective armor that would not decrease its mobility. Testing was performed with modified armor patterns and armament options, including a version with extra armor on its shoulders and forearm, and triple missile pods on its waist.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
This machine was developed as a space combat version of the RX-78-2, with magnet coating as a standard feature, for use in the invasion of Solomon, A Baoa Qu, and then Zeon itself. The replacement of the backpack and the addition of thrusters and propellant raised its mobility by roughly 40 percent. Its operating time was also extended, and it was anticipated that it would produce great combat results during lengthy battles, especially in attacks on space fortresses.
Plans were also made to equip Unit 4 with a mega beam launcher. Thus its generator output was further increased, its cooling systems were enhanced accordingly, and the design of the cooling fins in its chest was changed.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
This machine was developed with the same objective as the RX-78-4. As in the Unit 4, the core block system is omitted, and the resulting space is used for cooling systems. As a result, its generator output is increased, and it can use more powerful beam weapons. Its upgraded armament includes an enhanced hyper beam rifle, and one beam gun is installed in each forearm. The design of the cooling fins in its chest differs from that of the Unit 4, which was intended to use a mega beam launcher.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
This machine was redesigned in the later stages of the One Year War based on data obtained from the Gundam Unit 2. In order to maintain its firepower after the beam rifle ran out of energy and until it was recharged, this prototype was given reinforced fixed armament. The new grenade launchers added to its forearms can fire four rounds per arm, for a total of eight rounds. Two 300mm low-recoil cannons were installed on its shoulders, and its backpack was accordingly replaced with a larger type. Due to the installation of these cannons, its beam sabers were moved from the backpack to the variable thrusters on its legs, and a beam saber ejection system was adopted.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
This machine was still in the design stage at the end of the war, and nothing but the basic frame had been constructed. Because it was designed from the beginning for options such as the FA (Full Armor) system, mount latches are installed all over its body. Although its generator output is only a little higher than that of units 1 through 6, its output remains adequate even in FA form, because the armor parts are also equipped with sub-generators. This machine has performance comparable to that of the RX-78NT1, and is equipped with magnet coating and a prototype panoramic monitor.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
This is a GM variation seen mainly on the European frontlines. Thanks to obstacles such as trees and buildings, mobile suits in ground combat tend to suffer an unusually high proportion of hits to their upper bodies, and so the armor of this machine has been reinforced with an emphasis on its upper body. As a result, not even a Zaku machine gun could pierce its armor, and the pilot survival rate was greatly improved.
* Source: Entertainment Bible 25
This is a variation of the GM Ground Type for local warfare, used mainly from northern Africa to the Near and Middle East. Its joints and intakes are sandproofed, and its most distinctive feature is the use of reactive armor plating. This armor contains explosives that detonate outward when it is hit by a projectile, reducing the shock of impact and preventing enemy shells from penetrating.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
In order to resist the guerilla tactics of Zeon's amphibious mobile suits, the Federation Forces rushed to develop an amphibious mobile suit based on the GM. However, due to its inadequate development time, this machine is poorly balanced in many respects and is hard to handle.
Its backpack is replaced with a hydrojet unit, and its shoulders are equipped with similar units, increasing its underwater movement capabilities. Its beam picks are equipped with on-off mechanisms that emit a beam at the moment of contact with the enemy's armor, thus preventing heat loss in the water. However, because these could only be used when in direct contact with the opponent, they were unpopular with pilots.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
This machine is a redesigned version of the poorly balanced Aqua GM, specially tuned for use by ace pilots. Although the basic design is unchanged from the Aqua GM, it is nicknamed "Gundam" because the shape of its head resembles that of a Gundam.
The harpoon gun on its left arm has shaped charges in its harpoon tips, which are intended to destroy enemy mobile suits from within their armor. Two beam picks are attached to its right hip, and its right arm is equipped with the same hand anchor used by the Aqua GM. Its unique underwater beam rifle has a tightly focused beam that is meant to reduce beam loss in the water.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
A machine designed after the One Year War as a successor to the RX-78. The original plan was to increase the melee combat performance of the RX-78, but after the war the designers went back to the drawing board with the new objective of making the mobile suit's parts interchangeable, so that its armament could be changed depending on the situation. These armament options included various kinds of armor such as Light Armor, Full Armor, and Assault types.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, SD Club
This machine was designed as a set of option parts based on the concept of the GM Light Armor. It emphasizes pure mobility for the sake of hit-and-run tactics, and all unnecessary equipment is removed from the RX-81. Its armament consists only of a long-range sensor unit on its head and a hand-held heavy rifle, and all close combat weapons such as beam sabers are omitted.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, SD Club
This MS-04 was created to address the poor mobility of the MS-03 Prototype Zaku unit 3, whose reinforced armor had led to increased weight and inadequate output. With the installation of a newly developed high-output generator that applied Minovsky physics, it had more than twice the mobility of the MS-03 as well as reinforced armor.
Although it carried a 100mm machine gun as armament, simulation results indicated that this would have little effect in anti-ship combat, and so the development of a bazooka began. As a prototype, the MS-04 was extremely expensive, and so a prototype MS-05 with some simplified equipment was created with mass production in mind.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
An amphibious mobile suit developed by Zimmad based on data from the Zaku Marine Type. Although it was equipped with hydrojets, and its underwater maneuverability was increased by 10 to 20 percent, it failed to meet the military's requirements. As its mobility on land was also poor, it failed to achieve either of the goals of an amphibious type.
This underwater test type used a generator that was intended for use in the Dom, with added modifications to increase its output. Because it could use a water cooling system, the generator output was higher than those used in space, which made it possible for later amphibious mobile suits to carry beam weapons. However, during land operations, its operating time was restricted by the limited amount of coolant water in its tanks.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
This machine was designed exclusively as an amphibious mobile suit, based on data from the Zaku Marine Type. Irregularities in its body were reduced to eliminate water resistance, and its armament was fixed in place so as not to create turbulence in the water flow. Thanks to improvements in its cooling system, it was also the first mobile suit equipped with diffuse mega particle cannons.
Because this mobile suit was developed inside colonies with no oceans, problems arose during the tests conducted on Earth, such as increased friction around the arms during extended long-range underwater navigation. A new transformation system that retracted the arms and legs was incorporated into the MSM-03 Gogg that entered mass production. Because the diffusion of beam weapons in the water was more severe than expected, an optional torpedo pod was also designed.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
This machine was created from a Zaku as a mechanical prototype for the development of a mobile suit with enough mobility to resist the Federation Forces' Gundam. A highly complete prototype was constructed in a short time by upgrading an MS-06R-2 using many parts intended for the MS-11 (later MS-14). Its generator output was greatly increased, making it possible to supply energy to handheld beam weapons such as beam rifles and beam sabers. Its armament included Zeon's first beam rifle, which had only just entered the prototype stage. The data obtained from this machine was then used to design the MS-14 Gelgoog.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
The prototype mobile suit on which the Rick Dias was based. Because it was the first machine to use Gundarium Gamma for its armor material, it was given the codename Gamma Gundam, but since it was created mainly by Zeon engineers, its form ended up resembling that of the Dom.
Due to its emphasis on mobility and melee combat performance, this machine is equipped with a sub mono-eye, a large backpack, and back binder thrusters that can also be detached and used as shields. However, this was changed in the mass production type, which is equipped with a vulcan phalanx in its head for enhanced firepower and a weapon rack on its back for practical reasons.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
A machine created using both Zeon and Earth Federation Forces technology, with the development goal of creating the most powerful of Gundams. Based on the Gundam Mk-II, it is equipped with a wired psycommu system that uses one beam gun in each forearm, and a diffuse mega particle cannon is installed in its chest. As a result of its expanded generator, the psycommu system could not fit into the machine itself and was housed in the backpack. This increased the weight of the machine to twice that of the Mk-II, reducing its maneuverability and making it completely useless in actual combat.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
A machine developed for use by Titans ace pilots. Its basic concept was a compact version of the Psycho Gundam Mk-II, but since it was intended for use in a brief decisive battle against the AEUG, it was a makeshift mobile suit packed with weapons. The high mega buster in its chest had greater destructive power than a high mega launcher, though all its other weapons were rendered useless before it fired. Incom units were installed in its knees, and wired psycommu beam guns were attached to its arms. This gave it the most powerful of psycommu weapons, with no consideration even for generator output. It was also armed with three diffuse mega particle cannons, and hyper beam sabers that doubled as beam cannons. However, only a few units of the mass production prototype were actually rolled out.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
A Gundam Mk-III equipped with an extra armor system that dramatically increases its thrust and firepower, while still retaining its performance. Thrusters are added to the shoulders, back, waist, and legs, and it is equipped with propellant tanks to extend its operating time. Its armament includes a total of four grenades on its arms, as well as shield cannons on its shoulders that pivot on movable joints, and one hyper cannon on the side of each leg. Small generators are installed inside the shield cannons in order to supply energy to these powerful weapons. However, since the Mk-III itself was abandoned in the design stage, this plan was never realized.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, SD Club
This machine was proposed as a weapons and armor enhancement plan for the Hyaku-Shiki Kai. The armament plan included a mega particle cannon, a long mega buster, and backpack beam cannons whose barrels slid forward by pushing aside the shoulder armor plates. These shoulder armor plates were also equipped with reflector panels, which could generate an I-field around the chest to protect the cockpit area. Its explosive bolts worked like shotguns, greeting approaching enemies with explosive shells, but their destructive power was not that high and they were effective only against exposed parts like mono-eyes and joints. The plan never entered mass production because at that point large transformable mobile suits had become dominant.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
Because Karaba was unable to resist the Titans' new transformable mobile suits with the Nemo and GM III, the AEUG space mobile suit Hyaku-Shiki Kai was redesigned for use in the atmosphere. Each part of the machine is protected against dust and moisture, and it can display the same unchanged performance in forests, swamps, deserts, urban areas, and even underwater.
Its newly designed backpack is designed to work in conjunction with the leg stabilizers during freefall combat or while hovering. The pulse laser guns in the head are replaced with 60mm vulcan guns, and it is also equipped with hand grenades and shoulder grenade launchers. Triple missile pods and beam cannons can be carried as optional weapons.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
This machine was created as a mechanical prototype of the ZZ Gundam. It inherits the transformable mobile suit concept of the Z Gundam, and can also separate and function as two fighter craft. It originally had no armament, but after various tests it was equipped with newly developed high-output compact generators, its head was replaced with one that housed a high mega cannon, and double beam cannons were installed that could also be used as beam sabers. Although the completion of the ZZ was rushed so that it could be deployed in the final battle with the Titans, the implementation of these high-output weapons was delayed, and so its rollout took place after the decisive battle.
* Sources: Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
This machine eliminated the core block system and the docking and transformation mechanisms of the ZZ Gundam, which had powerful fixed armament such as a high mega cannon, in order to reduce costs and make it more suitable for mass production. But like the ZZ, this mass production type was equipped with a high-output generator in order to use its many beam weapons, so its production costs were not much lower. As a result, the project was canceled after only four prototype units were produced.
Its armament included a simplified high mega cannon in its head which could fire only two shots, a diffuse mega particle cannon in its chest, missile pods, and head vulcan guns. Had it been adopted, it would have been the most powerful of mass production machines. Because the priority was to supply energy to its beam cannons, its beam sabers were miniaturized, and two were carried on its hip. Beam cannons and micromissile pods could also be mounted on its shoulders as option parts.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
This machine was designed as a mass production model of the Nu Gundam, which was said to be the most powerful of mobile suits. This plan was devised by the Londo Bell corps to provide a main mobile suit with performance superior to the Jegan, just in case the Neo Zeon forces were to put the Geara Doga and Jagd Doga into mass production. This mass production type would have been produced in small numbers for use by ace pilots. A backpack equipped with incoms for use by ordinary pilots was also planned.
* Sources: MS Encyclopedia 1992, Entertainment Bible 25, SD Club
Translator's Note: This section is not yet translated.
Translator's Note: This section is not yet translated.
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