RX-78-1 Prototype Gundam

Following the development of the RX-75-4 Guntank and the RX-77-2 Guncannon, the RX-78-1 Prototype Gundam would be the third mobile suit developed under the Earth Federation's "Project V" at the Federation's military headquarters in Jaburo on Earth.

The starting point of the RX-78 series of mobile suits, the Prototype Gundam was designed differently from the original Project V mobile suits models in that it did not place its emphasis on raw firepower like the Guntank and Guncannon. Instead, the RX-78-1 placed emphasis on fast, close quarters combat, much like the Principality of Zeon's Zaku II.

The Prototype Gundam used brand new technologies that had yet to been seen in the hands of a mobile suit. The RX-78-1 was the first mobile suit to use an energy cap-based beam rifle, giving it the firepower of a battleship. It was also the first mobile suit to feature the beam saber for close quarter combat. Like its predesscors, the Prototype Gundam also featured the Core Block System and the FF-X7 Core Fighter.

The RX-78-1's initial designed would be approved for continued development. The Prototype Gundam's designed would be upgraded and enhanced, producing the second - and most famous - model of the RX-78 series: the RX-78-2 Gundam.