The MSN-001A1 Delta Plus is an Earth Federation Forces mobile suit introduced in the novel and OVA Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn.
Technology & Combat Characteristics[]
The Delta Plus was a prototype Transformable Mobile Suit (TMS) developed by Anaheim Electronics. Based on the development plan of the MSN-001 Delta Gundam, the Delta Plus incorporated technologies from the Zeta series of mobile suits, as well as operating data from the MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki. It was developed as an all-purpose attack machine, capable of operating both in space and in the atmosphere. Like the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam, the Delta Plus was capable of transforming into a Wave Rider Mode with the ability to enter the atmosphere unassisted. The Wave Rider Mode's thrust was high enough to not only achieve atmospheric flight, but also serve as a Sub-Flight System for another mobile suit under 1G of gravity.[1][2]
The Delta Plus adopted a unique layout that concentrated all of its thrusters on the lower body and had no thrusters on its back. Its legs, which functioned as the main thrusters in Wave Rider Mode, were only equipped with minimal armor. This was because it prioritized mobility over durability, a design concept proven by the Hyaku Shiki. Its head sensor adopted an updated version of the IDE (Image Directive Encode) System used by the Hyaku Shiki, with scan lines appearing on the sensor when activating or switching between modes. Like its predecessor, it had a pair of dual eye sensors deep underneath.[1]
Most of the Delta Plus' weapons were stored in its shield, including a fixed beam cannon at the front, a 2-barrel grenade launcher, and two beam sabers that could function as beam guns when stored. The shield served as the Wave Rider Mode's main weapon and sensor.[3] Its standard handheld weapon was the Long Mega Buster,[4] but due to E-pac compatibility issues, the unit assigned to Londo Bell in U.C. 0096 used the same beam rifle as the RGZ-95 ReZEL. Finally, it was armed with a pair of head-mounted vulcan guns.[3] Unusually, a simplified Psycommu device known as the Bio-Sensor was installed at the request of the Earth Federation Forces. While this system was believed to enhance the responsiveness of the mobile suit, it had limited effectiveness when used by regular pilots.[1]
Armaments[]
- 60mm Vulcan Gun
- A standard armament for many Federation mobile suits. The pair of head-mounted Vulcan guns were mainly used for restricting enemies' movements.[3]
- Beam Rifle
- The same beam rifle used by the ReZEL, it was used by the unit assigned to the Nahel Argama due to E-pac compatibility issues.[3] In addition to the standard firing mode, it also had a high output firing mode which fired a prolonged beam that could cut down enemies. The latter was referred to by Federation pilots as the "Guillotine Burst". The beam rifle could also emit a beam blade from its muzzle for use as a long beam saber.[5] The beam rifle was usually mounted below the mobile suit in Wave Rider Mode, but could be moved to the top for atmospheric entry.[1]
- Long Mega Buster
- A large long-range beam weapon developed for the FA-00100S Full Armor Hyaku Shiki Kai, its firepower was far higher than the standard beam rifle. This was the Delta Plus' standard armament.[4]
- Shield
- The Delta Plus' shield served as the sensor and main weapon during Wave Rider Mode.[3] Rather than a piece of defensive equipment, it was closer in function to a transformation sub-unit.[1]
- 2-barrel Grenade Launcher
- Located on the front of the shield, behind the beam cannon, they could be loaded with various types of ammunitions.[3]
- Beam Saber
- A pair of beam sabers stored in the front of the shield, behind the 2-barrel grenade launcher. Their emitters adopted a variable projection angle mechanism, allowing them to emit two beam sabers even while stored. In addition, they could function as beam guns in Wave Rider Mode.[3] When transforming from Wave Rider Mode to Mobile Suit Mode, the Delta Plus could eject a beam saber from the shield and catch it, allowing it to quickly switch to close combat.[7]
- Beam Magnum
- A weapon taken from the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam. Due to the weapon's massive recoil, the Delta Plus' right arm malfunctioned after firing only a single shot.[8]
Special Equipment & Features[]
- Bio-Sensor
- A feature included due to request by the Earth Federation Forces, the Bio-Sensor was a simplified Psycommu device that enhanced the responsiveness of the mobile suit by supporting the mobile suit's control system with the pilot's brainwaves. However, since the system had limited effectiveness when used by regular pilots, the intention behind this inclusion was unclear.[1]
History[]
The Delta Plus was developed by Anaheim Electronics in U.C. 0090, at the request of the Earth Federation Forces. A small number of units was subsequently produced.[1]
In U.C. 0092, Astonaige Medoz requisitioned the Delta Plus for the Londo Bell after their requisition order for the Zeta Gundam was denied, but this requisition order was denied as well, with the reasoning that the Delta Plus was non-standard and difficult to use. Chan Agi suspected that the real reason was that the Federation did not wish for Londo Bell to become too powerful.[9]
In U.C. 0094, a unit piloted by Raven Squadron leader Piko Altidore conducted a mock battle with the MSN-001X Gundam Delta Kai in space. This unit was armed with the Long Mega Buster. Though the Delta Plus initially had the upper hand, it was eventually overwhelmed by the Delta Kai due to the latter's n_i_t_r_o_System, which gave its pilot the reaction speed of a Newtype. After the Delta Kai cut off the Delta Plus' left arm, the Federation officer overseeing the test signaled the Delta Kai pilot to stop, believing that the testing had achieved its goal. At this point, numerous unknown mobile suits, apparently piloted by space pirates, began approaching the testing area. At the Federation officer's order, the Delta Kai engaged the pirate mobile suits.
Empowered by the n_i_t_r_o_System, the Delta Kai easily destroyed most of the mobile suits. However, a AMS-119 Geara Doga managed to ensnare it using its shock anchor. The Delta Plus destroyed the Geara Doga with its Long Mega Buster, but the Delta Kai pilot, made aggressive by the n_i_t_r_o_System, was angry at the Delta Plus for interfering and pointed its rifle at the Delta Plus. The confrontation was interrupted when a pirate RMS-099 Rick Dias attacked the Delta Kai from behind, which the Delta Kai easily destroyed.
Laplace Incident[]
Assignment to Nahel Argama[]
In U.C. 0096, after the SCVA-76 Nahel Argama lost most of its fighting strength in battle against the Sleeves at Industrial 7, and prior to Operation Billiard, it received a resupply of mobile suits, including a Delta Plus.[10] Since the Delta Plus was a non-standard prototype that was hard to incorporate into a team formation, it was assigned to the Nahel Argama, which was likewise a non-standard ship that often operated on its own.[2]
Riddhe Marcenas, who was assigned to the Delta Plus, undertook a virtual combat program in the Delta Plus as model conversion training. Anaheim engineer Aaron Terzieff, who arranged the program, found it inside the Delta Plus' operating system. It was an easter egg programmed in by the developers, with the opponent being the MSN-001 Delta Gundam piloted by an AI simulation of Quattro Bajeena.
While examining the Delta Plus' records, Aaron found that its left arm unit had been replaced, and that its combat records were suspiciously erased. When he restored the data, he found out it had combat data against Geara Doga and an unknown unit with the model number "MSN-001X", implying that this was the same unit piloted by Piko Altidore. Aaron also noted that Riddhe was able to activate the Bio-Sensor, albeit only its lowest setting. Ultimately, the result of Riddhe's battle with the Quattro Bajeena simulation was unknown.
Operation Billiard[]
As the attack on Palau began, Riddhe snuck Mineva Lao Zabi aboard the Delta Plus before deployment, planning to bring her to Earth using the mobile suit. Though the mobile suits of ECOAS and the Nahel Argama initially had the advantage, the situation quickly began deteriorating once Full Frontal and Angelo Sauper, having anticipated the Federation Forces' plan, joined the battle in the MSN-06S Sinanju and the YAMS-132 Rozen Zulu.[7]
At Mineva's encouragement, Riddhe joined the battle, disabling a Geara Doga and shooting down two MS-21C Dra-C before encountering Banagher Links in the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam. Riddhe and Mineva explained that they wanted to meet Riddhe's father, Assemblyman Ronan Marcenas, in order to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. Mineva then asked Banagher to return to Nahel Argama with the Unicorn to put an end to the battle. After making sure that this was what Mineva wanted, Banagher left and made Riddhe promise to take care of Mineva.[7]
Having used up too much propellant to make it to Earth, Riddhe headed for Palau to use its mass driver. He also used a Shackles SFS from Palau to save propellant, grabbing onto it using the Delta Plus' hands in Wave Rider Mode. After entering the atmosphere, Riddhe used Assembly privilege to cross the Federation defensive line.[7]
Battle of Torrington Base[]
At the request of Ronan, the Ra Cailum, captained by Londo Bell commander Bright Noa, was sent to search for the Garencieres, which had recovered the Unicorn Gundam during atmospheric entry. Ronan also requested that Riddhe and the Delta Plus be assigned to the ship. While the Ra Cailum was in flight to New Guinea, Riddhe landed the Delta Plus in the ship's hangar.[8]
Soon after, Bright was informed of a large-scale Zeon Remnants attack on Torrington Base and altered course to respond to the attack. Riddhe deployed in the Delta Plus alongside the Tri-Stars Team. While en route to the base, Riddhe, in the Delta Plus, picked up the radio conversation between Banagher in the Unicorn Gundam and Loni Garvey in the AMA-X7 Shamblo. Believing that Banagher was wasting his breath trying to convince Loni to stand down, Riddhe broke off from the Tri-Stars to engage the Shamblo.[8]
When the Shamblo grabbed the Unicorn in one of its claws, Riddhe fired a volley of grenades at the claw, allowing the Unicorn to free itself. Riddhe told Banagher that they had to destroy the Shamblo, but Banagher was determined to stop Loni and save her. He nearly convinced her to leave the Shamblo when Yonem Kirks, Loni's father figure, was killed in battle by the Tri-Stars. Sensing Kirks' death, Loni became furious that her only remaining family was killed and resumed her attack.[8]
Riddhe then fired the Delta Plus' beam rifle at the Shamblo, which reflected the beam using its Reflector Bits. He then fired several more shots, but the Reflector Bits reflected them back at it. As the Shamblo fired its large mega particle cannon at the Unicorn Gundam, Riddhe carried it into the sky and away from the blast, allowing it to ride the Delta Plus Wave Rider as an SFS.[8]
Riddhe then asked Banagher to destroy the Shamblo using the Unicorn's Beam Magnum in order to protect the city, before circling back to the front of the Shamblo. When Banagher was unwilling to fire, Riddhe transformed the Delta Plus back into Mobile Suit Mode and fired the Beam Magnum at the Shamblo's cockpit, incinerating it and killing Loni.[8]
The recoil from the Beam Magnum caused the Delta Plus' right arm to malfunction. Riddhe then dropped the Beam Magnum and pointed his beam rifle at the Unicorn, ordering Banagher to come out. Before Banagher could comply, the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee descended from the sky and fired its Armed Armor BS at the Delta Plus. The Delta Plus returned fire with its shield beam cannon and beam rifle, but the Banshee evaded the attacks and tackled the Unicorn, knocking Banagher unconscious.[8][6]
Transfer of the Unicorn Gundam[]
Riddhe and the damaged Delta Plus then returned to the Ra Cailum, along with the Banshee and the captured Unicorn Gundam, where its right arm was repaired. During the transfer of the Unicorn Gundam to the Garuda, Riddhe and the Tri-Stars deployed to escort the Unicorn. Bright ordered Riddhe to protect the Unicorn.[6]
During the transfer, the Garuda came under attack by the Garencieres. Having overheard that Mineva was aboard the Garuda from Bright, and seeing that the Ra Cailum did nothing to assist the Garuda, Riddhe realized that the Ra Cailum was working with the Garencieres crew.[6]
Riddhe then entered the Garuda hangar in the Delta Plus to rescue Mineva. However, Mineva was reluctant to follow him, and when Suberoa Zinnerman snuck into the ship to rescue Mineva, she escaped with him. However, an exploding RAS-96 Anksha knocked out Zinnerman and caused Mineva to nearly fall out of the Garuda, barely hanging on. Riddhe attempted to save her, but Mineva knew that the two of them had chosen different paths and chose to let go, falling out of the plane before being saved by Banagher in the Unicorn. Dejected, Riddhe returned to the Delta Plus.[6]
As the Unicorn returned to the Garuda to rescue Zinnerman, it clashed with the Banshee and entered the Garuda's hangar. Riddhe attempted to shoot the Unicorn with the Delta Plus' beam rifle, but the Banshee's pilot, Marida Cruz, who was conditioned to see all Gundams as enemies, mistook the Delta Plus for a Gundam and attacked it, heavily damaging it with its Armed Armor VN.[6]
Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative (Manga)[]
In the manga version of Gundam Narrative, a Delta Plus with the callsign of "D001" engaged Luio & Co.'s squad of MSK-008 Dijehs after receiving the escort leader's call for support. After Jona only sniped its fringe, it transformed and engaged with one of the Dijehs, losing a leg in the process. It managed to destroy two Dijehs before being disabled by another Dijeh in a heated battle.
Variants[]
Gallery[]
Lineart[]
Anime[]
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.png "Delta Plus Beam Magnum 01 (Unicorn 0096 Ep12).png (3.36 MB)")
.png "Delta Plus Beam Magnum Firing 01 (Unicorn 0096 Ep12).png (3.53 MB)")
Manga[]
.jpg "7 (Delta Plus GNT).jpg (988 KB)")
.jpg "10 (Delta PLus GNT).jpg (1.04 MB)")
.jpg "13 (Delta Plus GNT).jpg (885 KB)")
.jpg "15 (Delta Plus GNT).jpg (1.01 MB)")
Illustrations & Artwork[]
Games[]
Gunpla[]
Gashapon[]
Behind the Scenes[]
According to mechanical designer Katoki Hajime, the Delta Plus is to the Delta Gundam as the Zeta Plus is to the Zeta Gundam. This naming scheme would later be used for the MSZ-010A1 Theta Plus, a variant of the MSZ-010 ΖΖ Gundam (Theta Gundam) from Mobile Suit Moon Gundam.
In the Unicorn Gundam novel, the Delta Plus' standard weapon was the Long Mega Buster, a weapon originally used by the Full Armor Hyaku Shiki Kai from M-MSV, though it was only described as a "custom beam rifle" in the novel text. In the OVA, its weapon was changed to the ReZEL's beam rifle. It was later established by the HGUC Delta Plus and Delta Kai manuals that the Long Mega Buster was still the Delta Plus' standard weapon, and the ReZEL's beam rifle was only used by Riddhe's unit due to E-pac compatibility issues.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Master Grade MSN-001A1 Delta Plus (2011) instruction manual
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Profile on official English website
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 HGUC MSN-001A1 Delta Plus (2010) instruction manual
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 HGUC MSN-001X Gundam Delta Kai (2012) instruction manual
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 HGUC RGZ-95 ReZEL (2010) instruction manual
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn Episode 5, Black Unicorn
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn Episode 3, The Ghost of Laplace
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn Episode 4, At the Bottom of the Gravity Well
- ↑ 虎哉孝征 (2012-03-09). 機動戦士ガンダムUC テスタメント (1) (in Japanese). 角川書店 [Kadokawa Shoten]. ISBN 9784041202111.
- ↑ Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn Episode 2, The Second Coming of Char
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