Template:Infobox/Mobile Weapon Ver.2The RX-78-SP Gunner Gundam (aka Gunner) is a variant of the RX-78-2 Gundam.
Technology & Combat Characteristics
Based on the RX-78-2 Gundam, the Gunner Gundam is designed after the end of the One Year War with a focus on strengthened middle range support capabilities. However, as its design end up being very versatile, it can be deployed for all kinds of combat operations. It has enhanced firepower and armor, with all the new equipment integrated into its body to maintain mobility. It is said that parts of the FA-78-2 Heavy Gundam's designs are incorporated into the Gunner Gundam to shorten its design period.
A new composite sensor is added to the right side of the head, improving the machine's ranged combat capabilities. A movable visor protects the main twin-eye cameras on the front of the head, and although details are unclear, it seems this visor serves as one of the countermeasures against the electromagnetic waves generated when the sensor is active. Another notable feature of the Gunner Gundam is its newly designed, enlarged backpack. Not only does this backpack feature four high output thrusters, it also a small propellant tank located within, and most importantly a new sensor pod mounted on the top that can receive all kinds of electromagnetic waves even when under the influence of Minovsky particles. This makes the Gunner Gundam very suitable for force reconnaissance mission as well as being an ambush sniper.
By using a specialized beam rifle in tandem with the sensors on the mobile suit's main body, the Gunner Gundam is capable of ultra-precise shooting. The Gunner Gundam's tendency towards sniping mission is reflected in its model number of 'RX-78SP'. While the Gunner Gundam's high combat capabilities are recognized even while it was still in the design stage, its development was halted near the end of U.C.0080 as it was determined that the completed RX-78-6 Mudrock Gundam was more than capable of carrying out the same role.
Armaments
- Vulcan Gun
- A pair of head-mounted shell firing weapons, they have high rate of fire but little power and are generally ineffective against mobile suits. However, they can damage lightly armored areas such as the sensors, and ideal for shooting down small, lightly armored targets such as missiles, small vehicles, etc.
- Specialized Beam Rifle
- Specifically developed for the Gunner Gundam, it is a high output beam rifle meant for long range shooting. After the war, the Earth Federation Forces acquired some of the technologies that the Principality of Zeon used in their beam rifles. It is said that some of these technologies were utilized in the development of this weapon.
- Beam Saber
- The Gunner Gundam's main close range armament, it is a small device held in the mobile suit's hands when operated and is powered by a rechargeable energy capacitor. The beam saber emits a blade of plasma contained by an I-Field and can cut through most armor not treated with anti-beam coating. The Gunner Gundam has two beam sabers, one stored in the outer side of each leg.
Special Equipment & Features
- Sensor Pod
- Equipped on the top of the backpack. It is fitted with the latest electronic equipment, making it possible to receive weak radio waves even under the influence of Minovsky particles. In addition to search operation, the pod can also be used for jamming, etc.
History
In U.C.0080, after the fall of Zeon, there were still many Zeon remnants. To counter this threat, the Earth Federation Forces developed a series of new mobile suits, which should also provide the basis for future post-war mobile suits. One of these new models was the RX-78SP Gunner Gundam which was designed with enhanced middle range support capabilities. Despite its excellent capabilities on paper, the Gunner Gundam's development was terminated near the end of the year as it was determined that the RX-78-6 Mudrock Gundam could fulfil its role. While no operable Gunner Gundam existed, a mock-up model was built using the RGM-79 GM as the base unit.
Variants
- Full Armor Gunner Gundam
Picture Gallery
Notes
- The original concept for this unit, "Gundam Sniper Type", was the winner of a Gundam Ace contest where readers submitted their own mechanical designs. The design was then cleaned up by Kunio Okawara and made official.
References
External links