RX-93 ν Gundam

Technology & Combat Characteristics

The ν Gundam is one of the most advanced mobile suits during the Second Neo Zeon War in U.C. 0093, together with Char Aznable's MSN-04 Sazabi, it is used by Amuro Ray who also came up with its basic design. It was manufactured at Anaheim Electronics' Von Braun plant and completed in a short period of time (about three months) under the supervision of chief engineer October Saran^[1][2]. Its design is based on the average specification values of each successive generations of Gundam-type units from the original RX-78-2 Gundam to the MSZ-010 ΖΖ Gundam, and updated with state-of-the-art technologies introduced at the time ^[3]. Various test data collected from the ARX-014P Silver Bullet (Funnel Test Type), the YRA-90A μ Gundam and the RX-9 Narrative Gundam were also used in its development.

The ν Gundam's design focuses on versatility and operational aspects, as well as emphasis on reliability and durability for protracted battles^[3]. It adopts unitized parts that are designed according to EFF standards, except for the Psycho-Frame, for easier procurement of parts and materials and reducing special components as much as possible. It can be easily repaired due to maintenance feedback and combat data. In addition, it reflects Amuro Ray's experience as an MS pilot cultivated over the years.

Incorporating the Psycho-Frame technology secretly provided to Anaheim Electronics by Char Aznable of Neo Zeon, the ν Gundam was able to utilize Psycommu weapons and channel the emotions and mental energies of a Newtype pilot. It is also the first Gundam-type machine to be equipped with Funnels, and a newly developed MS control program is installed to account for the ν Gundam's center of mass during the separation and movement of the Funnels^[3]. Despite its short development time, the ν Gundam proved itself to be a formidable mobile suit and when combined with legendary ace pilot Amuro Ray's immense skill and experience, this powerful, state-of-the-art machine was able to almost single-handedly hold back the whole Neo Zeon force, and its Psycho-Frame was put to the test to determine the history of humanity living on earth.

Armaments

• 60mm Vulcan Gun

A basic armament of many Federation mobile suits, a pair are mounted on the ν Gundam's head. The Vulcan Guns are mainly for intercepting incoming missiles/rockets, destroying mobile suit sensors, and engaging lightly-armored vehicles.

• Beam Saber

The primary beam saber used by the ν Gundam, it is stored on the right side of the backpack and is also known as Custom Beam Saber. Output 0.85 MW. Features a curved beam blade, and can also emit a short blade from the bottom of the grip. Changes to the specifications of the amplifier and emitter allow it to emit beam blade of different shape. Compared to earlier models, it is more energy efficient due to the 'Auto Power On' feature, which enables the saber to instantaneously generate a beam blade only during moments of impact with enemy suits.

• Spare Beam Saber

Equipped on the left arm's shield mount base. It is a standard-issue beam saber and has a lower output than the primary beam saber.

• Beam Rifle

A high-powered beam rifle with a output of 3.8 MW. At maximum output, the beam fired is comparable in power to that of a battleship-class main cannon from the same time period^[2]. It can also function as a beam machine gun by changing the burst selector. An independent aiming device was initially meant to be mounted above the rifle’s barrel, but it was changed to a single-shot grenade launcher that was originally intended to fire high intensity flash round for defensive purpose rather than offensive projectile^[4].

• New Hyper Bazooka

The ν Gundam is armed with a 280mm five round magazine hyper bazooka that has improved firing range and destructive power compared to the Hyper Bazooka used by other Earth Federation MS. The bazooka can be fired even when stored on the backpack, catching the opponent by surprise. It is capable of destroying an enemy unit in a single shot and is mostly used to take out slow, heavily armored targets.

• Shield

A custom shield emblazoned with Amuro's emblem. It features a built-in 7.8 MW beam cannon and four missiles. Amuro uses it in many strategic ways, such as fooling enemies that he was shot down by leaving the shield and the New Hyper Bazooka, and attacking enemies once they lower their guards. Attached to the left arm's beam saber compartment.

• Fin Funnel

A remote weapon unique to the ν Gundam, model number: AEV/PFF93AR. When attacking, it bends into a U shape and a magnetic field is created between the two generator arms for generating and accelerating the mega particles. Despite their name, the fin funnels are in function "bits", since they have built-in generators rather than the E-caps used by funnels^[3]. While this made them more expensive to construct, it gives the fin funnels a longer operational time and allow them to fire more powerful beams compared to normal funnels. Each fin funnel has an output of 3.0 MW and can fire 7 shots in a single charge. The fin funnels also can generate a unique beam shield, known as a "fin funnel barrier", to protect against beam weaponry and solid projectiles. However, if an enemy funnel enters the barrier, it may cause physiological damage to the pilot due to psycho-wave interference. Although larger than normal funnels, the fin funnels have higher mobility as its triple block structure allows for AMBAC movements in addition to being propelled by its thruster. With the help of the Psycho-Frame technology, Amuro can control the fin funnels with his thoughts more effectively.

• Beam Machine Gun

During the events in Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack, the ν Gundam grabs a standard type beam machine gun from a Geara Doga and uses it in the final battle against the MSN-04 Sazabi.

Special Equipment & Features

• Birdlime Launchers

Fires an adhesive substance from the hands that can be used to repair small cracks in colony wall or to restrain soldiers on foot.

• Dummy Launchers

Stored in the hands, these launchers can deploy mobile suit sized dummy balloons as decoys.

• Psycho-Frame Cockpit

The cockpit is composed of microscopic Psycommu receptors that allow a Newtype pilot to control the suit as if it is their own body as well as to have better command over remote weaponry. A psycommu receiver is located at the back of the pilot's headrest. Cockpit also features airmats that are used in case of impact.

History

Following Amuro's failure to stop Char in attempting to drop Fifth Luna, Amuro decided to design a mobile suit that would be able to combat Char's MSN-04 Sazabi. Unknown to Amuro, Char learnt of this and allowed Anaheim Electronics to pass on the psycho-frame technology for the ν Gundam's use. However, testing of this machine was interrupted when fighting between Londo Bell and Neo Zeon forces force Amuro and his girlfriend Chan Agi to take the ν Gundam with them to save everyone.

Sadly, the lack of testing would easily been shown when, during one skirmish, Amuro's panicking caused his fin funnels to react, forcing Gyunei Guss to kill his captive, Kayra Su. As Londo Bell forces moved to stop Char from dropping Axis, Amuro and Char went head to head, battling one another and practically ravaging their suits. In the end, another flaw revealed itself - the psycho-frame resonated with high emotions and willpower, pushing Amuro's already amazing Newtype powers to new heights, and managed to push Axis away from the Earth. The resonance creates a light that could be seen from Earth.

Variants

• RX-93 ν Gundam (First Lot)

An early version of the ν Gundam, the first lot was built at Anaheim Electronics' Von Braun factory prior to the company obtaining the Psycho-Frame technology. It was used for operational tests, and the engineers as well as Federation Forces' officials present were all shocked by the machine's high degree of completion.

• FA-93HWS ν Gundam Heavy Weapons System Type
• PF-93-1 Perfect ν Gundam
• RX-93 ν Gundam Double Fin Funnel Type
• RX-93 (TYPE-M) Musha ν Gundam

Gallery

Lineart & Artwork

HS Gundam (Nu Gundam) Early Design

Izobuchi Concept Version

Front (Okawara)

Rear (Okawara)

Gundam Evolve Version

Front (First Lot)

Rear (First Lot)

Front (First Lot w/ Beam Rifle and Shield)

Front (First Lot w/ Fin Funnels)

"Ver. Ka" Redesign

"Ver. Ka" Redesign (DOME-G Version)

High Grade Universal Century Version

Master Grade Version

Gundam Fix Figuration Version

Metal Structure Nu Gundam illustration

Test Version (Film Trailer Version)

Beam Saber

Beam Rifle

Fin Funnel

New Hyper Bazooka

Shield

Beam Machine Gun w/Grenade Launcher

Novel illustration by Yukinobu Hoshino in Mobile Suit Gundam High-Streamer

Kunio Okawara art-book version

In Newtype Gundam Fix CG Wallpaper Collection - KATOKI HAJIME WORKS

ν Gundam in Evolve Materials

Gundam Evolve version

Gundam Evolve version

On the cover of Yutaka Izubuchi Mechanical Design Works Realistic World.

Mamoru Itou Illustration

Mamoru Itou Illustration

Masami Obari Illustration

Naoyuki Kato Illustration

Shiro Nishiguchi Illustration

Satoshi Shigeta Illustration

Masanori Shino Illustration (Calendar)

Iwao Teraoka Illustration (Gundam Perfect File)

Naochika Morishita Illustration

In Mobile Suit Bible

Hideaki Ito Illustration

Kondo Kazuhisa Illustration

Ikuto Yamashita illustration

Ikuto Yamashita illustration

Head Illustration

Head Illustration

Head Illustration

MS Girl Illustration by CLAMP

ν Gundam MS Girl by Mika Akitaka

From SD Gundam Ultimate Encyclopedia

Anime

Under construction by Anaheim Electronics

Head close up with eyes covered

Head close up

Fires Beam Rifle

Beam Rifle being destroyed by Sazabi's Beam Tomahawk

Grabs the Beam Machine Gun from AMS-119 Geara Doga

Fires the Beam Machine Gun

Punching the Sazabi

Pushing Axis

Pushing Axis as seen on episode 7 of Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn

As seen on Gundam Build Divers episode 1

Game

Gundam War Card

Gundam War Card

In Dynasty Warriors Gundam: 2

Newtype-Coordinator Team Up

Amuro Ray-Kou Uraki Team Up

As seen on Gundam Battle Assault

As seen on the game Gundam Diorama Front 3rd.

Super Robot Wars V artwork

Lost Heroes 2 SD artwork

As seen on the game Gundam Online.

As seen in Super Robot Wars Z3 Tengoku Hen

Gunpla

Original 1/144 RX-93 ν Gundam (1987): box art

Original 1/144 RX-93 ν Gundam Fin Funnel Equipment Type (1988): box art

HGUC 1/144 RX-93 ν Gundam (2008): box art

HGUC RX-93 1/144 ν Gundam (Metallic Coating Version) (Limited release; 2010): box art

HGUC 1/144 RX-93 ν Gundam (Ver. GFT) (Llimited edition; 2012): box art

HGUC 1/144 RX-93 ν Gundam (Ver. GFT; 7-Eleven Color Ver.) (Limited edition; 2014): box art

HGUC 1/144 ν Gundam vs Sazabi (The Fateful Battle Set) [Special Coating] (The Gundam Base Tokyo exclusive; 2018): box art

HGUC 1/144 RX-93 ν Gundam (First Lot Color Ver.) (GUNDAM FANCLUB exclusive; 2020): box art

RG 1/144 RX-93 ν Gundam (2019): box art

RG 1/144 RX-93 ν Gundam Fin Funnel Effect Set (2019): box art

RG 1/144 RX-93 ν Gundam [Titanium Finish] (The Gundam Base Tokyo exclusive; 2020): box art

RG 1/144 RX-93 ν Gundam [Clear Color] Limited Package (Theater and The Gundam Base Tokyo exclusive; 2020): box art

Original 1/100 RX-93 ν Gundam (1988): box art

MG 1/100 RX-93 ν Gundam (2000): box art

MG 1/100 RX-93 ν Gundam (Ver. Ka; 2012): box art

MG 1/100 RX-93 ν Gundam Ver.GFT (Gundam Front Tokyo exclusive; 2013): box art

SDBB #007 ν Gundam (1988): box art

SDGG #01 RX-93 ν Gundam (1999): box art

SDBB #209 RX-93 ν Gundam (2000): box art

SDBB #387 RX-93 ν Gundam (2014): box art

SDBB ν Gundam vs. Sazabi -The Fateful Battle- Set [GDHKIII LIMITED] (Gundam Docks at Hong Kong III exclusive; 2018): box art

Model Grapfix (April 2011 issue): demonstration of "Sentinel painting" technique with 1/100 Original RX-93 ν Gundam (blue) and 1/144 HGUC RX-93 ν Gundam (red)

RX-93 - ν Gundam by NAOKI - Mag. Poster

PF-93-1 Perfect ν Gundam

Action Figures

Mobile Suit in Action (MSiA / MIA) "RX-93 ν Gundam" (Asian release; 2002): package front view.

MSiA / MIA "RX-93 ν Gundam" (North American release; 2002): package front view.

MSiA / MIA "RX-93 ν Gundam" (Asian re-issue with MS data card; 2004): package front view.

Extended Mobile Suit in Action (ExMSiA / EMIA) "RX-93 ν Gundam" (2006): package front view.

ExMSiA / EMIA "RX-93 ν Gundam" (2006): package rear view.

Deluxe Mobile Suit in Action (DX MSiA / DX MIA) "RX-93 ν Gundam" (Asian release; 2002): package front view.

DX MSiA / DX MIA "RX-93 ν Gundam" (Asian release; 2002): package rear view.

DX MSiA / DX MIA "RX-93 ν Gundam" (North American release; 2003): package front view.

DX MSiA / DX MIA "RX-93 ν Gundam" (North American release; 2003): package rear view.

Gundam Fix Figuration (GFF) #0009 "FA-93HWS ν Gundam + HWS" figure set (2002): package front view

GFF #0009 "FA-93HWS ν Gundam + HWS" figure set (2002): package rear view

GFF #0009 "FA-93HWS ν Gundam + HWS" action figure set (2002): product sample as "RX-93 ν Gundam"

Robot Damashii "RX-93 ν Gundam" (2012): package front view.

Robot Damashii "ν Gundam Fin Funnel Set" for RX-93 ν Gundam (Tamashii Web exclusive; 2012): package front view.

Robot Damashii "ν Gundam Full Expansion Set" for RX-93 ν Gundam (Tamashii Web exclusive; 2012): package front view.

Robot Damashii "RX-93 ν Gundam (Psychoframe Ver.)" (Tamashii Web exclusive; 2013): package front view.

Robot Damashii "RX-93 ν Gundam (Psychoframe Ver.)" (Tamashii Web exclusive; 2013): product sample.

Gashapon

Metallic version

Notes & Trivia

• During the planning stage of the movie, the Nu Gundam was originally named the "HS Gundam", or "Hi-S Gundam", meaning "the Gundam that surpasses Char". Yoshiyuki Tomino came up with this name as he mistakenly spelt "Char" as "Shar".
• The Nu Gundam's name is derived from the Greek letter Nu (ν), which is the 13th letter of the Greek Alphabet and resembles the English letter "v".
• The Greek letter Nu sounds like the English word 'new'. This has lead to some confusion regarding whether Amuro says "This Nu Gundam isn't just for show!" or "This new Gundam isn't just for show!". However, the original Japanese line, written in romaji as "Nu Gundam wa date ja nai!" reinforces that the former, rather than the latter, is the line being said in the English dub.
• The Nu Gundam design was set to be a large mobile suit simply to match the size of the Sazabi.
• Nu Gundam's fin funnels' barrier is very effective and worthy in term of offensive and defense in Gundam Musou series. It lasts much longer and can be performed again immediately over and over, unlike in the movie.
  • In the same vein, the Nu Gundam in SD Gundam Capsule Fighter Online has its fin funnel barrier be particularly strong, being the second "form" of the unit and being able to nullify most beam weaponry.
• In the first trailer for Char's Counterattack, a ν Gundam with a very different color scheme is shown. This version was later named "ν Gundam (Test Ver.)" in Master Archive Mobile Suit RX-93 ν Gundam book.
• The manuals of the old 1/144 model kits noted the beam rifle has a built-in grenade launcher above the rifle's barrel, this claim did not appear in later model kits such as the HGUC 1/144 kits or the MG 1/100 kits. The manual of the MG 1/100 kit, released in December 2000, even listed the protrusion above the rifle's muzzle as a sensor. The Master Archive Mobile Suit RX-93 ν Gundam book released in July 2019 combined both claims, stating that the sensor was an aiming device that was later replaced by a grenade launcher.
• The Master Grade (MG) model kit of Nu Gundam has heavy die cast parts in the clavice to serves as counterweight. This is the only MG model kit that has a die cast part, and is one of the heaviest so far.
• The Katoki Version of the ν Gundam sports a nearly Full-Psycho-Frame body and has the ability to expose it by expanding as well as purging parts of the Gundam's armor. This state is dubbed "Invoke Mode".^[5]
• ν Gundam usually appears and becomes Amuro Ray's final unit (unless Hi-ν Gundam is present) in a Super Robot Wars game with a Universal Century storyline in it. There have even been games where MSG-era or Zeta-era Amuro piloted the ν Gundam.
• In Dynasty Warriors Gundam 2, Amuro manages to erase the Turn A Gundam's Moonlight Butterfly by generating a Psycho-Field from the Psycho-Frame within the cockpit of the Nu Gundam.

References

HGUC design lineart

Weapons' profile (Old 1/144 model kit)

Old 144 model kit's manual scan

Old 1/100 model kit's manual scan

1. ↑ "Mobile Suit Gundam Char's Counterattack Second Volune" Novel, Animage Bunko (Reprint Edition), July 2009, page 53
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} High Grade Universal Century RX-93 ν Gundam" instruction manual, Bandai, March 2008.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3} "Master Grade RX - 93 Nu Gundam" instruction manual, Bandai, December 2000.
4. ↑ 'Master Archive Mobile Suit RX-93 ν Gundam' book
5. ↑ Hajime Katoki and Shigeru Horiuchi Interview

External Links

• RX-93 ν Gundam on MAHQ.net
• RX-93 ν Gundam on Wikipedia.org