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 Psycoframe, 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 Psycoframe 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 Psycoframe 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 Psycoframe technology, Amuro can control the fin funnels with his thoughts more effectively.
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 the launchers can deploy mobile suit sized dummy balloons as a decoys.
Psycoframe 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 psycoframe 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 psycoframe 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.
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)
During the planning stage of the movie, the Nu Gundam was originally named "Hi-S Gundam", meaning "the Gundam that surpass Char". It is said that Yoshiyuki Tomino came up with this name since 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 first, rather than the second, is the line being said in English dubs.
The Nu Gundam was set to be a large mobile suit simply because it had 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-Psycoframe 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.
ν Gundam (Test Ver.)
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
↑"Mobile Suit Gundam Char's Counterattack Second Volune" Novel, Animage Bunko (Reprint Edition), July 2009, page 53
↑ 2.02.1High Grade Universal Century RX-93 ν Gundam" instruction manual, Bandai, March 2008.
↑ 3.03.13.23.3"Master Grade RX - 93 Nu Gundam" instruction manual, Bandai, December 2000.
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