MSA-005 Methuss

The MSA-005 Methuss was a prototype transformable assault mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics for AEUG. The “MSA” in the model code stands for mobile suit of AEUG. The “005” in the model code indicates that it was the fifth mobile weapon designed for AEUG.

History

Anaheim Electronics embarked on Project Zeta to develop the next generation mobile suits for the Anti-Earth Union Group. The MSA-005 Methuss was one of the early prototype units to emerge from Project Zeta, the first battle-ready mobile suit from Project Methuss. It was the first transformable mobile suit deployed by the AEUG. The Methuss served on board the AEUG flagship Argama in UC 0087 during the Gryps Conflict. It gathered field data at the front line to test the feasibility of the transformation system in preparation for use in the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam.

MSA-005 Methuss in mobile suit mode

MSA-005 Methuss in mobile suit mode

Back view of MSA-005 Methuss in mobile suit mode

Back view of MSA-005 Methuss in mobile suit mode

Reccoa Londe served as pilot for the Methuss. When Reccoa left the Argama, it was assigned to trainee pilot Fa Yuiry. Her inexperience caused the mobile suit to often suffer heavy damage. However, the design of the Methuss meant that it was easy and quick to repair and be ready to be deployed in a short period of time.

Fa and the Methuss survived the war and continued to serve on Argama during the First Neo Zeon War. Neo Zeon attacked the AEUG vessel while it was docked at the Shangri-La colony. Fa defended the Argama against the Neo Zeon attack force led by Mashymre Cello, allowing the ship to escape. The Methuss suffered heavy damage during the battle. The fate of the Methuss remained unknown. Meanwhile, Fa returned to Shangri-La to take care of Kamille Bidan.

Anaheim Electronics developed several variants of the Methuss, including the MSA-005M Methuss Mariner, MSA-005S Methuss Kai, and the MSA-005 Methuss (Avey Alva use) that was customised for AEUG test pilot Avey Alva.

MSA-005 Methuss in mobile armour mode

MSA-005 Methuss in mobile armour mode

Bottom view of MSA-005 Methuss in mobile armour mode

Bottom view of MSA-005 Methuss in mobile armour mode

Design

Project Methuss was one of the development paths under Anaheim Electronics‘s Project Zeta, the next generation development programme commissioned by the AEUG. Project Methuss aimed to develop transformable mobile suits. The MSA-005 Methuss was the first unit from Project Methuss that could be tested in the battle field. Developed from the MSA-005X-1 Methuss X-1 and MSA-005X-2 Methuss X-2 prototype units, it was never intended for mass production. Instead, it served as the test bed for the transformation system to be used in the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam. As such, it had limited weaponry in mobile suit mode.

The Methuss was built with Gundarium alloy. It was a reproduction of the Luna Titanium alloy used by RX-78-2 Gundam that Zeon developed on Axis by Anaheim Electronics.

Five rocket thrusters with a combined output of 77,000 kg provided main propulsion for the Methuss. Twelve sets of vernier thruster and apogee motors provided fine adjustments. This made the Methuss fast and agile in mobile armour mode.

The Methuss had a standard panoramic cockpit with linear seat in its torso.

MSA-005 Methuss hatch

MSA-005 Methuss hatch

MSA-005 Methuss lineart

MSA-005 Methuss lineart

MSA-005 Methuss weapons

MSA-005 Methuss weapons

Armaments

The MSA-005 Methuss’s standard weapons was beam sabres for melee combat and beam guns for ranged attack.

Beam sabres

The Methuss had six beam sabres stored in its legs. These had output rated at 0.5 megawatts.

The beam sabres used an I-field to contain Minovsky particles within the shape of a blade. The beam sabres could cut through almost any material. Minovsky particles were channelled into the sabres through an energy capacitor (E-cap) attached to their hilts. The E-cap recharged with Minvosky particles from the Methuss’s reactor when the sabres were stored in the recharge racks in the rear waist armour of the mobile suit.

MSA-005 Methuss beam sabre

MSA-005 Methuss beam sabre

Beam guns

The Methuss had a beam gun mounted on its each fore arm. The beam guns had output rated at 0.2 megawatts.

The beam guns drew their rounds directly from the Methuss’s Minovsky reactor. Minovksy particles broke down matter at a molecular level, allowing the beam gun bolts to penetrate even the thickest armour. This meant that a single shot could destroy a mobile suit.

MSA-005 Methuss beam gun

MSA-005 Methuss beam gun

MSA-005 Methuss profile

MSA-005 Methuss profile

MSA-005 Methuss profile

MSA-005 Methuss profile

MSA-005 Methuss profile

MSA-005 Methuss profile

Known pilots

Variants

Behind the scenes

Bishal Design was the original mechanical designer. Studio Kemu cleaned up the design.

Appearances

Anime

Manga

Games