AMX-102 Zssa
Mass-produced artillery mobile suit developed by Neo Zeon.
The AMX-102 Zssa was a mass-produced artillery mobile suit developed by Neo Zeon for long-range bombardment operations during the First Neo Zeon War.
The “AMX” model code indicated it was a Neo Zeon experimental design. The “102” in the model code denoted it was the second in the 100-series of prototype mobile suits developed by Axis. The “Zssa” designation reflected its stocky, robust appearance optimised for heavy weapons loadout.
History
Another mobile suit developed in anticipation of their assault on Earth during the First Neo Zeon War, Neo Zeon’s AMX-102 Zssa was designed as a long-range bombardment unit for attacking targets from behind the front lines. Intended to work in concert with the AMX-101 Galluss-J, the Zssa would provide heavy artillery support whilst the Galluss-J conducted follow-up operations.
When tested by Mashymre Cello, the suit also carries an optional shoulder missile pod. After obtaining satisfactory test results, it was put into mass production and an optional booster pod was created for it. The Zssa proved itself quite effective as a long-range strike unit, and it was one of the most commonly mass produced Neo Zeon mobile suits used in the war.
During the First Neo Zeon War, the Zssa saw extensive deployment across multiple theatres of operation. Units were deployed during Neo Zeon’s Earth invasion campaign, providing crucial fire support for ground operations. The mobile suit’s effectiveness led to continued production throughout the conflict.
In UC 0096, a number of Zssa survived and were used by the The Sleeves during the Laplace Incident. They were repainted in dark green colour scheme and given the distinctive markings featured on many of the mobile suits used by the Sleeves. During the Battle of Industrial 7, the Sleeves deploy their Zssa units to combat the forces of the SCVA-76 Nahel Argama.
Design
Designed as an artillery bombardment unit for support purposes, it is originally meant to work in tandem with the AMX-101 Galluss-J. The AMX-102 Zssa is notable for the large number of missiles in its stocky yellow frame. The mobile suit’s design prioritised firepower and ammunition capacity over mobility.
The Zssa featured a distinctively compact design that maximised internal space for missile storage. Its yellow colour scheme was characteristic of Neo Zeon artillery units, providing identification and battlefield coordination benefits. The design philosophy emphasised overwhelming firepower through missile saturation attacks.
The mobile suit was powered by a Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor generating 1,820 kW of output. Whilst this was modest compared to frontline combat units, it was sufficient to power the Zssa’s extensive missile systems and defensive equipment. The propulsion system provided adequate mobility for a support unit whilst maintaining stability during bombardment operations.
Armaments
Besides these 44 missiles, it is also armed with two 30 mm vulcan guns, four beam sabers and a scattering beam gun. The Zssa’s armament configuration was optimised for long-range fire support with adequate self-defence capability.
Missile launchers
The Zssa is armed with missile launchers all over its body. It has two 10-tube leg missile launchers, two 6-tube thigh missile launchers, two 3-tube chest missile launchers, and two 3-tube arm missile launchers. These missile launchers usually carry AMS-02S type missiles (small conventional missiles), but can also carry other types such as the 04 type (multiple warhead) and 05S type (proximity fuse).
This comprehensive missile system provided the Zssa with devastating area bombardment capability. The distributed launcher arrangement ensured that even if some systems were damaged, the mobile suit retained significant firepower. The variety of missile types allowed tactical flexibility in engaging different target types.
Optional booster unit
An optional booster could also be mounted on the Zssa’s back, giving the mobile suit an additional eight missiles and the ability to fly in the atmosphere, allowing the Zssa to conduct aerial bombardments. This booster pod not only provides the suit with additional thrusters and flight ability in the atmosphere, but is also armed with two of the shoulder missile pods and two 4-tube missile pods.
The optional booster pod has four missile pods, two 7-tube shoulder missile pod and two 4-tube missile pods. They carry large AMS-02H missiles. The shoulder missile pod can be mounted on the suit on its own, as seen with the Zssa tested by Mashymre Cello, which had one on its right shoulder.
30 mm vulcan guns
Two 30 mm vulcan guns were mounted in the Zssa’s torso. These provided close-range defensive fire against incoming missiles, aircraft, or infantry. Whilst not effective against mobile suit armour, they served as an important defensive system for the artillery unit.
Scattering beam gun
The scattering beam gun, power rated at 7.64 MW, was mounted in the torso. This weapon fired a wide-area beam that could damage multiple targets simultaneously, making it effective against swarms of smaller units or for area denial operations.
Beam sabers
The Zssa carries four beam sabers, with a power rating of 0.62 MW, that are stored in the legs. The beam saber is a small device held in the mobile suit’s hands when operated, and is powered by a rechargeable energy capacitor. It emits a blade of plasma contained by an I-field and is capable of cutting through any metal alloy not treated with anti-beam coating.
The provision of four beam sabers was unusual for an artillery unit, reflecting the mobile suit’s role in prolonged operations where self-defence capability was essential. The storage in the legs kept the weapons accessible whilst not interfering with the torso-mounted missile systems.
Optional hand weapons
A standard hand carried ranged beam weapon, it is powered by a rechargeable energy cap. Capable of firing concentrated mega particles, attacks from a beam rifle can damage any ordinary armor that has not been specially treated to resist it. Zssa uses the same beam rifle as the AMX-107 Bawoo and AMX-009 Dreissen, which can switch to a rapid-fire mode and is also known as a ‘beam assault rifle’.
Used by the Sleeves’ Zssa, this handheld beam weapon is originally used by the AMS-119 Geara Doga and is powered by a replaceable e-pac. With two muzzles, it can function as a normal beam rifle as well as rapid fire pellet-shaped beams.
Used by the Sleeves’ Zssa, this pump-action shotgun was originally used by the MS-08TX Efreet and MS-18E Kämpfer during the One Year War.
Known pilots
Variants
AMX-102 Zssa (Sleeves)
The Sleeves variant featured updated weaponry including beam rifles and shotguns. These units were repainted in the distinctive dark green colour scheme of the Sleeves and equipped with their characteristic markings.
Behind the scenes
Yutaka Izubuchi (principal design, Gundam ZZ version), Kazumi Fujita (cleanup, Gundam ZZ version), Hajime Katoki (Gundam Unicorn anime version), Mika Akitaka (Silver Phantom version) were the original mechanical designers.
Izubuchi submitted the original design as part of his comprehensive redesign of Neo Zeon mobile suits for Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ. The final cleanup was handled by Kazumi Fujita, who refined the missile systems and overall proportions.
Appearances
See also
External links
- AMX-102 Zssa on the Gundam Wiki
- AMX-102 Zssa on MAHQ