AMX-107 Bawoo
Prototype transformable mobile suit developed by Neo Zeon.
The AMX-107 Bawoo was a prototype general purpose transformable mobile suit developed by Neo Zeon during the First Neo Zeon War.
The “AMX” in the model code indicated it was developed by Axis Zeon, which later became Neo Zeon. The “107” in the model code denoted that it was the one hundred and seventh mobile weapon design in the AMX series. The Bawoo was the first Zeon-style transformable mobile suit which could separate into more than one component.
History
Another high performance prototype developed by Neo Zeon during the First Neo Zeon War, the AMX-107 Bawoo was the first Zeon-style transformable mobile suit which could separate into more than one component. Development of the Bawoo represented Neo Zeon’s attempt to match the transformable mobile suit technology demonstrated by the Earth Federation and AEUG during the Gryps Conflict.
Although Axis had already introduced the transformable Gaza series mobile suit into combat, such as the AMX-003 Gaza-C and AMX-006 Gaza-D, it had fallen behind in developing machines that could resist the transformable mobile suits of the Federation Forces, AEUG, and Titans. Using technology and personnel obtained from various sources, the Bawoo itself could even be called a dead copy (based on stolen designs and technology) of the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam, or possibly another machine from the Zeta Project.
The Bawoo was first deployed in March UC 0088 during the opening phases of the First Neo Zeon War. Although initially planned as a limited production unit for high-ranking officers and aces (with one custom, orange-colored unit operated by Glemy Toto), the Bawoo’s versatility offered by its transformation systems made it highly popular, and the Bawoo soon found its way into full mass production.
Several notable pilots operated the Bawoo during the war, including Glemy Toto, who used a distinctive orange-coloured custom unit. In the years after the war, the “Sleeves” faction created an upgraded psychoframe-equipped variant, the AMX-107R ReBawoo.
Design
The AMX-107 Bawoo represented a significant advancement in Neo Zeon’s mobile suit technology, incorporating transformation capabilities that allowed unprecedented tactical flexibility. In the Bawoo’s case, the mobile suit could separate into two separate fighters, called Bawoo Attacker and Bawoo Nutter.
The mobile suit was constructed from lightweight Gundarium alloy that provided excellent protection whilst maintaining mobility. Its Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor generated an output of 2,410 kW, providing sufficient power for its transformation systems and weapons.
The initial prototype featured a cockpit in each of the two fighters, but the final production version had a single pilot occupying the Attacker and an unmanned Nutter controlled either via wireless remote control from the pilot in the Attacker, or – if the area’s Minovsky particle density was thick enough to jam transmissions – by an onboard autopilot computer control system. This configuration made the Bawoo revolutionary in its time, as these features made the Bawoo the first mobile weapon that allowed its pilot to effectively control more than one combat unit in the field at the same time.
Transformation system
The Bawoo’s most distinctive feature was its ability to separate into two distinct combat units. The upper section, designated Bawoo Attacker, contained the pilot and primary weapons systems. The lower section, known as Bawoo Nutter, operated autonomously or under remote control from the Attacker.
In its separated configuration, the Bawoo Attacker measured 26.6 metres in overall length with a wingspan of 24.26 metres, whilst the Bawoo Nutter was more compact at 12.34 metres long with a 13.0 metre wingspan. The two components could also be quickly re-combined into the mobile suit mode.
Armaments
The Bawoo’s standard weapons were a beam rifle for ranged attacks and beam sabers for melee combat, supplemented by grenade launchers and a uniquely configured shield.
Beam rifle
The Bawoo carried a standard beam rifle as its primary ranged weapon. The rifle was powered by rechargeable energy capacitors and could fire concentrated Minovsky particles that broke down matter at a molecular level. Bawoo’s beam rifle is easy to wield, and enhances the suit’s aerodynamics during its transformation. It has a rapid-fire mode and is also known as a ‘Beam Assault Rifle’. The same model is also used by AMX-102 Zssa and AMX-009 Dreissen.
Beam sabers
The Bawoo carried two beam sabers stored in its forearms for close-quarters combat. A pair of ‘knight type’ beam sabers are stored on Bawoo’s forearms, and are automatically placed in its hands when deployed. These used an I-field to contain Minovsky particles within the shape of a blade, allowing them to cut through virtually any material.
The beam sabers could also be reconfigured as a beam javelin, with the saber hilt extending into a long pole and emitting three beam prongs at its tip for enhanced reach and versatility.
Grenade launcher
A 4-tube grenade launcher is mounted on each forearm. These weapons provided the Bawoo with area-effect capabilities and were particularly useful for engaging multiple targets or providing suppressive fire.
Shield with mega particle cannons
One of the Bawoo’s most distinctive features was its large shield equipped with multiple beam weapons. Along with its beam rifle, beam sabers, and grenade launchers, the Bawoo also carried a shield which mounted five mega particle cannons, greatly increasing its firepower. The Bawoo’s shield serves as a defensive as well as an offensive device, with a set of 5 mega particle cannons powered by build-in generator. When the Bawoo separates into the Bawoo Attacker and Bawoo Nutter, the shield is attached to the underside of the Bawoo Attacker to enhance its aerodynamics.
Known pilots
- Glemy Toto (custom orange unit)
- Gottn Goh
- Arius Moma
- Dana Kirai
- Beecha Oleg
Behind the scenes
Original mechanical designer: Yutaka Izubuchi (Gundam ZZ version). Yutaka Izubuchi was responsible for designing many of the enemy mobile suits that appeared in Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ, including the Bawoo.
Gunpla
The AMX-107 Bawoo has been released as a High Grade Universal Century (HGUC) 1/144 scale model kit by Bandai. The kit includes the ability to transform between mobile suit mode and the separated Bawoo Attacker and Bawoo Nutter configurations.
Appearances
See also
External links
- AMX-107 Bawoo on the Gundam Wiki
- AMX-107 Bawoo on MAHQ