MAN-08 Elmeth

The MAN-08 Elmeth was a prototype Newtype-use mobile armor developed by the Flanagan Institute for the Principality of Zeon’s Newtype Corps.

The “MA” in the type code referred to it being a mobile armor, while the “N” designated it as Newtype-use model. The “08” in the variant code indicated that it was the eighth design.

History

During the One Year War, the emergence of Newtypes led to the Principality of Zeon investigating their potential as weapons. The Flanagan Institute was tasked with studying Newtypes and developing weapons to harness their abilities under Kycilia Zabi’s command.

The Institute selected Lalah Sune as the test pilot for the Elmeth due to her extraordinary Newtype capabilities. Under the supervision of Char Aznable, Lalah first deployed the Elmeth against Federation forces stationed at the asteroid base Konpei Island (formerly Solomon).

The test proved highly successful, with the Elmeth remaining hidden in the asteroid field while eliminating Federation forces using its remotely-controlled bits. This stealthy operation earned it the nickname “Ghost of Solomon”.

The Elmeth was later destroyed in battle by the Federation’s RX-78-2 Gundam piloted by Amuro Ray. A second unit was subsequently produced and piloted by Kuzco Al.

Design

The Elmeth was designed specifically to utilize Newtype abilities through its psycommu system, which allowed pilots to control the mobile armor with their brainwaves. Since brainwaves were unaffected by Minovsky particle interference, Newtypes could control remote weapons from extreme distances.

Despite its unconventional “tricorn hat” appearance, the Elmeth demonstrated exceptional speed and maneuverability. Its primary weapons were twelve remote-controlled bits, supported by a pair of body-mounted mega particle cannons for direct engagement.

Armaments

The Elmeth’s standard weapons were its revolutionary bit weapons for long-range attacks and mega particle cannons for closer combat.

Mega particle cannon

A pair of mega particle cannons were mounted on tracks in the Elmeth’s main body, allowing them to elevate and depress through a 90-degree arc. Unlike mobile suit beam weapons, these cannons drew power directly from the mobile armor’s reactor. While providing significant forward and upward coverage, they left the rear and lower quadrants vulnerable.

Bit

The Elmeth carried twelve bits stored in rear-mounted launch bays. Each bit contained its own reactor, thrusters, beam gun, and psycommu receptor. This self-contained design allowed for extended independent operation without power cables.

The psycommu system enabled pilots to control the bits through psychic commands, unimpeded by Minovsky particle interference. Their small size and high speed made them nearly impossible to detect visually, while their ability to attack from multiple angles simultaneously made them devastatingly effective.

Known pilots

• Lalah Sune
• Kuzco Al
• Haman Karn
• Serein Experi (Unit 4)
• Leila Raymond

Variants

• MAN-08-2 Elmeth II
• X-MAN Diablo

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer.

The name “Elmeth” likely derived from a grammatically incorrect form of the Hebrew phrase for “God of Death” (correct form would be “el mavet”).

Due to copyright issues with the French fashion brand Hermès over the Japanese name エルメス (Hermes), Bandai used alternative names like “Lalah Sune Use Mobile Armor” and “Newtype Use Mobile Armor” for merchandise.

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Gundam
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack
• Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Cross Dimension 0079
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs Zeon DX
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space
• Dynasty Warriors: Gundam
• Gundam Crisis

External links

• MAN-08 Elmeth on the Gundam Wiki
• MAN-08 Elmeth on MAHQ