MS-18E Kämpfer
Heavy assault mobile suit developed by Zeonic for the Principality of Zeon.
The MS-18E Kämpfer was a heavy assault mobile suit developed by Zeonic for the Principality of Zeon during the final weeks of the One Year War.
The “MS” in the model code meant it was a mobile suit, the “18” indicated the eighteenth design in the series, and the “E” was an abbreviation for the German word “Einhauen,” which translates to “to smash in” and summed up the suit’s role as a fast assault unit.
History
In the few remaining days and weeks before the end of the One Year War, the Principality of Zeon churned out several new prototype mobile suits. One of these new units was known only as the YMS-18 Kämpfer Prototype, which Zeon engineers quickly began producing different variations and redesigns to create custom units meant to excel in specific mission roles. One of the variations created was the MS-18E Kämpfer.
Despite this minor drawback, the Kämpfer was an excellent mobile suit. Unfortunately for Zeon, it was another case of “too little, too late,” as the One Year War came to an end and the Kämpfer never saw mass production.
A Kämpfer unit was deployed on December 20, UC 0079, attacking an Earth Federation Forces research base in the neutral Side 6 Libot Colony during a failed attempt to destroy the RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1 Alex prototype mobile suit. This unit was piloted by Mikhail Kaminsky of Zeon’s Cyclops Team.
After the war, a recovered MS-18 frame was modified by North American Zeon forces into a different configuration, the MS-18 Titania.
Design
The Kämpfer was a very focused design, never intended to work outside of its role. Within this role it was an exceptional unit, rivaling the Federation’s RX series in firepower and speed. It was equipped with numerous thrusters and verniers to achieve high maneuverability. Conversely, the large number of thrusters resulted in higher fuel consumption rate, limiting its operational time.
The mobile suit measured 17.7 meters in head height and weighed 43.5 metric tons empty, with a maximum gross weight of 78.5 metric tons. It was constructed from titanium ceramic composite armor and powered by a Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor with an output of 1,550 kW.
Propulsion: rocket thrusters: 159,000 kg total (2 x 28,500 kg, 2 x 27,000 kg, 4 x 12,000 kg); vernier thrusters/apogee motors: 16 Performance: 180-degree turn time: 1.2 seconds; maximum ground running speed 215 km/h
The Kämpfer’s design opted for minimal armour, even removing the hip-mounted skirt armor found on most MS. This weight reduction contributed to its exceptional speed and agility.
Armaments
The Kämpfer’s armament reflected its role as a hit-and-run assault unit, featuring an impressive array of weapons for maximum destructive capability.
60 mm vulcan guns
2 x 60mm vulcan gun, mounted in head provided close-range defensive fire against enemy units and served as anti-aircraft weapons.
Beam sabers
2 x beam saber, stored in recharge racks in hip armor, hand-carried in use The beam sabers were the Kämpfer’s primary melee weapons, using I-field technology to contain Minovsky particles in the shape of a blade.
Shotguns
2 x shotgun, pump-action magazine and breech, can be stored on backpack storage racks These close-range weapons were effective against enemy mobile suits and installations at short range.
Giant bazookas
The same Giant Bazooka as used by the MS-09R-2 Rick Dom II. Compared to the original Giant Bazooka, both the bazooka’s shape and its shell were redesigned, greatly improving its attack power. The Kämpfer can be equipped with two Giant Bazookas, and they are stored on its back when not in use.
Chain Mine
The Chain Mine was a number of disc-shaped mines connected to each other by flexible cable. Each mine had magnetic claws on its underside, allowing it to be attached to objects. The Chain Mine could be thrown out like grenades one by one, laid on the ground or fixed to a building as a mine, or (most destructively) attached to a single enemy and detonated - this attack method was used by Kämpfer against the prototype Gundam NT-1.
Sturm Fausts
A simplified, disposable rocket launcher. It is commonly used by Zeon mobile suits in the late stages of the One Year War. As the warhead is not equipped with a guidance device, it is extremely hard to use the Sturm Faust to hit a moving target accurately. However, it is still a highly destructive portable weapon. Two Sturm Fausts could be stored on hardpoints on the legs of the Kämpfer.
Known pilots
- Mikhail Kaminsky
Variants
MS-18F Kämpfer Type F
A variant of the Kämpfer designed to use beam weapons, the Type F used a modified version of the MS-14Jg Gelgoog Jäger beam machine gun.
Behind the scenes
The mobile suit was designed by Yutaka Izubuchi for Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket.
“Kämpfer” is the German word for “fighter” or “warrior”. The concept of an Assault Mobile Suit was reused in Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory, when Mika Akitaka designed the AGX-04 Gerbera Tetra, as an attempt by Anaheim Electronics to create an Assault MS.
Appearances
External links
- MS-18E Kämpfer on the Gundam Wiki
- MS-18E Kämpfer on MAHQ