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MSA-0011 S Gundam

Prototype transformable mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics.
Jenxi Seow Published 5 Jul 2025 Updated 5 Jul 2025
MSA-0011 S Gundam

The MSA-0011 S Gundam, or “Superior Gundam,” was a prototype transformable mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics under the codename Iota Gundam. It was developed at roughly the same time as the MSZ-010 ZZ Gundam and used many of the same concepts, such as the Core Block System and the ability to separate into three parts.

Development and design

The highly modular design of the S Gundam allowed it to adapt to different missions using extra weapons and optional equipment. From the very beginning, this machine was developed as a complete weapons system based around the mobile suit and its Core Block.

The S Gundam was developed as a fourth generation mobile suit by Anaheim Electronics following the MSZ-010 ΖΖ Gundam. Although it employs a core block system that shares similar features such as independent operation of separated units, its design concept was fundamentally different from the ΖΖ Gundam.

This high performance machine was powered by four large generators installed in its shoulders and legs. The wing units on its shoulders and tail stabilator on its back could be used for AMBAC maneuvering.

Transformation system

When the S Gundam separated into three parts, each part had its own cockpit and could function as an independent fighter craft. This separation capability provided tactical flexibility and emergency escape options for the pilot.

Model number

The model number MSA-0011 follows Anaheim Electronics designation conventions:

  • M = Mobile suit
  • S = Special/Superior
  • A = Anaheim Electronics
  • 0011 = Development sequence number

Technical specifications

The S Gundam was constructed from Gundarium composite armor, providing exceptional protection whilst maintaining reasonable weight. The mobile suit’s impressive power output of 7,180 kW from its Minovsky reactor enabled it to operate its extensive weapon systems and transformation mechanisms.

Performance

The S Gundam’s thrust output of 143,600 kg total provided excellent mobility for its size and weight. The distributed thruster layout with multiple large thrusters ensured stable flight characteristics in both mobile suit and separated modes.

The enhanced sensor range of 18,800 meters gave the S Gundam superior battlefield awareness, crucial for its role as an advanced combat unit.

ALICE system

The S Gundam featured an incredibly complex artificial intelligence computer that went by the acronym ALICE, which was developed by Ryou Roots’s mother. ALICE, which stood for Advanced Logistic & Inconsequence Cognizing Equipment, was more than the standard learning computer featured in earlier mobile suits; “she” had the capability to think and to grow.

“She” also had a sense of self-preservation, and could assume total control of the S Gundam if “she” felt that the unit was in danger. This represented a significant advancement in mobile suit AI technology.

Armament

Fixed armament

The S Gundam featured an extensive fixed armament array. Eight 60mm vulcan guns were distributed between the head and tail stabilator, providing comprehensive point defence coverage. The S Gundam was equipped with a quasi-psycommu system which allowed even normal pilots to operate remote weapons such as the incom installed in its head. This incom was a wire-guided weapon whose beam gun could be fired three times before it had to return to the mobile suit to recharge.

Four beam cannons were mounted on the mobile suit—two on the backpack rated at 12 MW each, and two in the thighs rated at 8.8 MW each. This arrangement provided both long-range fire support and close combat capabilities.

Optional armament

The thigh beam cannons could be replaced by a powerful beam smartgun and an energy supply support unit, which connected in front of the mobile suit when firing. The beam smartgun, rated at 56 MW, provided devastating firepower for heavy assault missions.

Operational history

Pezun Rebellion

During the Pezun Rebellion one prototype machine was assigned to Taskforce Alpha, the EFF unit created to suppress the rebellion. This machine was also equipped with an experimental artificial intelligence system known as ALICE, whose full capabilities remained unknown.

Ryo Roots piloted the S Gundam throughout the Pezun Rebellion until it was destroyed during atmospheric entry on April 4, UC 0088. The loss of this advanced unit represented a significant setback for the Earth Federation Forces development programme.

Production limitations

Despite its impressive capabilities, the Earth Federation Forces decided not to adopt the S Gundam, and only four prototype units were completed. Although four S Gundams have been produced, it is known that the other three S Gundams did not have the ALICE system installed in them. Also, after the loss of the first S Gundam equipped with ALICE, the S Gundam project had been halted and the other three units would never meet combat.

Known pilots

  • Ryo Roots
  • Tex West
  • Shin Crypt

Variants

The modular design of the S Gundam allowed for numerous configuration options and upgrade paths:

The modular design of the MSA-0011 S Gundam allowed Anaheim Electronics to develop countless variation plans. Variations based on the standard S Gundam were classified as the 100 series, while those based on the [Ext] and [Bst] forms were classified as the 200 series and 300 series respectively.

Behind the scenes

The MSA-0011 S Gundam was designed by Katoki Hajime for the photo-novel Gundam Sentinel. The mobile suit was originally called Supreme Gundam but was also known under the codename “Ι Gundam” (Iota Gundam).

The design represented Anaheim Electronics’ peak achievement in transformable mobile suit technology during the late UC 0080s, incorporating lessons learned from the Zeta and ZZ Gundam programmes whilst pushing the boundaries of AI integration in mobile suit systems.

Appearances

  • Gundam Sentinel

See also