MSA-0011[Bst] S Gundam Booster Unit Type – MechaBay

The MSA-0011[Bst] S Gundam Booster Unit Type was a high-speed assault version of the MSA-0011 S Gundam. In this configuration, the S Gundam was equipped with four of the enhanced backpack units used by the MSA-0011[Ext] Ex-S Gundam, creating one of the most powerful propulsion systems ever mounted on a mobile suit.

Development and design

Two of the booster units were mounted on the S Gundam’s back, and the other two were attached to an adapter unit that took the place of the mobile suit’s lower body, or B parts. This radical configuration prioritised speed and acceleration over conventional mobile suit design principles.

Although it had no legs, the S Gundam could use its tail stabilator and shoulder wing units for AMBAC maneuvering, giving it the same kind of attitude control abilities as a humanoid mobile suit and making stable firing possible even at high speeds.

Model number

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

M = Mobile suit
S = Special/Superior
A = Anaheim Electronics
0011 = Development sequence number
[Bst] = Booster configuration

Technical specifications

The Booster Unit Type represented the extreme end of mobile suit performance parameters. With a massive thruster output of 2,140,000 kg total distributed across eight 267,500 kg thrusters, this configuration achieved acceleration figures that rivalled dedicated mobile armors.

Performance

Even at full weight of 220.13 metric tons, the S Gundam Booster Unit Type had a maximum acceleration of almost 10G, putting it in the same class as the mobile armors used by the Principality of Zeon. This tremendous performance enabled the S Gundam to fly under its own power to the Moon from low Earth orbit.

However, this high performance placed a great strain on its pilot, and its operating time was limited by its relatively small propellant capacity compared to its massive fuel consumption requirements.

Enhanced reactor

The powerplant was upgraded to 12,250 kW output to support the massive thruster array and maintain the mobile suit’s weapon systems at full capability during high-speed operations.

Armament

Fixed armament

The Booster Unit Type retained the full armament of the base S Gundam, including eight 60mm vulcan guns distributed between the head and tail stabilator. The incom system remained operational, providing remote weapon capability even during high-speed maneuvers.

Four beam cannons—two on the backpack rated at 12 MW each and two in the thighs rated at 8.8 MW each—provided formidable firepower. The positioning of these weapons allowed for effective fire whilst maintaining the mobile suit’s streamlined profile for maximum speed.

Optional armament

The beam smartgun rated at 56 MW could still be equipped when mission parameters required maximum firepower. The energy supply support unit could connect in front of the mobile suit when firing, though this reduced the configuration’s speed advantage.

Operational history

Pezun Rebellion

This configuration of the S Gundam was used only once during the Pezun Rebellion. On March 1, UC 0088, pilot Ryo Roots used this form to break through the defensive net around the asteroid base Pezun and destroy the power satellite SOL 7804, thus cutting off the power supply of the New Desides forces.

The mission demonstrated both the capabilities and limitations of the Booster Unit Type. Whilst its speed allowed it to penetrate heavily defended positions that would have been impossible for conventional mobile suits to breach, the strain on the pilot and limited operating time made it unsuitable for extended operations.

ALICE system integration

The advanced ALICE artificial intelligence system remained fully functional in the Booster Unit Type configuration. The AI’s capabilities proved crucial in managing the complex flight dynamics and weapon systems during high-G maneuvers that would have overwhelmed human pilots.

Design philosophy

The Booster Unit Type represented Anaheim Electronics’ exploration of mobile suit performance limits. By replacing the lower body with additional boosters, the design team created a mobile suit that could match mobile armor performance whilst retaining the flexibility and weapon systems of a mobile suit.

This configuration influenced later high-speed mobile suit designs, though none would match the raw acceleration performance of the S Gundam Booster Unit Type.

Known pilots

Ryo Roots

Variants

The Booster Unit Type served as the basis for the theoretical MSA-0011[Bst] Plan 303E Deep Striker, which added additional equipment and weapons for extended operations. The 300 series classification system was developed specifically for variants based on the Booster configuration.

Behind the scenes

The MSA-0011[Bst] S Gundam Booster Unit Type was designed by Katoki Hajime for the photo-novel Gundam Sentinel. The design explored the concept of ultimate mobile suit speed, pushing the boundaries of what was possible within the technological constraints of the Universal Century setting.

The mobile suit’s ability to fly from Earth orbit to the Moon under its own power represented one of the most extreme performance achievements in mobile suit history, demonstrating Anaheim Electronics’ engineering capabilities at their peak.

Appearances

Gundam Sentinel

External links

MSA-0011[Bst] S Gundam Bst on MAHQ
MSA-0011[Bst] S Gundam Booster Unit Type on the Gundam Wiki