The MSA-005 Methuss (Avey Alva use) was a prototype transformable assault mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics for AEUG pilot Avey Alva. The “MSA” in the model code stands for mobile suit of AEUG. The “005” in the model code indicates that it was the fifth mobile weapon designed for AEUG.
History
Anaheim Electronics embarked on Project Zeta to develop the next generation mobile suits for the Anti-Earth Union Group. The MSA-005 Methuss was one of the early prototype units to emerge from Project Zeta, the first battle-ready mobile suit from Project Methuss. It was the first transformable mobile suit deployed by the AEUG. The Methuss served on board the AEUG flagship Argama in UC 0087 during the Gryps Conflict. It gathered field data at the front line to test the feasibility of the transformation system in preparation for use in the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam.
Anaheim Electronics developed several variants of the Methuss, including the MSA-005M Methuss Mariner, MSA-005S Methuss Kai, and the MSA-005 Methuss (Avey Alva use).
MSA-005 Methuss (Avey Alva use)
Design
Project Methuss was one of the development paths under Anaheim Electronics‘s Project Zeta, the next generation development programme commissioned by the AEUG. Project Methuss aimed to develop transformable mobile suits. The MSA-005 Methuss was the first unit from Project Methuss that could be tested in the battle field. Developed from the MSA-005X-1 Methuss X-1 and MSA-005X-2 Methuss X-2 prototype units, it was never intended for mass production. Instead, it served as the test bed for the transformation system to be used in the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam. As such, it had limited weaponry in mobile suit mode.
The Methuss was built with Gundarium alloy. It was a reproduction of the Luna Titanium alloy used by RX-78-2 Gundam that Zeon developed on Axis by Anaheim Electronics.
Five rocket thrusters with a combined output of 77,000 kg provided main propulsion for the Methuss. Twelve sets of vernier thruster and apogee motors provided fine adjustments. This made the Methuss fast and agile in mobile armour mode.
The Methuss (Avey Alva use) had a standard panoramic cockpit with linear seat in its torso. It had a different weaponry loadout compared to the standard Methuss, and was tuned for optimal output when piloted by Avey Alva.
MSA-005 Methuss hatch
Armaments
The MSA-005 Methuss’s standard weapons was beam sabres for melee combat and beam guns for ranged attack.
Beam sabres
The Methuss (Avey Alva use) had two beam sabres stored in its legs instead of six that the standard Methuss had. These had output rated at 0.5 megawatts.
The beam sabres used an I-field to contain Minovsky particles within the shape of a blade. The beam sabres could cut through almost any material. Minovsky particles were channelled into the sabres through an energy capacitor (E-cap) attached to their hilts. The E-cap recharged with Minvosky particles from the Methuss’s reactor when the sabres were stored in the recharge racks in the rear waist armour of the mobile suit.
MSA-005 Methuss beam sabre
Beam guns
The Methuss (Avey Alva use) had six beam gun instead of two that the standard Methuss had one mounted on its each fore arm, and two on each leg. The beam guns had output rated at 0.2 megawatts.
The beam guns drew their rounds directly from the Methuss’s Minovsky reactor. Minovksy particles broke down matter at a molecular level, allowing the beam guns bolts to penetrate even the thickest armour. This meant that a single shot could destroy a mobile suit.
MSA-005 Methuss beam gun
MSA-005 Methuss (Avey Alva use)
MSA-005 Methuss (Avey Alva use)
Known pilots
Behind the scenes
Unknown original mechanical designer.