MSA-005K Guncannon DT
(Guncannon Detector) Artillery mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics for Karaba.
The MSA-005K Guncannon DT (also known as the Guncannon Detector) was a prototype artillery mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics for the anti-Titans organisation Karaba during the Gryps Conflict.
The “MSA” in the model code indicated it was from Anaheim Electronics’ mobile suit line, with “005” denoting its development from the MSA-005 Methuss. The “K” suffix stood for Karaba, the organisation that commissioned the unit. “DT” stood for “Detector,” reflecting the mobile suit’s advanced sensor capabilities.
History
During the Gryps Conflict, the AEUG’s sister organisation Karaba placed an order with Anaheim Electronics for a new artillery mobile suit suitable for use in guerilla combat with stable shooting ability. The requirements emphasised the need for a ground-based artillery platform that could operate effectively in Karaba’s asymmetric warfare tactics against the Titans.
Anaheim produced the MSA-005K Guncannon DT, which used the same mobile frame as the MSA-005 Methuss units assigned to the AEUG flagship Argama. This parts commonality reduced development time and costs whilst providing proven reliability.
It was known that two units were built and dropped by shuttle to North America. While one machine was destroyed in a failed landing attempt, the other was safely collected by Karaba. It was painted with a red colour scheme and called “Guncannon Detector” by Hayato Kobayashi, one of Karaba’s leaders who had previously piloted an RX-77-2 Guncannon during the One Year War.
After the Gryps Conflict, a small number of Guncannon Detectors were inducted into the Earth Federation Forces. In UC 0096, two Guncannon Detectors were deployed by the Earth Federation Forces to protect the Torrington Base against an assault by Zeon Remnants forces, where they provided fire support and disabled multiple enemy transport units.
Design
The Guncannon Detector represented a sophisticated approach to artillery mobile suit design, combining the proven Methuss frame with newly developed weapons systems. Almost all of its armour was newly designed specifically for ground combat operations, optimising protection against terrestrial threats.
The mobile suit featured a panoramic monitor cockpit with linear seat configuration, providing the pilot with enhanced situational awareness crucial for artillery operations. The targeting scope and sensor system of the Guncannon Detector was quite advanced, with sensors capable of detecting targets at ranges up to 9,200 metres.
By applying the variable form of the Methuss, the Guncannon Detector could transform into its Artillery Form. This transformation involved kneeling and unfolding its front armour under the waist to form a three-point support system along with the legs, creating a stable platform for precise long-range fire. This stable position allowed it to fire extremely accurate shots with minimal recoil interference.
The mobile suit was powered by a Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor rated at 1,780 kW, providing sufficient power for its energy weapons and advanced sensor suite. Its propulsion system generated 64,600 kg of total thrust, giving it good mobility for repositioning between fire missions.
Armaments
The Guncannon Detector’s standard weapons were twin beam cannons for long-range artillery bombardment, a beam rifle for medium-range engagements, and a shoulder-mounted beam gun for close combat support.
Vulcan guns
Mounted on the head, the pair of vulcan guns were small calibre shell-firing weapons with 30 mm bores. They had low firepower compared to beam weapons, but their rapid-fire capability made them useful for destroying missiles, deterring closing enemy machines, and providing suppressive fire during combat operations.
Beam gun
Attached to the right shoulder’s front armour, the beam gun was a semi-automatic beam weapon designed for close combat engagements. This weapon provided the Guncannon Detector with defensive capability when enemy units closed to short range, complementing its primary artillery role.
Beam cannons
The Guncannon Detector’s primary weapons were twin beam cannons mounted on the backpack. These weapons provided substantial firepower with an impressive range, allowing the mobile suit to engage targets at extreme distances. The beam cannons were highly efficient and could dominate large portions of a battlefield when properly positioned.
The cannons benefited from the mobile suit’s advanced targeting systems and stable Artillery Form, enabling precision strikes against enemy positions and mobile suits alike. Their high power output made them capable of penetrating heavy armour and destroying fortified positions.
Beam rifle
A custom beam rifle was specifically made for the Guncannon Detector, created by combining various beam devices owned by Karaba. Although an improvised weapon, it later contributed to the verification of equipment procurement with multiple functions and uses, proving excellent for practical field operations.
The beam rifle had a power rating of 2.7 MW and was mounted on the right forearm, allowing for rapid deployment and accurate fire. Its integration into the mobile suit’s arm reduced the time needed to acquire and engage targets.
Grenade launcher
The Guncannon Detector’s beam rifle was fitted with an underslung grenade launcher mounted underneath the beam rifle. The grenades were not very effective against large ships with thick armour, but proved ideal as mid-range anti-mobile suit weapons, providing additional tactical flexibility in combat situations.
Known pilots
- Hayato Kobayashi (Karaba)
- Various Earth Federation Forces pilots (post-Gryps Conflict)
Behind the scenes
Kazumi Fujita was the original mechanical designer for the Z-MSV version. Katoki Hajime later redesigned the mobile suit for its appearances in the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn novel, OVA adaptation, and television re-cut.
The mobile suit’s name “Detector” reflected its advanced sensor capabilities, though despite taking references from the RX-77 Guncannon in its armament layout, the suit was not directly related to the original Guncannon series. The name was chosen by Hayato Kobayashi due to his personal connection to the Guncannon he had piloted during the One Year War.
Appearances
See also
External links
- MSA-005K Guncannon DT on MAHQ
- MSA-005K Guncannon Detector on the Gundam Wiki