The MSA-005S Methuss Kai was a prototype transformable assault mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics for AEUG. 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, and the “S” meant it was an upgraded version of the MS-005S.
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 success of the Methuss spurred Anaheim Electronics to continue with Project Methuss. The Project produced several Methuss variants including MSA-005M Methuss Mariner, MSA-005 Methuss (Avey Alva use) customised for AEUG test pilot Avey Alva, and MSA-005S Methuss Kai. The Methus Kai was specialised for bombardment missions.
Anaheim Electronics built several units for Karaba and the latter deployed them on Earth against the Titans.
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.
The MSA-005S Methuss Kai was a variant of the Methuss designed for bombardment purposes. It had a high mega cannon built into its main body, in the nose of its mobile armour mode. The Anaheim Electronics engineers strengthened the Methuss Kai’s joints to avoid problems encountered by the Methuss due to weaker joints.
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 83,000 kg provided main propulsion for the Methuss Kai, more than the 77,000 kg of the Methuss. Twelve sets of vernier thruster and apogee motors provided fine adjustments. This gave the Methuss Kai greater thrust compared to its predecessor.
The Methuss Kai had a standard panoramic cockpit with linear seat in its torso.
MSA-005S Methuss Kai profile
Armaments
The MSA-005S Methuss Kai’s standard weapons was beam sabres for melee combat and a high mega cannon for ranged attack.
Beam sabres
The Methuss Kai had two beam sabres stored in its legs. 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 Kai’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
High mega cannon
The Methuss Kai had a high mega cannon built into its main body. When in mobile armour mode, the cannon was in its nose.
The high mega cannon drew its rounds directly from the Methuss Kai’s Minovsky reactor. Minovksy particles broke down matter at a molecular level, allowing the cannon bolts to penetrate even the thickest armour. This meant that a single shot could destroy a mobile suit or even pierce the hull of battleships.
Behind the scenes
Kazumi Fujita was the original mechanical designer.