MSM-04 Acguy

The MSM-04 Acguy was a mass-produced amphibious mobile suit developed by the Zeonic for the Principality of Zeon.

The “MS” in the type code refers to it being a mobile suit, while the “M” identifies it as an amphibious model. The “04” indicates that it was the fourth design in the line.

History

During the One Year War, the Principality of Zeon began pushing its ground offensive on Earth. Although Zeon had developed the MS-09 Dom for ground use, its fusion reactor lacked sufficient power for mega particle weaponry. A reactor with adequate power output required more efficient cooling, leading engineers to consider using seawater as a coolant. This led to the development of amphibious mobile suits.

The Zeonic initially created the MS-06M Zaku Marine Type variant for underwater combat. However, this modified MS-06F Zaku II proved ineffective in battle. Zeon command then tasked both the MIP Company and Zimmad with developing purpose-built amphibious mobile suits.

The Zimmad designed the MSM-03 Gogg from scratch, revolutionising Zeon’s approach to underwater combat. This success prompted the Zeonic to apply similar concepts in developing the MSM-04 Acguy.

On 30 November UC 0079, a squadron of Acguy units led by Zeon ace pilot Char Aznable infiltrated the Earth Federation’s underground base Jaburo. Though they failed to destroy the Federation’s mobile suit factory, their successful infiltration demonstrated the Acguy’s exceptional stealth capabilities.

Design

The Zeonic designed the Acguy using internal parts from the MS-06F Zaku II to enable faster and more cost-efficient mass production. The mobile suit was powered by two Zaku II Minovsky fusion reactors. Despite these powerful reactors, the Acguy used seawater as a heat sink, maintaining relatively low heat signatures ideal for covert operations.

The body contained ballast tanks for surfacing and diving. These tanks also helped radiate reactor heat when the mobile suit operated above water. Hydrojet thrusters with a total output of 109,600 kg provided propulsion, enabling maximum speeds of 80 km/h on land and 53 knots in water.

The Acguy featured a modular forearm system allowing weapon changes to suit different combat situations. Like other contemporary Zeon mobile suits, it used super hard steel alloy armor. The standard cockpit in its torso was later refitted with a linear seat and panoramic monitor. Its sensors provided a detection range of 5,400 metres.

For reconnaissance, the Acguy could be equipped with optional equipment including a visor over its monoeye, linked to a topographical scanning unit on the left arm and a periscope on its back. The periscope allowed surface observation while submerged.

Armaments

The Acguy’s standard weapons were vulcan guns for ranged attacks and a retractable claw for close combat. Its interchangeable forearms allowed weapon swaps based on mission requirements.

Vulcan guns

Four fire-linked 105 mm vulcan guns were mounted in the Acguy’s head. These primarily targeted light-armored support units, though sustained fire could damage mobile suits in close combat.

Six-tube rocket launcher

The Acguy’s left arm contained a six-tube rocket launcher for medium to long-range attacks.

Retractable claw

The right arm featured a retractable claw for melee combat. This could grip enemy units to enable point-blank attacks from the mega particle cannon or machine gun.

Mega particle cannon

A mega particle cannon was built into the center of the right forearm, drawing power directly from the mobile suit’s reactors. Seawater cooling allowed rapid firing while submerged, though overheating became a risk during extended surface operations.

Double-barrel machine gun

An optional double-barrel machine gun module could replace the mega particle cannon in the right forearm, providing projectile weapon capability.

120 mm machine gun with flamethrower

The Acguy could wield a ZMP-50D machine gun developed for the Zaku II series. This drum-fed weapon carried 100 rounds per drum, with spare drums often carried by supporting units. It could be fitted with a flamethrower module.

Heat Hawk

The retractable claw could wield a modified Heat Hawk, delivering devastating close-range strikes with its superheated blade.

Cross shield

The right arm could alternatively carry a cross shield capable of blocking most ballistic and explosive projectiles. This was favored when deploying with ranged weapons.

Arm shield

For close combat configurations, the Acguy could mount a sleeve shield over its left arm module, allowing it to parry melee attacks while retaining its rocket launcher.

Known pilots

• Craft
• Ivanov
• Akahana
• Ramge
• Haman Karn
• Daryl Lorenz
• Billy Hickam
• Sebastian Morse
• Uma Lightning

Variants

• MSM-04 Acguy Heavy Firepower Type

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer. Yamane Kimitoshi designed the version in Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team. Ohtagaki Yasuo designed the version in the Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt manga.

Appearances

Anime

• Mobile Suit Gundam
• Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team
• Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
• Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt
• Gundam Evolve

Manga

• Mobile Suit Gundam MSV-R: The Return of Johnny Ridden
• Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: MS Generation
• Mobile Suit Gundam Climax UC: The Woven Web of a Bloodline
• Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt
• Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin MSD Cucuruz Doan’s Island
• Gundam Legacy

Novel

• Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team: Trivial Operation

External links

• MSM-04 Acguy on the Gundam Wiki
• MSM-04 Acguy on MAHQ