MSM-04 Acguy Search Type – MechaBay

The MSM-04 Acguy Search Type was a reconnaissance amphibious mobile suit used by Zeon remnants during operations in the South Seas Alliance in August UC 0080. It was a specialised variant of the standard MSM-04 Acguy designed for intelligence gathering and command operations.

The “MS” in the model code referred to it being a mobile suit, while the “M” identified it as an amphibious model. The “04” indicated it was based on the fourth design in the MSM line, with “Search Type” denoting its reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering capabilities.

History

The Principality of Zeon’s standard amphibious MSM-04 Acguy saw wide use on Earth during the One Year War in UC 0079. It continued to see use after the war with Zeon remnants committed to fighting the Earth Federation Forces.

In August UC 0080, Zeon remnants deployed a specially outfitted Acguy team under the command of Daryl Lorenz to retrieve a spy embedded in the South Seas Alliance. The Acguy Search Type specialised in intelligence gathering and command, serving as the eyes and ears of the operation while coordinating the activities of other team members.

The mission went awry when the Acguy team was spotted by civilians, which led to combat against the Alliance’s SRf-06 Dahles mobile suits. Despite the tactical setback, the Search Type’s reconnaissance capabilities proved valuable in assessing enemy positions and coordinating the team’s response.

Design

The Acguy Search Type retained the fundamental design characteristics of the standard MSM-04 Acguy, including its dual Minovsky fusion reactor system that provided efficient power output while maintaining the low heat signatures essential for covert reconnaissance operations.

The key modification was the integration of advanced sensor equipment specifically designed for intelligence gathering and battlefield reconnaissance. Like other Acguy variants, it featured interchangeable forearms, but its equipment loadout prioritised sensor systems over heavy weaponry.

The Search Type’s mission pack included specialised communication equipment, including an antenna for laser communication that allowed secure contact with friendly forces without the risk of radio interception. This capability was crucial for coordinating complex multi-unit operations behind enemy lines.

Armaments

The Acguy Search Type’s armament was deliberately kept minimal to maximise space and power for its sensor systems, retaining only essential weapons for self-defence.

105 mm vulcan guns

Four fire-linked 105 mm vulcan guns were mounted in the Acguy Search Type’s head. These weapons served primarily as defensive armament, capable of engaging lightly armored targets and providing point defence against incoming missiles. While not powerful enough to threaten heavily armored mobile suits, they were sufficient for the Search Type’s primarily non-combat role.

Mega particle cannon

The standard mega particle cannon was retained in the right forearm, providing the Search Type with anti-mobile suit capability when stealth was no longer possible. This weapon ensured that the reconnaissance unit could defend itself if discovered during intelligence-gathering operations.

Reconnaissance equipment

The Acguy Search Type was equipped with several specialised reconnaissance systems:

Optional visor: A sensor visor could be mounted over the monoeye when in use, providing enhanced visual reconnaissance capabilities and target identification systems.

Topographical scanning unit: Mounted on the left arm, this system could create detailed maps of terrain and identify strategic positions, fortifications, and potential infiltration routes.

Periscope: A swivelling periscope mounted on the back allowed the Search Type to observe surface conditions while remaining submerged, providing crucial intelligence without revealing its position.

The mission pack also included a sonar probe system similar to that used by Federation Hover Trucks, allowing for underwater detection and tracking of enemy vessels and mobile suits.

Known pilots

Daryl Lorenz (team commander, August UC 0080)

Behind the scenes

The Acguy Search Type appeared in the Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt manga by Yasuo Ohtagaki and its subsequent ONA adaptation. The design emphasised the importance of intelligence gathering in modern mobile suit warfare, showing how older platforms could be adapted for specialised reconnaissance roles.

In the ONA adaptation, when Daryl activated the enemy search system of his Acguy, the words “ZWINEMN_SYSTEMS” could be seen on the Acguy’s interface, referencing the fictional company that developed the original Acguy design.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt (manga)
Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt (ONA)

External links

MSM-04 Acguy Search Type on MAHQ
MSM-04 Acguy (Thunderbolt Ver.) on the Gundam Wiki