The MSN-001 Delta Gundam was a prototype transformable assault mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics for the AEUG. The “MSN” in the model code stands for mobile suit designed by Doctor Nagano, the lead engineer for the team that designed it. This is unrelated to the MSN series developed by Zeon. The “001” in the model code indicates that it was the first mobile weapon designed by Dr Nagano.
History
The AEUG engaged Anaheim Electronics to embark on Project Zeta to develop their next generation mobile suits during the Gryps Conflict. The goal of the project was to produce transformable mobile suit MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam. The MSN-001 Delta Gundam was an early proposal rejected as it could not fit the transformation system. Instead of discarding the good design, Anaheim engineers revised it to create the MSN-00100 Hyaku-Shiki.
The Delta Gundam was later improved with data from the Zeta Gundam to create the MSN-001A1 Delta Plus.
Although the Delta Gundam did not see actual combat, Riddhe Marcenas duelled the suit in a simulator against Quattro Bajeena‘s combat data in UC 0094.
Design
Anaheim Electronics developed the MSN-001 Delta Gundam using data and design features from the RMS-099 (MSA-099) Rick Dias and MSA-003 Nemo. It was a transformable mobile suit. The frame of the Delta Gundam proved unsuitable for the strains of transformation. Instead of scrapping the design, Anaheim engineers converted it into a non-transformable mobile suit in the form of the MSN-00100 Hyaku-Shiki.
It used a bright, reflective gold paint coating that made it a distinct target in battle. The prominent colour was used to taunt the Titans, and a show of confidence in the anti-beam properties of the coating. However, actual data indicated that the gold paint had only slightly better anti-beam properties compared to other anti-beam coating.
The Delta Gundam 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.
Rocket thrusters with a combined output of 100,400 kg provided main propulsion for the Delta Gundam. Twelve sets of vernier thruster and apogee motors provided fine adjustments. This made it faster and more manoeuvrable than the Hyaku-Shiki.
The Delta Gundam had a standard panoramic cockpit with linear seat in its torso.
Armaments
The MSN-001 Delta Gundam’s standard weapons were beam sabres for melee combat and beam rifles for ranged attack.
60 mm vulcan guns
A pair of fire-linked 60 mm gatling vulcan guns were mounted on either sides of the Delta Gundam’s head.
Each vulcan gun was loaded with 400 rounds of ammunition and fired at a rate of 1,600 rounds per minute. It was used primarily against light-armoured support units. Sustained fire from the guns could damage mobile suits and were often used in close distance combat.
Hybrid beam sabres
The Delta Gundam had a pair of hybrid beam sabres. It wielded the sabres in mobile suit mode for close combat, and they functioned as beam guns in wave rider mode. These had output rated at 0.4 megawatts each.
The hybrid beam sabres used an I-field to contain Minovsky particles within the shape of a blade in sabre mode. 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 Delta Gundam’s reactor when the sabres were stored in the shield.
The hybrid beam sabres become beam guns when stored in the shield. They were used as the primary attack mode in wave rider mode. Minovksy particles broke down matter at a molecular level, allowing the beam rifle bolts to penetrate even the thickest armour. This meant that a single shot could destroy a mobile suit.
Beam rifle
The BR-M-87 beam rifle was the Delta Gundam’s primary weapon. The beam rifle had a power output rating of 2.8 megawatts.
The beam rifle drew its rounds from energy capacitors (E-caps), clips of charged Minovsky particles. Minovksy particles broke down matter at a molecular level, allowing the beam rifle bolts to penetrate even the thickest armour. This meant that a single shot could destroy a mobile suit.
Shield
The Delta Gundam had a shield mounted on its left arm. The shield was its nose in wave rider mode. The shield stored the Delta Gundam’s beam sabres.
Behind the scenes
Hajime Katoki was the original mechanical designer.