MSN-001A1 Delta Plus
Prototype transformable strike mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics.
The MSN-001A1 Delta Plus was a prototype transformable strike mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics for Londo Bell.
The “MSN” in the model code indicated it was a Newtype-use mobile suit, and the “001A1” denoted it was the first design in the MSN series with an “A1” variant designation. The Delta Plus was part of Anaheim Electronics’ Project Zeta, as indicated by the Greek letter Delta (Δ) in its codename.
History
During the Gryps War of UC 0087, Anaheim Electronics developed next generation transforming mobile suits for the AEUG resistance group under the Project Zeta banner. One of the designs, codenamed MSN-001 Delta Gundam, was canceled when the transformation mechanism proved too difficult to implement. The design was retooled into the non-transforming MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki, which was used by the AEUG during the Gryps War and First Neo Zeon War.
In UC 0090, Anaheim returned to the drawing board and produced the transforming MSN-001A1 Delta Plus. The development team incorporated technologies from the Zeta series of mobile suits, as well as operating data from the MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki. This allowed them to finally create a functioning transformable mobile suit based on the original Delta Gundam concept.
In UC 0096, after the SCVA-76 Nahel Argama lost most of its fighting strength in battle against the Sleeves at Industrial 7, and prior to Operation Billiard, it received a resupply of mobile suits, including a Delta Plus. Since the Delta Plus was a non-standard prototype that was hard to incorporate into a team formation, it was assigned to the Nahel Argama, which was likewise a non-standard ship that often operated on its own.
Riddhe Marcenas, whose RGZ-95 ReZEL was destroyed during the battle at Industrial 7, was assigned to pilot the Delta Plus. He used the mobile suit during various operations, including an unauthorized trip to Earth with Mineva Lao Zabi. Later, the Delta Plus was heavily damaged in a cramped fight aboard the Garuda against Marida Cruz’s RX-0 Gundam Unicorn 02 Banshee.
Design
The MSN-001A1 Delta Plus was developed as an all-purpose attack machine, capable of operating both in space and in the atmosphere. Like the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam, the Delta Plus was capable of transforming into a Wave Rider Mode with the ability to enter the atmosphere unassisted. The Wave Rider Mode’s thrust was high enough to not only achieve atmospheric flight, but also serve as a Sub-Flight System for another mobile suit under 1G of gravity.
The Delta Plus adopted a unique layout that concentrated all of its thrusters on the lower body and had no thrusters mounted on the upper torso. This design philosophy prioritised the transformation sequence and aerodynamic efficiency in Wave Rider mode. The mobile suit utilised Gundarium alloy armor for protection while maintaining the weight necessary for atmospheric flight capability.
The unit was equipped with a biosensor system, which was less advanced than Neo Zeon versions and showed no performance improvement with regular pilots. However, it could potentially enhance performance when operated by Newtype pilots. Aaron Terzieff noted that Riddhe was able to activate the biosensor, albeit only its lowest setting.
The Delta Plus’ design made it difficult to incorporate into a mobile suit team due to its unique capabilities and operating requirements. Its transformation system required considerable space and time to execute, making it more suitable for independent operations rather than close formation combat.
Armaments
The Delta Plus’s standard weapons were 60 mm vulcan guns for close-range defence, a beam rifle for ranged attacks, and beam sabers for melee combat.
60 mm vulcan guns
A pair of fire-linked 60 mm vulcan guns were mounted in the Delta Plus’s head. These rapid-fire weapons were primarily used for intercepting missiles, engaging lightly armoured targets, and providing suppressive fire. While not powerful enough to significantly damage mobile suit armor, they were effective for point defence and restraining enemy movements.
Beam rifle
The Delta Plus was equipped with a beam rifle as its primary ranged weapon. The rifle utilised rechargeable energy capacitors and provided the mobile suit with effective anti-mobile suit capability. The weapon could penetrate most contemporary mobile suit armor with a single well-placed shot.
Shield
The mobile suit mounted a shield that featured both defensive and offensive capabilities. The shield included a beam cannon and a 2-tube grenade launcher, providing additional firepower options. In mobile suit mode, the shield mounted on the left arm, while in waverider mode it functioned as the nose section, maintaining the unit’s aerodynamic profile.
Beam sabers
The Delta Plus carried two beam sabers stored in recharge racks within the shield. These energy weapons used I-field technology to contain Minovsky particles in the shape of a blade, allowing them to cut through most materials not treated with anti-beam coating. Uniquely, the beam sabers could also function as beam guns in waverider mode, providing additional ranged firepower during atmospheric flight.
Known pilots
Variants
Virtual combat opponent
Within the Delta Plus’s operating system, developers had programmed an easter egg: a virtual combat program featuring the MSN-001 Delta Gundam piloted by an AI simulation of Quattro Bajeena. This served as both an advanced training system and a tribute to the original concept.
Behind the scenes
Hajime Katoki was the original mechanical designer for the MSN-001A1 Delta Plus, based on the design from the Gundam Unicorn novels.
The Delta Plus design represented Anaheim Electronics’ successful resolution of the transformation mechanism issues that had plagued the original Delta Gundam project during the Gryps War era.
Appearances
See also
External links
- MSN-001A1 Delta Plus on the Gundam Wiki
- MSN-001A1 Delta Plus on MAHQ