MSN-04-II Nightingale
Prototype Newtype-use mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics.
MSN-04-II Nightingale
The MSN-04-II Nightingale was a prototype Newtype-use mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics as an alternative to the MSN-04 Sazabi. Developed exclusively for Char Aznable, the leader of Neo Zeon, its most prominent feature was the incorporation of a Psycho-Frame. As a result, the Nightingale was completed as a Mobile Suit (MS) with capabilities akin to a Mobile Armor (MA).
The “MSN” in the model code indicated it was a Newtype-use mobile suit, whilst the “04” denoted that it was the fourth design in the line. The “II” suffix distinguished it as a variant of the MSN-04 Sazabi.
History
The MSN-04-II Nightingale was a further development of the MSN-04 Sazabi used by Neo Zeon leader Char Aznable during the Second Neo Zeon War in UC 0093. The Nightingale was deployed during Char’s Rebellion and overwhelmed Amuro Ray’s RGZ-91 Re-GZ. It was as powerful as the RX-93-ν2 Hi-ν Gundam during the battle over Axis.
Due to Char exclusively using the Sazabi during the war, there was no official record of the Nightingale’s existence. The mobile suit existed primarily in concept and design documentation, representing what could have been had Neo Zeon pursued this alternative development path.
Design
The Nightingale was an MS with exceptional abilities and its silhouette greatly deviated from a human design, with overhanging binders on both shoulders, a large rear armor piece that extended backwards, and front armor as large as the legs. Much larger in size than the Sazabi, the Nightingale’s armaments included a large mega beam rifle, a shield that mounted three missiles, a beam tomahawk and 10 remote controlled funnels.
Despite its unconventional design, mobility devices placed on the shoulders and rear armor enabled the MS to gain high mobility and operability, and the five propellant tanks allowed for long combat operations.
The mobile suit’s Psycho-Frame technology was integrated throughout its structure, allowing enhanced responsiveness to a Newtype pilot’s mental commands. This advanced psycommu system enabled precise control of the Nightingale’s numerous funnel weapons.
The Nightingale had thick Gundarium alloy armor that provided superior protection whilst remaining relatively lightweight compared to conventional materials. Its unconventional proportions accommodated the extensive psycommu equipment and propellant systems required for extended combat operations.
The mobile suit was powered by a Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor rated at 6,760 kW, significantly more powerful than standard mobile suits of the era. This high output was necessary to power the extensive beam weaponry and psycommu systems.
Armaments
Large mega beam rifle
A large firearm with a total length of approximately 30 meters that could emit a high-powered particle beam. The rifle’s exceptional size and power output made it capable of destroying multiple enemy units with a single shot. The weapon drew its energy directly from the Nightingale’s reactor through a direct feed cable.
The rifle featured an advanced targeting system that interfaced with the mobile suit’s sensors, allowing for precise long-range engagements. Its beam output exceeded that of standard mobile suit beam rifles, rivalling the firepower of ship-mounted weapons.
Beam tomahawk
Equipped with three devices, the beam tomahawk served as the Nightingale’s primary melee weapon. The weapon could generate multiple beam edges simultaneously, creating devastating close-combat potential. When not in use, the tomahawk was stored within the shield for quick deployment.
Shield
The Nightingale mounted a defensive shield on its left forearm that incorporated three missiles for offensive capability. The shield’s surface featured anti-beam coating to defend against energy weapons, whilst its integrated missiles provided additional firepower for mid-range engagements.
Funnels
Five Funnels were equipped on each of the movable binders, resulting in a total of ten funnels. They were resized Funnels from the NZ-333 α Azieru, and had high operability due to the adoption of a large-capacity condenser system.
The funnels were controlled via the Nightingale’s advanced psycommu system, allowing the pilot to conduct all-range attacks. Each funnel mounted a beam cannon capable of destroying enemy mobile suits, and their compact generators provided extended operational time compared to previous funnel designs.
Hidden manipulators
Simplified manipulators which functioned as hidden arms were attached to the back of the left and right front skirt. Each manipulator was equipped with a Beam Saber which could be used for surprise attacks during close combat.
Known pilots
Behind the scenes
According to designer Izubuchi Yutaka, the Nightingale was designed much later than the Sazabi. The Sazabi design was done before the movie animation production commenced, where the Nightingale was done after that.
Izubuchi Yutaka was the original mechanical designer for the Nightingale. The design represented his vision of an ultimate Newtype mobile suit that pushed the boundaries of what was technically feasible during the late Universal Century.
Gunpla
Bandai released several model kits of the Nightingale:
- RE/100 1/100 MSN-04-II Nightingale (2015)
- HGUC 1/144 MSN-04-II Nightingale (2021)
Appearances
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack - Beltorchika’s Children
External links
- MSN-04-II Nightingale on MAHQ
- MSN-04-II Nightingale on the Gundam Wiki