MSN-04X2 Sazabi Prototype (Terrain Mode) – MechaBay

The MSN-04X2 Sazabi Prototype (Terrain Mode) was a prototype Newtype use mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics as an early test configuration of the MSN-04 Sazabi. This variant was specifically configured for ground operations during the development phase of Char Aznable’s ultimate mobile suit.

The “MSN” designation indicated it was a Neo Zeon Newtype use mobile suit, with “04” denoting its place in the development sequence. The “X2” marked it as the second experimental prototype variant.

Development history

A Newtype-use mobile suit designed for Neo Zeon’s new supreme commander, Char Aznable. It was envisioned as the culmination of Zeon-line mobile suits and boasted incredible firepower in a single machine. Initially, the MSN-03 Jagd Doga was developed as a custom mobile suit for Char, but it failed to meet his requirements, so the overall design was revised.

The design of this machine came up after exploring the possibilities of the Psycho-Frame, starting with the Psycho Plate, and accumulating data from various prototypes and experimental machines. The suit underwent several name changes, but in the end, it was given the name “Sazabi” by a developer who had kept the name to himself.

This Sazabi Prototype (Terrain Mode) was one of the models used in assembling the MSN-04 Sazabi on the premise of the Earth Cooling Operation, so an AMS-119 Geara Doga’s cockpit core diverted to a two-seater type was temporarily installed in the torso. A Jagd Doga’s head was attached as the head.

Design features

Frame and construction

Standing 23.0 metres tall, the Sazabi Prototype was constructed from Gundarium alloy armour materials. As a result, it became a heavy mobile suit, one size larger than the Jagd Doga and the AMS-123X Varguil due to the required equipment, armaments and combat capability, in order to counter the Earth Federation Forces.

The mobile suit featured a temporary cockpit configuration using components from the AMS-119 Geara Doga, adapted to a two-seater configuration and installed in the torso rather than the head location used in the final Sazabi design.

Psycho-Frame integration

This prototype incorporated early Psycho-Frame technology, building upon data gathered from Psycho Plate experiments and various other prototype machines. The psycho-frame cockpit enhanced the pilot’s responsiveness and control over the mobile suit.

Terrain-specific modifications

The Terrain Mode configuration included specific adaptations for ground operations, with equipment optimised for Earth-based combat scenarios rather than space operations.

Performance

The mobile suit was powered by a Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor with an output of 3,340 kW. The rocket thrusters generated a total output of 92,000 kg, providing substantial propulsion for its size and weight.

Simply put, this “prototype” was equipped with a generator that was a generation older than the Sazabi that would later appear in Char’s Counterattack. This later, custom-built, large generator required a tremendous amount of space, so the temporary cockpit in its chest was shifted to the head with an escape pod system, thus completing the Sazabi’s final form.

Armaments

Fixed armaments

Diffuse mega particle cannon

Mounted in the abdomen, the diffuse mega particle cannon served as the mobile suit’s primary built-in ranged weapon, capable of firing wide-area beam attacks.

Beam sabers

The prototype was equipped with two beam sabers for close combat, providing standard melee capability for a mobile suit of its class.

Propellant tanks

Two propellant tanks were mounted to extend the mobile suit’s operational time and provide additional fuel for sustained combat operations.

Handheld weapons

Long rifle

A large beam rifle developed by the Sazabi Project. It was also compatible with the Varguil and Moon Gundam. The Long Rifle with long range and high single-shot firepower was prepared as a handheld weapon for this prototype configuration.

Beam tomahawk saber

The mobile suit could wield a beam tomahawk saber for close combat, providing additional melee options beyond the standard beam sabers.

Optional equipment

Shield

The prototype could mount a shield equipped with three missiles, providing both defensive capability and additional firepower.

Funnels

Six funnels could be deployed as remote weapons, allowing for all-range attacks when operated by a Newtype pilot. These represented an early implementation of the funnel system that would be refined in the final Sazabi design.

Operational history

The MSN-04X2 was piloted by Supreme Commander Char Aznable during test operations. It was used in a notable engagement where Char, about to greet Mineva Zabi at the Antarctic base, clashed with Yutta Kassim’s AMS-123X-X Moon Gundam.

This combat test provided valuable data that was incorporated into the final MSN-04 Sazabi design, helping to refine the mobile suit’s systems and performance characteristics.

Known pilots

Char Aznable - Supreme Commander of Neo Zeon who piloted the prototype during test operations

Variants

As the Sazabi was likely the most “powerful” suit, there were probably several prototypes, including some that had been abandoned, so this current model was just one of those. The MSN-04X2 represented one stage in the development progression toward the final MSN-04 Sazabi.

Behind the scenes

The MSN-04X2 Sazabi Prototype (Terrain Mode) was designed by Ippei Gyoubu for the Mobile Suit Moon Gundam manga series written by Harutoshi Fukui. The design served to bridge the gap between the Jagd Doga and the final Sazabi, showing the development progression of Char’s ultimate mobile suit.

At Fukui’s request, the cockpit was set up in the chest, as depicted in the novel (Hi-Streamer), and could also be turned into a double-seater via attachment. This was based on Yutaka Izubuchi’s early draft of the suit, known then as Zanac.

MSN-04X2 Sazabi Prototype