MSS-009 Gemeaux
Mobile suit built from spare parts of the MSS-008 Le Cygne.
The MSS-009 Gemeaux was a mobile suit built by Anaheim Electronics from spare parts of the completed MSS-008 Le Cygne and the mass-produced MSA-003 Nemo. It was developed for use by non-Newtype pilots as a more accessible alternative to the Le Cygne’s specialized systems.
Development
A mobile suit built by Anaheim Electronics from the spare parts of the completed MSS-008 Le Cygne and the mass-produced MSA-003 Nemo, it was developed for use by non-Newtype pilots. The pilot control system and experimental bio-sensor that were featured on the Le Cygne were removed in favour of a simple design that placed emphasis on ease-of-use and combat reliability.
The development of the Gemeaux represented Anaheim Electronics’ attempt to create a simplified version of the Le Cygne that could be operated effectively by conventional pilots. By removing the complex Newtype-specific systems and replacing them with more straightforward controls, the Gemeaux became accessible to a broader range of pilots whilst retaining much of the Le Cygne’s combat effectiveness.
This model’s production run paralleled that of the RX-79[G] GM Ground Type, which was limited to the quantity of spare parts of the Gundam prototype available. The Gemeaux served as both a testbed for mass production techniques and a way to maximise the utility of the Le Cygne development programme.
Model number
The MSS-009 Gemeaux model number can be broken down as follows: ‘MSS’ indicates the same custom mobile suit series designation as the Le Cygne, ‘009’ shows it was the ninth unit in this series, and ‘Gemeaux’ is French for “Gemini” (twins), reflecting its nature as a companion unit to the Le Cygne.
Design features
Although the pilot control system and experimental bio-sensor featured on the Le Cygne were removed, the Gemeaux was still a fast and highly agile machine. The mobile suit was also fitted with extra armour and inherited the Le Cygne’s distinctive shoulder armour which stored the beam sabers.
The Gemeaux shared much of the Le Cygne’s external appearance whilst internally featuring simplified systems designed for conventional pilots. The mobile suit maintained the sleek aesthetic of its predecessor whilst offering improved durability through the addition of extra armour plating.
Like the Le Cygne, the Gemeaux was constructed using Gundarium alloy for its armour materials, ensuring adequate protection despite the unit’s emphasis on mobility and speed.
Armament
Beam rifle
The Gemeaux uses the same type of beam rifle as the MSA-003 Nemo and MSA-004 Nemo II. This standardisation allowed for easier maintenance and ammunition supply whilst providing reliable firepower against most targets.
Twin beam trident
A type of unique beam saber first equipped on the MSS-008 Le Cygne. It consisted of a single hilt with beam emitters on both ends which were able to either produce a standard beam blade or three, with the standard beam in the middle and two shorter ones at the sides. This innovative weapon system was retained from the Le Cygne design, giving the Gemeaux superior melee combat capabilities.
Small shield
A standard shield designed for defensive purposes. Unlike the Le Cygne’s advanced experimental shield with its built-in thrusters and camera systems, the Gemeaux used a conventional shield that prioritised simplicity and reliability over advanced features.
Operational history
The Gemeaux saw service during the events chronicled in Mobile Suit Gundam École du Ciel, primarily operated by Jack Bayard and also piloted by test pilot Hansel Binokel. The mobile suit served as both a training platform and combat unit, demonstrating the viability of the Le Cygne’s design concepts for wider deployment.
The Gemeaux’s operational record helped inform Anaheim Electronics’ approach to developing mobile suits that could bridge the gap between highly specialised Newtype machines and standard mass production units. Its simplified control systems made it an ideal platform for evaluating pilot training methods and combat tactics.
Known pilots
- Jack Bayard - Primary pilot of the Gemeaux
- Hansel Binokel - Test pilot who also operated the MSS-008 Le Cygne
Variants
No known variants of the MSS-009 Gemeaux exist.
Behind the scenes
The MSS-009 Gemeaux was designed by Sayama Yoshinori for the Mobile Suit Gundam École du Ciel manga series written and illustrated by Mikimoto Haruhiko. The unit represents the classic Gundam design pattern of creating a simplified “GM” version from a prototype “Gundam”, similar to how the RGM-79 GM was derived from the RX-78-2 Gundam.
Interestingly, when romanised from Japanese, the name “Gemeaux” becomes “Jemo”, which serves as a nice combination of “Jimu” (GM) and “Nemo”, whilst also being a legitimate French word meaning “Gemini”.
Appearances
Manga
- Mobile Suit Gundam École du Ciel (2001-2011)