RGM-96Xs Jesta (Shezarr Type)

The RGM-96Xs Jesta (Shezarr Type) was a special operations mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics for the Earth Federation Forces’ Operation Phoenix Hunt.

The “R” in the model code meant it was a Federation model and the “GM” that it was a Gundam mass production mobile suit. The “96” in the model code denoted that it was developed from the RGM-96X series, the “X” designated it as an experimental mobile suit, and the “s” suffix indicated it was a special operations variant.

History

The RGM-96Xs Jesta (Shezarr Type) was a special operations variant of the Earth Federation Forces’ RGM-96X Jesta. The six units of the Shezarr Type came in three versions, with all types working together on the mission of capturing the runaway RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex.

In UC 0097, the Shezarr team, commanded by Iago Haakana, made contact with the Phenex in Side 4’s shoal zone. Their attack was interrupted by the arrival of Jona Basta’s RX-9 Narrative Gundam, which subsequently joined the Shezarr team in the secret Phoenix Hunt.

As part of “Operation Phoenix Hunt”, six Jesta (Shezarr Type) units were deployed in Side 4 to capture the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex. Despite several coordinated attempts, the Jestas failed to trap the Phenex. The Jestas’ commander, Iago Haakana, then received a message from an unknown source, ordering them to scatter and regroup at designated point Oscar. The Jestas spread out just in time to dodge the High Mega Cannon beam from the RX-9/A Narrative Gundam A-Packs.

During a team exercise with RX-9/B Narrative Gundam B-Packs, the Jestas received news that the Phenex was supposedly detected at colony “Metis”. Using Luio & Co.’s name, the Jestas and Narrative Gundam B-Packs managed to enter the colony. In the colony, the Jestas fought with AMS-129 Geara Zulu (Guards Type)s accompanying the MSN-06S-2 Sinanju Stein.

Design

A special operation mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics, the Jestas used by the Shezarr unit for “Operation Phoenix Hunt” all had scope-type sensor enhancement units equipped on their heads. Common to all three versions was a head-mounted scope sensor unit that improved their sensor range to 17,040 metres compared to the standard Jesta’s 14,200 metres.

The Team A version featured a high mobility backpack and could mount external propellant tanks, with improved thrust output of 110,300 kg compared to the standard 89,030 kg. The Team A version also had a higher empty weight of 27.5 metric tonnes compared to 24.8 metric tonnes for Teams B/C.

The Team B version was equipped with a mega beam launcher and tripod and rode on a Type 89 Base Jabber, while the Team C version was armed with a net-firing capture gun.

The Shezarr unit had two machines in each team for a total of six machines. Corresponding to their roles in the operation, the backpacks of the Team A’s machines were retrofitted to high mobility types, the Team B’s had sniper equipment in the form of a mega beam launcher and tripod combo, and the Team C used the capture gun and rode on the Base Jabber Type 89.

Armaments

The Jesta (Shezarr Type)‘s standard weapons were a beam rifle for ranged attacks and a beam saber for melee combat, supplemented by specialised equipment depending on the team configuration.

Head sensor scope unit

All Jesta (Shezarr Type) units were equipped with scope-type sensor enhancement units on their heads. This equipment improved their detection range to 17,040 metres, significantly enhancing their ability to track and locate targets during special operations.

Beam rifle

The Jesta (Shezarr Type) used the same beam rifle as the standard Jesta, powered by rechargeable energy capacitors. The rifle was capable of both normal firing mode and rapid-fire beam machine gun mode.

Vulcan pod system

Like the normal Jesta, the Jesta (Shezarr Type) had a head-mounted vulcan pod system. The system contained a 60mm vulcan gun that had low firepower but a high rate of fire, and was extremely effective at restraining enemy machines.

Beam saber

The beam saber was stored in a recharge rack on the left forearm and was hand-carried in use. It used an I-field to contain Minovsky particles within the shape of a blade, capable of cutting through almost any material.

Hand grenades

Six hand grenades were mounted on the hip armor, similar to the standard Jesta configuration. These could be launched directly from their racks, functioning as self-propelled projectiles.

Team-specific equipment

Team A Equipment:

• External propellant tanks (2) for extended operational range
• High mobility backpack for enhanced manoeuvrability

Team B Equipment:

• Mega beam launcher for long-range sniping
• Tripod mount for stable firing platform
• Type 89 Base Jabber for transportation

Team C Equipment:

• Capture gun for non-lethal apprehension of targets
• Type 89 Base Jabber for transportation

Known pilots

• Iago Haakana (Team leader)
• Amaja
• Delao
• Franco (Second-in-command)
• Taman
• Pavel

Behind the scenes

Katoki Hajime and Seiichi Nakatani were the original mechanical designers.

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative

External links

• RGM-96Xs Jesta (Shezarr Type) on the Gundam Wiki
• RGM-96Xs Jesta (Shezarr Type) on MAHQ