RGM-96Xs Jesta (Shezarr Type) – MechaBay | Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative

The RGM-96Xs Jesta (Shezarr Type) was a special operations variant of the Earth Federation Forces’ RGM-96X Jesta. 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. The mobile suit featured advanced sensors and specialised equipment for Operation Phoenix Hunt.

Development and design

A special operation mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics, the Jestas used by the Shezarr unit for “Operation Phoenix Hunt” all have scope-type sensor enhancement units equipped on their heads. The design was based on the proven RGM-96X Jesta platform, with modifications for specific operational roles.

Common to all three team configurations was the head-mounted scope sensor unit, which enhanced the suit’s shooting performance when deployed. The Team A version featured a high mobility backpack and could mount external propellant tanks. 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.

Model number

The model number RGM-96Xs follows Earth Federation Forces designation conventions:

R = Renpou (Federation)
G = General purpose
M = Mobile suit
96 = Development number sequence
X = Experimental variant
s = Special operations variant

Technical specifications

The Jesta (Shezarr Type) maintained the basic specifications of the standard Jesta but with variations in mass and thrust depending on the team configuration. The Team A version was heavier due to its high mobility backpack and external propellant tanks, whilst the Teams B and C versions were lighter but carried specialised equipment.

Performance

The Team A version featured a high mobility backpack that provided enhanced thrust output of 110,300 kg total, allowing for rapid repositioning and hit-and-run tactics. The Teams B and C versions had reduced thrust output of 89,030 kg total but carried mission-specific equipment.

Armament

Fixed armament

The Jesta (Shezarr Type) retained the standard armament of the base Jesta model. Like the normal Jesta, the Jesta (Shezarr Type) has a head-mounted vulcan pod system. The system contains a 60mm vulcan gun that has low firepower but a high rate of fire, and is extremely effective at restraining enemy machines.

As with the normal Jesta, the Jesta (Shezarr Type) has three hand grenades in each of the grenade racks mounted on the side of the waist. These throwing weapons can be launched directly from the rack, functioning as self-propelled projectiles. The beam saber was stored on the left forearm, following standard Federation mobile suit conventions.

Optional armament

The Jesta (Shezarr Type) could equip various weapons depending on the team assignment. The same beam rifle as used by the standard Jesta, it serves as the main weapon of the Jesta (Shezarr Type, Team A) and is also used by the Team C after they used up the capture gun.

Team B units were equipped with a high output beam weapon originally designed for the RGZ-95 ReZEL and its Commander variant, it is configured as a standalone weapon mounted on a tripod. The shield possessed minor offensive capabilities with its two 2-tube missile launchers.

Team C units carried a unique capture gun that shoots a capsule that releases a large electromagnetic net that shrink upon contact to immobilize and capture the target mobile suit. The weapon could only be loaded with a single capsule each time, requiring reload after each shot.

Operational history

Operation Phoenix Hunt

In UC 0097, the Shezarr team, commanded by Iago Haakana, made contact with the Phenex in Side 4’s shoal zone. The operation was part of the Earth Federation Forces’ attempt to capture the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex.

As part of the “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 still failed to trap the Phenex. The Team B units attempted to disable the Phenex’s thrusters but were unsuccessful.

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. The coordination between the specialised Jesta units and the Narrative Gundam demonstrated the tactical flexibility of the Shezarr configuration.

Known pilots

Iago Haakana (Team commander)

Variants

The Jesta (Shezarr Type) came in three distinct team configurations:

Team A version: High mobility configuration with external propellant tanks
Team B version: Heavy fire support configuration with mega beam launcher and tripod
Team C version: Capture operations configuration with electromagnetic net launcher

Behind the scenes

The RGM-96Xs Jesta (Shezarr Type) was designed for Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative. The mobile suit’s mechanical design was based on the established RGM-96X Jesta platform with modifications to showcase specialised Federation operations capabilities.

The design emphasised the modularity concept, with three distinct team configurations demonstrating different tactical approaches to mobile suit operations. The head-mounted sensor scope became the signature distinguishing feature of the Shezarr Type units.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative (2018)

External links

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