RX-0[N] Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn – MechaBay

The RX-0[N] Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn was an upgraded variant of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee with improved performance and new Armed Armor equipment.

The “R” in the model code meant it was a Federation model¹ and the “X” indicated that it was an experimental mobile suit. The “0” in the model code denoted that it was part of the revolutionary RX-0 series. The “[N]” designation indicated the “Norn” configuration, while “02” identified it as the second unit in the series.

History

The RX-0[N] Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn was an improved version of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee. The Banshee Norn’s performance was enhanced from the original version, and its armaments included new Armed Armor units to replace the previous Armed Armor BS and VN equipment.

In UC 0096, the Banshee Norn was assigned to Londo Bell pilot Riddhe Marcenas, who had become mentally unstable as the result of events during the Laplace Incident. The mobile suit was deployed during the final stages of the conflict against Neo Zeon forces led by Full Frontal.

After destroying the NZ-666 Kshatriya Repaired and killing pilot Marida Cruz, Riddhe returned to normal and aided RX-0 Unicorn Gundam pilot Banagher Links in fighting Full Frontal’s NZ-999 Neo Zeong and protecting the Industrial 7 space colony from an attack by the Gryps 2 colony laser.

Following the Laplace Incident, the Earth Federation Forces labelled the Unicorn Gundam and Banshee Norn as Singularity One, signifying that they were technology that had gone beyond human comprehension. Officially, the two suits were dismantled and sealed away, but as of UC 0097, the Unicorn Gundam secretly remained fully intact and in the possession of Banagher and Mineva Lao Zabi. The status of the Banshee Norn was unknown.

Design

The RX-0[N] Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn retained the base frame and capabilities of the original Banshee, including its full psychoframe construction, NT-D System, and transformation capability between Unicorn and Destroy modes. However, its performance was enhanced with increased power output and thrust.

The unit itself remained unchanged from the upgrades, with only the Armed Armors BS and VN replaced by two new equipment pieces: the Armed Armor DE and Armed Armor XC. These new systems provided different tactical capabilities compared to the original configuration.

The mobile suit had a standard cockpit in its torso with a panoramic monitor and linear seat. When Destroy mode was activated, the Armed Armor XC transformed into a shape resembling a lion’s mane, enhancing the mobile suit’s leonine appearance.

Armaments

The Banshee Norn’s armament focused on versatility and sustained combat capability, with its primary ranged weapon enhanced by a new revolving launcher attachment.

Beam magnum

The beam magnum remained the Banshee Norn’s primary ranged weapon, but with a new attachment called the revolving launcher. This enhancement provided additional tactical options while maintaining the devastating firepower of the original weapon.

Revolving launcher

A new attachment added to Banshee Norn’s beam magnum in a manner reminiscent of the RX-78-2 Gundam’s Super Napalm. Each barrel of the launcher housed a different weapon, providing multiple tactical options. A spare launcher could be stored on the rear skirt.

The revolving launcher contained several specialized weapons:

Beam jutte: A short beam saber designed to catch enemy beam sabers, allowing the pilot to quickly counter when there was no time to draw out the main beam saber
Flash bang shells: Armor-piercing shells that released a blinding flash upon explosion, with a set of four shells capable of destroying a mobile suit’s shield
Bomb case: Numerous small bombs stored in a bomb case fired from the revolving launcher

Vulcan guns

Twin 60 mm vulcan guns mounted in the head provided point defence against missiles and light targets.

Beam sabers

Four beam sabers were available—two in the forearms accessible in both modes, and two in the backpack accessible only in Destroy Mode. These could also function as beam tonfas when the forearm-mounted sabers were flipped over.

Armed Armor DE

The Armed Armor DE (Defense-Extension) acted as an expandable shield and increased the suit’s thrust power. It mounted an I-field generator and beam cannon for increased protection and offensive capability. The shield’s expandable design provided enhanced coverage when deployed.

Armed Armor XC

The back-mounted Armed Armor XC included its own power generator and also increased the pilot’s psycommu compatibility with the suit. When Destroy mode was activated, the Armed Armor XC transformed into a shape resembling a lion’s mane, giving the Banshee Norn a distinctive and intimidating appearance.

Known pilots

Riddhe Marcenas

Behind the scenes

Katoki Hajime was the original mechanical designer. The name “Norn” refers to the Norns of Norse mythology, the three sisters who control fate and destiny.

The Armed Armor XC’s lion mane transformation in Destroy Mode was designed to emphasize the Banshee’s leonine motif, creating a more dramatic visual impact during the climactic battles.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn

External links

RX-0[N] Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn on the Gundam Wiki
RX-0[N] Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee Norn on MAHQ

Federation in Japanese is renpou, hence the use of “R”. ↩