RX-105 Ξ Gundam
Mafty's advanced Gundam with Minovsky Craft.
The RX-105 Ξ Gundam (Xi Gundam) was a prototype mobile suit produced by Anaheim Electronics for the anti-Earth Federation organisation Mafty. The “R” in the model code meant it was a Federation model[foot]Federation in Japanese is renpou, hence the use of “R”.[/foot] and the “X” designated it as an experimental mobile suit. The “105” in the model number denoted that it was developed in UC 0105. The Greek letter Ξ (Xi) in the code name indicated it was part of Anaheim Electronics’ Zeta Project.
History
Anti-Earth Federation group Mafty tasked Anaheim Electronics with the creation of a prototype mobile suit to aid the group in its offensive against the Federation. The RX-105 Ξ Gundam was a fifth generation mobile suit developed along with the RX-104FF Penelope. As it started development later than the Penelope, Anaheim Electronics added more advanced technology in the Ξ Gundam.
Anaheim Electronics maintained anonymity by delivering Ξ Gundam in Cargo Pisa to low orbit. When Federation forces discovered the Mafty base in Davao, Mafty forces abandoned the base. Mafty Navue Erin travelled to low Earth orbit to retrieve the Ξ Gundam. While returning to Earth, he encountered the Penelope piloted by Lane Aim. After a brief engagement, he defeated the Penelope and regrouped with the Mafty forces.
Design
When Anaheim Electronics developed the RX-104FF Penelope for the Earth Federation, it also built the RX-105 Ξ Gundam and equipped it with more advanced technology.
The most notable design feature of the Ξ Gundam was the Minovsky Flight Unit mounted on its shoulders. The mobile suit could change into Flight Form that generated beam barriers to allow it to achieve supersonic flight in atmosphere. Top speeds of Mach 2 had been recorded.
The Ξ Gundam had an ultracompact Minovsky power plant that generated an output of 3,980 kW. It had an array of rocket thrusters that generated 160,000 kg of thrust.
The mobile suit had a standard cockpit in its torso with a panoramic monitor and linear seat.
Armament
The Ξ Gundam’s standard weapons were a beam rifle for ranged attacks, and beam sabers for melee combat. The mobile suit also fielded a blend of additional ranged and close-quarters weaponry to exploit its Minovsky-flight agility, combining heavy beam ordnance with Psycommu-guided funnel missiles.
Beam rifle
The beam rifle served as the Ξ Gundam’s primary ranged weapon, boasting an initial velocity nearly double that of earlier Federation rifles.
The rifle drew its shots from energy packs (E-packs), cartridges of charged Minovsky particles. By breaking down matter at a molecular level, each bolt could pierce heavy armour, enabling one-shot destructions of mobile suits. The same E-pack standard supported newer units such as the RGM-89 Jegan Type-A.
Vulcan guns
Fire-linked Gatling vulcans were mounted on either side of the Ξ Gundam’s head. They provided anti-missile defence and proved useful for suppressing lightly armoured support craft or finishing damaged mobile suits at close range.
Beam sabers
The Ξ Gundam carried two beam sabers for melee combat. They were docked in the recharge racks on the shoulders when not in use. The beam sabers could generate beam blades on both ends, similar to the ones used by the RX-93 ν Gundam (Nu Gundam).
The beam sabers used an I-field to contain Minovsky particles within the shape of a blade. Minovsky particles broke down matter at a molecular level. This meant that the beam saber could cut through almost any material.
Minovsky particles were channelled into the saber through an E-cap attached to its hilt. The E-cap recharged with Minvosky particles from the mobile suit’s reactor when the saber was stored in the recharge dock.
Shield
The mobile suit mounted a shield on its left arm for defence. It was able to withstand high-powered beam attacks. The shield had a beam cannon in its tip, giving it extra firepower and combat options.
Triple missile launcher
The Ξ Gundam had a triple missile launcher in both forearms and knees. Each launcher carried 7 rounds, bringing the total loadout to 84 missiles.
Funnel missiles
Ten funnel missiles mounted on the rear skirt armor offered limited-range Psycommu guidance, allowing the Ξ Gundam to pursue targets even within dense Minovsky particle storms.
Known pilots
Variants
No known variants.
Behind the scenes
Katoki Hajime and Nakatani Seiichi created the original mechanical designs, while Morik Yasuhiro provided the depiction seen in the Hathaway’s Flash novel.
Gunpla
Bandai has released the 1/144 HGUC Xi Gundam in April 2021 and a special HGUC Xi Gundam vs Penelope funnel missile effect set featuring the battle between the two Gundams.
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Appearances
External links
- RX-105 Ξ Gundam on MAHQ
- RX-105 Ξ Gundam on the Gundam Wiki
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