RX-105 Ξ Gundam

By Jenxi Seow

Published

Updated

RX-105 Xi Gundam

RX-105 Ξ Gundam

The “R” in the model code meant it was a Federation model((Federation in Japanese is renpou, hence the use of “R”.)) and the “X” indicated that it was an experimental mobile suit. The “105” in the model code denoted it was developed in UC 0105.

Production overview

Model number: RX-105

Code name: Ξ Gundam

Type: Prototype general purpose mobile suit

Completed: Unknown

First deployment: April UC 0105

Manufacturer: Anaheim Electronics

Operator: Mafty

Developed from: RX-104FF Penelope

Developed into: None

Variants: None

General characteristics

Crew: Pilot only

Cockpit: Panoramic monitor with linear seat cockpit in torso

Head height: 26.0 m

Total height: Unknown

Empty weight: 32.0 t

Gross weight: 80.0 t

Armour: Gundarium alloy

Sensors: Standard

Sensor range: Unknown

Performance

Power plant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor

Power output: 3.980 kW

Propulsion: 160,000 kg total

Flight system: 2 x Minovsky Flight Unit

Max speed: Mach 2

180° turn time: Unknown

Thrust-to-weight ratio: Unknown

Equipment

Fixed

  • 2 x vulcan gun
  • 2 x beam sabre
  • 1 x shield
  • 10 x funnel missile

Handheld

  • 1 x beam rifle

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.

RX-105 Ξ Gundam from Gundam SD G Generation
RX-105 Ξ Gundam from Gundam SD Generation
RX-105 Ξ Gundam from Gundam SD G Generation rear
RX-105 Ξ Gundam SD Generation rear

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.

RX-105 Ξ Gundam bottom
RX-105 Ξ Gundam bottom
RX-105 Ξ Gundam top
RX-105 Ξ Gundam top
RX-105 Ξ Gundam novel coloured
RX-105 Ξ Gundam novel lineart

Armaments

The Ξ Gundam’s standard weapons were two beam sabers for melee combat and a beam rifle for ranged attacks. It also had ten funnels missiles as secondary weapons.

Beam rifle

The Beam Rifle was the Ξ Gundam’s primary weapon. It had an initial velocity that was almost double that of previous beam rifle models.

RX-105 Ξ Gundam beam rifle
RX-105 Ξ Gundam beam rifle

The rifle drew its rounds from energy packs (E-packs), clips of charged Minovsky particles. Minovksy particles broke down matter at a molecular level, allowing the beam rifle bolts to penetrate even the thickest armour. This meant that a single shot could destroy a mobile suit.

These E-packs were used by the RGM-89 Jegan Type-A and other modern mobile suits.

Vulcan guns

A fire-linked gatling vulcan gun was mounted on either sides of the Ξ Gundam’s head.

The vulcan guns were used primarily against light-armoured support units. Sustained fire from the guns could damage mobile suits and were often used in close distance combat. They also served as missile defence.

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.

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.

RX-105 Ξ Gundam shield
RX-105 Ξ Gundam shield

Funnel missiles

The Ξ Gundam had ten funnels mounted on its rear skirt armour. These were psycommu-guided missiles that could track targets to a certain degree despite being in environments with high Minovsky particle density.

Known pilots

Behind the scenes

Hajime Katoki and Seiichi Nakatani were the original mechanical designers. Yasuhiro Morik designed the version in the Hathaway’s Flash novel.

Gunpla

Bandai has released the HGUC 1/144 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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HGUC RX-105 Xi Gundam 1/144
HGUC 1/144 RX-105 Xi Gundam
HGUC Xi Gundam vs Penelope funnel missile effect set 1/144
HGUC 1/144 Xi Gundam vs Penelope funnel missile effect set

Appearances