RX-178+FXA-05D Super Gundam
Prototype combined mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics for the AEUG.
The RX-178+FXA-05D Super Gundam was a prototype combined mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics for the Anti-Earth Union Group in UC 0087. It combined the RX-178 Gundam Mk-II with the FXA-05D G-Defenser support craft to create a high-performance mobile suit capable of matching the Titans’ transformable mobile suits. The combined unit utilized both machines’ Minovsky ultracompact fusion reactors to power its enhanced weapons and propulsion systems.
History
During the Gryps Conflict, the AEUG found that their captured Gundam Mk-II was being outperformed by the Titans’ advanced transformable mobile suits. To address this issue, Anaheim Electronics developed the G-Defenser support fighter that could dock with the Gundam Mk-II to form the more capable Super Gundam.
Emma Sheen first deployed the Super Gundam during a skirmish between the Radish and Alexandria. During this engagement, Katz Kobayashi, who piloted the G-Defenser unit, abandoned his post to pursue a Titans pilot into an abandoned Zeon ship, forcing Emma to temporarily disengage from Super Gundam configuration. Upon reforming, she accidentally destroyed the bridge of the Alexandria with a shot intended for Yazan Gable’s ORX-005 Gaplant, resulting in the death of Titans Fleet Commander Jamaican Daninghan.
The Super Gundam saw its final deployment during the Battle of Gryps, where Emma and Katz engaged Yazan’s RX-139 Hambrabi team. Shortly after Katz’s death, Emma managed to destroy one of Yazan’s wingmen, Dunkel Cooper. However, Yazan outmanoeuvred her and destroyed the G-Defenser components, forcing Emma to continue fighting with just the Gundam Mk-II. The G-Defenser was never rebuilt, ending the Super Gundam’s service life.
Anaheim Electronics later developed the FXA-08R Mega Rider as a replacement support unit for the Gundam Mk-II during the First Neo Zeon War.
[Previous frontmatter and opening paragraphs remain the same through History section]
Design
The Super Gundam was formed by combining the RX-178 Gundam Mk-II with the FXA-05D G-Defenser support fighter. The docking process first created the G-Flyer mode, which provided high-speed long-distance travel capabilities comparable to transformable mobile suits. The G-Defenser’s cockpit would then detach, leaving its body attached to the Mk-II to complete the Super Gundam configuration. This process required discarding the Mk-II’s shield to allow proper docking.
The combined form utilized both machines’ Minovsky ultracompact fusion reactors, though their total combined output remains unknown. This dual-reactor system improved the Gundam Mk-II’s mobility by approximately 20% through the G-Defenser’s powerful thrusters. The G-Defenser’s armament units also functioned as movable shields, enhancing the mobile suit’s protection while providing additional weapons.
The Super Gundam featured both the Mk-II’s and G-Defenser’s weapons systems, creating a versatile arsenal suitable for various combat situations. The combined thrusters—four rated at 20,300 kg from the Mk-II and two at 42,400 kg from the G-Defenser—provided exceptional mobility and acceleration.
Armaments
The Super Gundam’s standard weapons were beam sabers for melee combat and a long rifle for ranged attacks, supplemented by various missile pods and vulcan guns.
Beam sabers
The Super Gundam carried two beam sabers stored in the Gundam Mk-II’s backpack recharge racks. Each beam saber had a power rating of 0.45 megawatts and used an I-field to contain Minovsky particles within the blade shape. The sabers recharged through energy capacitors (E-caps) in their hilts when stored in the recharge racks.
Long rifle
The long rifle served as the Super Gundam’s main ranged weapon, with a power rating of 6.8 megawatts. When connected to both mobile suits’ power circuits via external cables, its output matched that of the MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki’s mega bazooka launcher. The rifle drew power directly from both Minovsky reactors rather than using E-caps.
14-tube missile pods
A pair of 14-tube missile pods were mounted in the G-Defenser’s armament units, providing additional ranged firepower and anti-ship capabilities.
Vulcan guns
Four vulcan guns were mounted in pairs on the G-Defenser’s missile pod binders. While ineffective against mobile suit armor, they could damage sensors and other lightly armored areas, and served effectively as anti-missile defence.
60 mm vulcan pod
The Super Gundam could equip a 60 mm twin-barrel vulcan pod system mounted on its head. The pod carried 1,400 rounds total and served as a close-range defensive weapon, primarily used against lightly armored targets and incoming missiles.
Shield
A standard shield could be mounted on the Super Gundam’s left forearm for additional protection. The shield also contained storage space for two spare e-pacs for the beam rifle.
Beam rifle
The mobile suit could carry a beam rifle with a power rating of 2.6 megawatts. The rifle was powered by replaceable e-pacs, with two spares stored in the shield for extended operations. When not in use, it could be stored on the mobile suit’s side skirt armor.
360 mm hyper bazooka
For heavy firepower requirements, the Super Gundam could equip a 360 mm hyper bazooka. The weapon was clip-fed, carrying seven rounds per magazine. It provided significant anti-ship and anti-mobile suit capability when beam weapons might be less effective.
Known pilots
- Emma Sheen
Behind the scenes
Okawara Kunio, Nagano Mamoru, and Fujita Kazumi were the principal designers for the version in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. Fujita handled the final design cleanup.
Though not shown in the TV series, the G-Flyer mode appeared in various video games and model kit manuals. The transformation sequence in the anime used stock footage, which meant the unit was never shown launching as a complete form.
Gunpla
Bandai has released the Super Gundam in both High Grade Universal Century (HGUC) 1/144 scale and Master Grade (MG) 1/100 scale.
Appearances
Anime
- Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
Games
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs Gundam
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs Gundam Next
- Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme vs Full Boost
- Gundam Versus
External links
- RX-178+FXA-05D Super Gundam on the Gundam Wiki
- RX-178+FXA-05D Super Gundam on MAHQ