RX-77-2 Guncannon

The RX-77-2 Guncannon was a prototype artillery mobile suit developed by the Earth Federation Forces. It was one of three mobile suits produced under Project V, alongside the RX-75-4 Guntank and RX-78-2 Gundam.

The “R” in the type code meant it was a Federation model¹ and the “X” designated it as an experimental mobile suit. The model number “77” indicated it was from the RX-77 Guncannon line. The block number “2” meant it was the second design version.

History

The Earth Federation Forces developed the RX-77-2 Guncannon in UC 0079 as part of Operation V, following the poor performance of the RCX-76-02 Guncannon First Type. Engineer Tem Ray convinced the Federation to let him develop improved mobile suits, resulting in the Guncannon’s creation alongside the Guntank and Gundam.

Six early type RX-77-2 units were manufactured, with three sent to Side 7 for final testing in August UC 0079. When Side 7 was attacked by Principality of Zeon forces on 18 September UC 0079, only one Guncannon survived and was loaded onto the assault carrier White Base. This unit was assigned to civilian-turned-pilot Kai Shiden and designated as unit C-108.

When the White Base arrived at Jaburo, it received a second Guncannon (designated C-109) to replace the RX-75-4 Guntank which was not suitable for space combat. This unit was piloted by Hayato Kobayashi. Both Guncannons served with distinction through many battles but were ultimately destroyed during the assault on A Baoa Qu at the war’s end.

After the war, the Federation displayed unit C-108 at the Kennedy Space Museum.

Design

The Guncannon was designed as a mid-range support mobile suit, equipped with heavy armor and significant firepower. It utilized the Core Block System which housed the cockpit, control systems and main power source in a central block that could eject as a Core Fighter in emergencies.

While less mobile than the RX-78-2 Gundam due to its heavier armor, the Guncannon still demonstrated superior mobility compared to early Zeon mobile suits like the MS-06 Zaku II. Its thick armor allowed it to survive direct hits from heavy weapons, though it remained vulnerable to beam weapons.

The Guncannon featured an advanced sensor suite in its head unit, incorporating a “twin eyes with goggles” design that would later influence the RGM-79 GM series. This sensor configuration was more sophisticated than the Gundam’s system due to the Guncannon’s artillery support role.

Armaments

The Guncannon’s standard weapons were 240mm cannons for ranged support and the BAUVA·XBR-L beam rifle for precision targeting.

60 mm vulcan guns

A pair of fire-linked 60 mm vulcan guns were mounted in the Guncannon’s head. These rapid-fire weapons were primarily used against light-armored targets and as a defense against incoming missiles.

240 mm artillery cannons

The Guncannon’s main armament consisted of two 240 mm artillery cannons mounted over its shoulders. Each cannon carried 20 rounds of ammunition and had an effective range of 2.5 kilometers. The shells contained 95kg high explosive warheads with a 40-meter casualty radius.

Spray missile launchers

Optional spray missile launchers could replace the 240mm cannons for missions requiring closer-range support fire. Each launcher contained 12 tubes with two missiles per tube.

Beam rifle

The Guncannon was equipped with a long-range BAUVA·XBR-L beam rifle powered by an E-cap system. This weapon had superior range and accuracy compared to the Gundam’s standard beam rifle, though it required more skill to use effectively.

Hand grenades

Two high-explosive grenades were stored in compartments in the Guncannon’s lower legs. These had a 5-7 second fuse delay and an average throwing range of 300 meters.

Known pilots

• Kai Shiden
• Hayato Kobayashi
• Amuro Ray
• Ryu Jose
• Bork Cry
• Agar
• Job John
• Sana Nima
• Wesley Navarro
• Darryl Boyd
• Kirk Wahlberg

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer.

The Guncannon made a brief cameo appearance in Mobile Fighter G Gundam after the destruction of the Devil Gundam.

Gunpla

• High Grade Universal Century (HGUC)
  • 1/144 RX-77-2 Guncannon (2001)
  • 1/144 RX-77-2 Guncannon (Revive) (2015)
• Master Grade (MG)
  • 1/100 RX-77-2 Guncannon (2001)
• Real Grade (RG)
  • 1/144 RX-77-2 Guncannon (2019)
• Perfect Grade (PG)
  • None produced

Appearances

Anime

• Mobile Suit Gundam
• Mobile Fighter G Gundam

OVA/ONAs

• Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO: The Hidden One Year War

Films

• Mobile Suit Gundam I
• Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow
• Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space

Games

Console games

• Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation 2
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Climax U.C.
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Cross Dimension 0079
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs Zeon
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs Zeon DX
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Journey to Jaburo
• Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: Missing Link

Arcade games

• Mobile Suit Gundam: Ex Revue
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs.
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs. Maxi Boost
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Spirits of Zeon Dual Stars of Carnage

Crossover games

• Dynasty Warriors: Gundam
• Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2
• Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3
• Dynasty Warriors: Gundam Reborn
• Gundam Battle Assault
• Gundam Battle Assault 2
• SD Gundam G Generation
• SD Gundam G Generation SEED
• SD Gundam G Generation Wars

Manga/Novel

• Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: Space Beyond the Blaze
• Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Record of MS Wars

Other media

Theme park attractions

• Gundam Crisis
• Gundam the Ride: A Baoa Qu

Short films/special features

• Gundam Evolve
  • Featured in episode 1
  • Shows alternative perspective of One Year War battles

External links

• RX-77-2 Guncannon on the Gundam Wiki
• RX-77-2 Guncannon on MAHQ

Footnotes

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