RX-78GP01Fb Gundam GP01Fb Zephyranthes Full Burnern
Prototype general purpose multi-class mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics.
The RX-78GP01Fb Gundam GP01Fb Zephyranthes Full Burnern was a prototype general purpose multi-class mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics as the space-optimized upgrade of the RX-78GP01 Gundam GP01 Zephyranthes.
The “R” in the model code meant it was a Federation model and the “X” indicated that it was an experimental mobile suit. The “78” in the model code denoted that it was developed from the RX-78 line, “GP” stood for “Gundam Project,” “01” indicated it was the first unit in the series, “Fb” stood for “Full Burnern,” and “Zephyranthes” was its flower-themed code name.
History
Although the RX-78GP01 Gundam GP01 Zephyranthes mobile suit was intended to be upgraded for use in space, the uprising of Zeon remnants in October UC 0083 moved this project up considerably. The GP01, not being properly calibrated for space combat, was critically damaged by Zeon forces when its pilot, Kou Uraki, carelessly took the mobile suit out into battle against Cima Garahau’s forces.
The damaged GP01 was immediately taken to Anaheim Electronics’ Von Braun City factory on the Moon to be repaired and reconfigured for space use. Originally, the GP01 was capable of operating in space by swapping out its Core Fighter and equipping other optional equipment, such as leg-mounted propellant tanks. However, after the GP01 was heavily damaged in battle, it received a complete overhaul, incorporating many new ideas and reflecting trial data collected on Earth.
Since the resulting mobile suit deviated significantly from the original plan, it was given the new, unofficial model number of GP01Fb. Soon after, the rebuilt and improved RX-78GP01Fb Gundam GP01Fb Zephyranthes Full Burnern was rolled out and went through a rapid battery of test trials before being redeployed aboard the EFF assault carrier Albion in pursuit of the stolen RX-78GP02A Gundam GP02A Physalis.
The GP01Fb was a tremendous improvement over its original form, almost doubling its acceleration and with a marked increase in maneuverability. The upgraded mobile suit proved instrumental in the final battles of the Delaz Conflict, engaging Zeon remnant forces in desperate attempts to prevent Operation Stardust.
During the climactic battle, Kou Uraki used the GP01Fb to engage Anavel Gato in the stolen GP02A. Kou blasted the GP02A with the Full Burnern’s chest-mounted reverse thrusters at full force and stabbed it with his beam saber. Having been critically damaged, the Full Burnern’s Core Fighter failed to eject, forcing Kou to abandon it. Both the Full Burnern and the GP02A then exploded from the damage they sustained.
Design
The GP01Fb incorporated many new design elements specifically optimized for space combat. As part of the overhaul, the FF-XII Core Fighter II, which was also heavily damaged, received a major redesign and became the FF-XII-Fb Core Fighter II Full Burnern.
The most significant upgrade was the propulsion system, which featured powerful vernier thrusters throughout the mobile suit’s frame. The GP01Fb had an upgraded ultracompact Minovsky fusion reactor that generated an output of 2,045 kW, a substantial increase over the original GP01’s 1,790 kW output.
The thruster configuration was completely redesigned for space operations, featuring 4 × 45,000 kg main thrusters and 4 × 13,500 kg secondary thrusters for a total output of 234,000 kg—more than double the original GP01’s thrust capacity. This massive increase in propulsion power gave the GP01Fb exceptional acceleration and maneuverability in zero gravity.
The Full Burnern’s design incorporated lessons learned from ground combat operations, with improved armor distribution and enhanced structural integrity to withstand the stresses of high-G maneuvering in space combat.
Armaments
The RX-78GP01Fb Gundam GP01Fb Zephyranthes Full Burnern’s standard weapons were head-mounted vulcan guns for close-range defence and two beam sabers for melee combat.
60 mm vulcan guns
A pair of fire-linked 60 mm vulcan guns were mounted in the GP01Fb’s head. These rapid-fire weapons served as point defence against missiles and light targets, and could provide suppressive fire against enemy mobile suits at close range.
Beam sabers
The GP01Fb carried two beam sabers, stored in recharge racks in the backpack when not in use. The beam sabers used an I-field to contain Minovsky particles within the shape of a blade. These weapons could cut through almost any material not treated with anti-beam coating and were essential for close-quarters combat.
Beam rifle
The GP01Fb retained the innovative e-pac system beam rifle from its predecessor. The rifle was rated at 1.5 MW power output and featured replaceable energy capacitor clips that allowed for extended combat operations. The rifle included a mounted “jitte” beam saber blocking device for defensive purposes during close combat.
The beam rifle’s e-pac system was a significant advancement over previous beam weapon designs, as it eliminated the need to return to base when the weapon’s energy was depleted. Instead, pilots could simply replace the e-pac with a fresh one, dramatically improving battlefield endurance.
Shield
The GP01Fb was equipped with a shield that could store spare e-pacs for the beam rifle. This storage capability was crucial for extended space operations where resupply opportunities were limited. The shield provided protection against both beam and projectile weapons.
Known pilots
- Kou Uraki
Behind the scenes
The RX-78GP01Fb Gundam GP01Fb Zephyranthes Full Burnern was designed by Shoji Kawamori for Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory. The “Full Burnern” designation refers to the mobile suit’s enhanced thruster configuration optimized for space combat.
The design served as a precursor to many later space-optimized mobile suits, establishing design principles that would influence Federation mobile suit development for years to come. The massive thruster arrays and enhanced maneuverability systems became hallmarks of high-performance space combat units.
Appearances
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space
- Dynasty Warriors: Gundam
See also
- RX-78GP01 Gundam GP01 Zephyranthes
- RX-78GP02A Gundam GP02A Physalis
- Gundam Development Project
- Kou Uraki
- Delaz Conflict
External links
- RX-78GP01-Fb Gundam “Zephyranthes” Full Burnern on the Gundam Wiki
- RX-78GP01Fb Gundam GP01Fb Zephyranthes Full Burnern on MAHQ