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RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1 Alex

Prototype Newtype-use mobile suit developed by the Earth Federation.
Jenxi Seow Published 22 Jun 2025 Updated 22 Jun 2025
RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1 Alex

The RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1 Alex was a prototype Newtype-use mobile suit created by the Earth Federation Forces, nicknamed “Alex” from the model number prefix “RX” and the acronym “Armor Layered EXamination.”

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, the “NT” indicated its Newtype-use specification, and the “1” meant it was the first prototype in the NT series.

History

Late during the One Year War, the Earth Federation Forces realized that they had a major problem with their prototype RX-78-2 Gundam close combat mobile suit: its pilot. Gundam pilot Amuro Ray was an emerging Newtype, and his abilities to predict enemy movements and respond with lightning-fast reflexes were simply pushing the Gundam beyond its design limits.

To correct this problem, the EFF set out to develop a new Gundam prototype (code-named Alex) capable of taking advantage of a Newtype’s quick-reacting abilities. Based on existing research to improve mobile suit responsiveness, as well as reports from Amuro Ray and operating data from the RX-78-2 Gundam, the EFF began the development of a Newtype-use mobile suit with the goal of improved durability and responsiveness.

For this purpose, the fourth RX-78 series unit was redesigned as a custom unit for Amuro Ray and received the new model number of RX-78NT-1.

The NT-1’s development was carried out by the Augusta Base, originally a facility that researched issues relating to soldiers’ mental health. It was chosen because some of its researchers published essays proving the Newtype concept. For additional protection, it was equipped with a set of optional Chobham armor, earning it the nickname “Alex.”

Word of this top-secret project reached the Principality of Zeon, which initiated Operation Rubicon and dispatched its Cyclops team special forces unit to stop the EFF from completing and deploying the new Gundam.

A surprise attack by the Cyclops team failed to stop the EFF from shipping the incomplete Gundam Alex parts from its Arctic base to Side 6’s Libot Colony, where it was soon completed and began test trials with pilot Christina Mackenzie.

The Cyclops team discovered the Gundam Alex’s new location and were dispatched to capture or destroy it before it could be fielded. On 24 December UC 0079, Cyclops team pilot Bernard Wiseman used an MS-06FZ Zaku II FZ to severely damage the Gundam Alex (at the cost of his own life) in an attempt to save Side 6 from being nuked by Zeon in a last act of desperation.

At that point, the war was coming to an end, and the Gundam Alex development project was soon dropped. Long after the One Year War, the Buffo Concern acquired the damaged Gundam Alex by unknown means and heavily refurbished it with new parts into the RX-78AN-01 Gundam AN-01 Tristan, which it secretly deployed to the Axis asteroid in UC 0096.

Design

The RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1 Alex was a big step above its already-well-performing (but hopelessly overworked) RX-78-2 predecessor. The Alex incorporated a 360-degree panoramic monitor screen around the pilot, all of the Gundam Alex’s controls were incorporated into panels mounted on the pilot’s linear seat. This configuration gave the pilot an almost unlimited field of vision, thus allowing for easier target acquisition and faster response time.

Another feature adding to the Gundam Alex’s maneuverability was the magnetic coating applied to the suit’s joints and motors, reducing friction and wear to almost nothing and making the Gundam Alex extremely responsive to pilot input. This magnetic coating was first trialed on the RX-78-3 G-3 Gundam and incorporated into the Alex’s design.

The Alex was designed with improved armor protection, using Luna Titanium alloy construction throughout. The mobile suit was also equipped with optional Chobham armor pieces that could be mounted for additional protection during combat operations. When equipped with the Chobham armor, the Alex’s weight increased significantly, but the additional protection made it nearly impervious to conventional weapons.

To ensure the extra weight from the Chobham armor did not hinder its mobility, the NT-1 was equipped with additional thrusters and verniers when the armor was mounted, maintaining its superior performance characteristics.

Armaments

The RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1 Alex’s standard weapons were head-mounted vulcan guns and forearm-mounted gatling guns for ranged attacks, and two beam sabers for melee combat.

60 mm vulcan guns

A pair of fire-linked 60 mm vulcan guns were mounted in the Alex’s head. These shell-firing weapons had a high rate of fire but limited power against mobile suit armor. They were ideal for shooting down missiles, aircraft, and other lightly armored targets.

90 mm gatling guns

In addition to the standard head vulcan guns, the Gundam Alex mounted a 90 mm gatling gun in each forearm, giving the mobile suit heavy close-range firepower to back up its beam rifle. These weapons provided significant anti-mobile suit capability and could penetrate most contemporary armor with sustained fire.

Beam sabers

The Alex 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. Minovsky particles broke down matter at a molecular level, meaning the beam saber could cut through almost any material.

Beam rifle

The Alex was equipped with a standard-type beam rifle, similar to those used by other Federation mobile suits of the era. The rifle drew its rounds from energy capacitors (E-caps), clips of charged Minovsky particles that could penetrate even the thickest armor with a single shot.

Hyper bazooka

For heavy assault missions, the Alex could be equipped with a hyper bazooka that fired large-caliber explosive rounds. This weapon was particularly effective against fortified positions and enemy mobile armor.

Shield

The Alex carried a standard Federation shield for defensive purposes. The shield was constructed of Luna Titanium alloy and could be mounted on either forearm as needed.

Chobham armor

The Alex’s most distinctive feature was its optional Chobham armor system. These additional armor plates could be mounted over the mobile suit’s standard armor to provide enhanced protection against beam weapons and physical projectiles. The armor significantly increased the Alex’s defensive capabilities but also added considerable weight and bulk.

Known pilots

Behind the scenes

The RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1 Alex was designed by Mika Akitaka for Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket. The design featured the first use of Chobham armor in the Gundam franchise, which became a recurring element in later series.

The “Alex” name was derived from both the model number prefix “RX” and the acronym “Armor Layered EXamination,” the project name for its armor system. This naming convention established a precedent for future Gundam development projects.

Appearances

See also