RX-9/B Narrative Gundam B-Packs – MechaBay | Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative

The RX-9/B Narrative Gundam B-Packs was a close-combat configuration of the RX-9 Narrative Gundam designed to capture the runaway RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex in UC 0097.

The “R” in the model code meant it was a Federation model¹ and the “X” indicated that it was an experimental mobile suit. The “9” denoted that it was the ninth experimental design, whilst the “/B” suffix indicated it was the B-Packs equipment configuration.

History

Following the failure of the RX-9/A Narrative Gundam A-Packs to capture the Phenex in Side 4’s shoal zone, Luio & Co reconfigured the Narrative Gundam with the B-Packs equipment for a second attempt. Unlike the massive mobile armor-like A-Packs, the B-Packs configuration was designed for close-quarters combat and operations within confined spaces.

The Shezarr Unit tracked the Phenex to the interior of Side 6’s Metis Colony, where they unexpectedly came under attack from Republic of Zeon forces. To pilot Jona Basta’s surprise, the Narrative Gundam’s secret NT-D (Newtype Destroyer) System activated during the engagement and took control of the suit.

Feeding off Jona’s anger during the battle, the NT-D System summoned the nearby NZ-999 II Neo Zeong and docked the Narrative Gundam with the massive mobile armor. Although Jona’s rage eventually subsided, the amount of damage caused to the colony became a public relations nightmare for the Earth Federation Forces, which decided against further deployments for the Narrative Gundam. However, the combat situation later required it to be deployed as the RX-9/C Narrative Gundam C-Packs.

Design

The B-Packs configuration returned the Narrative Gundam to approximately its original dimensions and weight, making it much more manoeuvrable than the bulky A-Packs. The mobile suit retained its base specifications of 21.0 metres head height and 25.1 tonnes empty weight, with the B-Packs equipment adding minimal additional mass.

The B-Packs added a new backpack that mounted a pair of incom-like wire-guided attack terminals that could transform into psycho capture units to neutralise the Phenex. This configuration emphasised versatility and close-quarters combat capability over the raw speed and firepower of the A-Packs.

The B-Packs retained the base Narrative Gundam’s Core Block System and standard cockpit configuration. The equipment was designed to enhance the mobile suit’s combat effectiveness in confined spaces whilst maintaining its ability to capture psycommu-equipped targets.

Armaments

The B-Packs configuration provided the Narrative Gundam with balanced armament suitable for both combat and capture operations in confined environments.

60 mm vulcan guns

The base Narrative Gundam’s pair of fire-linked 60 mm vulcan guns were retained in the B-Packs configuration. These rapid-fire weapons served as close-range defensive armament and were particularly effective in the confined spaces of colony interiors.

Beam sabers

The B-Packs was equipped with two standard beam sabers for close-quarters combat. These energy weapons used an I-field to contain Minovsky particles within the shape of a blade, allowing them to cut through most materials at the molecular level. The beam sabers were identical to those used by the RGM-89 Jegan Type-A.

Wire-guided attack terminals

The most distinctive feature of the B-Packs was a pair of incom-like wire-guided attack terminals mounted on the new backpack. These remote weapons could be deployed on wire guidance systems to attack targets from multiple angles or to provide reconnaissance capabilities. The terminals could also transform into psycho capture units when needed for the capture mission.

Small shields

Two forearm-mounted small shields provided additional defensive capability whilst maintaining the mobile suit’s manoeuvrability. Each shield was compact enough not to interfere with close-quarters combat operations whilst offering protection against beam weapons and physical projectiles.

4-tube missile launchers

Each of the two small shields featured a 4-tube missile launcher, providing the B-Packs with a total of eight missiles for area denial and suppressive fire. These short-range missiles were particularly effective in the confined spaces of colony interiors.

Known pilots

Jona Basta

Behind the scenes

Katoki Hajime was the original mechanical designer for the B-Packs configuration. The design emphasised versatility and manoeuvrability over the brute force approach of the A-Packs, reflecting lessons learned from the initial failed capture attempt.

The wire-guided attack terminals were designed to provide both offensive capability and the specialised capture functions needed for Operation Phoenix Hunt. The compact nature of the B-Packs allowed for more conventional mobile suit combat whilst retaining the mission-specific equipment.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative

External links

RX-9/B Narrative Gundam B-Packs on MAHQ
RX-9/B Narrative Gundam B-Packs on the Gundam Wiki

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