RX-9/C Narrative Gundam C-Packs (Psycho Package) – MechaBay

The RX-9/C Narrative Gundam C-Packs, also known as the Psycho Package, was a psychoframe-enhanced 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 “/C” suffix indicated it was the C-Packs equipment configuration.

History

Following the public relations disaster caused by the RX-9/B Narrative Gundam B-Packs incident at Metis Colony, the Earth Federation Forces initially decided against further deployments of the Narrative Gundam. However, the deteriorating combat situation forced them to authorise a final deployment with the hastily developed C-Packs configuration.

Due to the Narrative Gundam lacking any armaments beyond basic vulcan guns, the rest of its weapons in the C-Packs configuration were part of the equipment package. The most significant feature of the C-Packs was the addition of psychoframe pieces hastily mounted as armour across the Narrative Gundam’s body, giving it an appearance similar to the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam’s Destroy Mode and earning it the nickname “Psycho Package”.

The Narrative Gundam was deployed with the C-Packs equipment to stop Zoltan Akkanen’s NZ-999 II Neo Zeong from destroying a helium-3 storage base and causing massive devastation. During the battle, psycho waves emitted by the Phenex caused the Narrative Gundam’s psychoframe pieces to briefly change colour from red to blue.

The Narrative Gundam was destroyed piece-by-piece during the final battle, but pilot Jona Basta ejected the Core Fighter and then transferred from it to the Phenex to stop Zoltan and save Earth from catastrophic destruction.

Design

The C-Packs configuration represented a desperate measure to enhance the Narrative Gundam’s capabilities for the final confrontation. The most distinctive feature was the psychoframe pieces hastily mounted as external armour plating across the mobile suit’s body, dramatically altering its appearance.

The psychoframe armour gave the C-Packs a striking resemblance to the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam in Destroy Mode, with angular, crystalline armour sections that could resonate with psycho waves. This configuration increased the mobile suit’s empty weight to 26.8 tonnes and gross weight to 51.5 tonnes whilst maintaining the same power output and thrust capabilities as the base Narrative Gundam.

The C-Packs retained the base Narrative Gundam’s Core Block System and standard cockpit configuration. The psychoframe armour was designed to enhance the pilot’s Newtype abilities and provide improved protection, though the hasty installation meant the system was not fully optimised.

Armaments

The C-Packs configuration provided the Narrative Gundam with conventional armaments enhanced by psychoframe technology.

60 mm vulcan guns

The base Narrative Gundam’s pair of fire-linked 60 mm vulcan guns were retained in the C-Packs configuration. These rapid-fire weapons served as close-range defensive armament and missile interception systems.

Beam sabers

The C-Packs was equipped with two beam sabers stored in recharge racks on the backpack. 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’ performance was potentially enhanced by the psychoframe armour’s resonance effects.

Beam rifle

The C-Packs was equipped with a modified beam rifle from the RGM-89 Jegan. This standard Federation weapon provided reliable ranged firepower and was well-suited to the mobile suit’s general-purpose role. The beam rifle’s effectiveness may have been enhanced by the psychoframe armour’s ability to amplify psychic energy.

Shield

The mobile suit mounted a psychoframe-equipped shield on its left forearm that featured both defensive and offensive capabilities. The shield was able to withstand high-powered beam attacks whilst its psychoframe construction allowed it to resonate with the pilot’s Newtype abilities.

The shield featured a beam cannon integrated into its structure, providing additional firepower during combat. It also mounted four missiles for area denial and suppressive fire, making it a versatile piece of equipment that enhanced both the mobile suit’s defensive and offensive capabilities.

Known pilots

Jona Basta

Behind the scenes

Hajime Katoki was the original mechanical designer for the C-Packs configuration. The design reflected the desperate circumstances of the final battle, with psychoframe pieces hastily mounted to create a makeshift enhanced mobile suit.

The “Psycho Package” nickname and the visual similarity to the Unicorn Gundam’s Destroy Mode were deliberate design choices to emphasise the connection between the Narrative Gundam and the RX-0 series. The colour change from red to blue during the battle served as a visual representation of the psychoframe’s resonance with the Phenex’s psycho waves.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative

External links

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

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