XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X1 – MechaBay | Mobile Suit Crossbone Gundam

The XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X1 was a prototype close combat mobile suit produced by the Strategic Naval Research Institute for the Crossbone Vanguard. The “XM” in the model code indicated it was an experimental mobile suit developed by or for non-Federation forces, whilst the “X1” represented it as the first unit in the Crossbone series.

History

Originally developed by SNRI under the Formula Project as the Gundam F97, the Crossbone Gundam represented the Earth Federation Forces’ first earnest attempt at developing mobile suits for use outside of the Earth Sphere. Specifically intended to operate within Jupiter’s immense gravity well, the machine was designed to handle the unique challenges posed by the planet’s intense gravitational field.

When the F97 was given to Berah Ronah’s Crossbone Vanguard, it was assigned the model number XM-X to obscure its origins. This designation change served to hide SNRI’s clandestine support for the reformed Crossbone Vanguard’s mission to stop the Jupiter Empire’s invasion plans.

Two standard Crossbone Gundams were produced and assigned to the Crossbone Vanguard’s ace pilots. The X-1 was the custom machine of Kincade Nau (aka Seabook Arno), the Vanguard’s main pilot and leader of its mobile suit forces. Its design, with a navy on white colour scheme and relatively orthodox armament, could be considered the closest thing to a “standard” model.

During a battle with the Jupiter Empire’s elite Death Gale Team, the X-1 was badly damaged, giving the Vanguard mechanics the opportunity to revamp it into the X-1 Kai. Upon Kincade’s retirement from active combat, the machine was handed over to Tobia Arronax, who would continue to pilot upgraded versions throughout the Jupiter Conflict.

Design

The F97 was specifically designed by SNRI to be used near Jupiter, where the strong gravitational field creates serious propulsion problems. Units operating on Earth and near Earth’s orbit usually achieve high mobility using thrusters distributed across the mobile suit’s body. However, under Jupiter’s gravitational influence, this would require enlargement of the thrusters, leading to an increase in the mobile suit’s size and mass.

To resolve this issue, the F97 was equipped with a set of four movable thrusters in an X-shaped array. Used in tandem with the unit’s AMBAC system, these thrusters allowed high mobility around Jupiter’s orbit without increasing the size and mass of the mobile suit. This unique arrangement also allowed the Gundam to make use of a full-body anti-beam coating mantle without interfering with its thrusters.

The X1 incorporated an advanced Core Block System that allowed for easy pilot escape and maintenance. The core fighter was composed of a cockpit block based on the F90III-Y Cluster Gundam’s core fighter and high-powered thrusters designed to handle the powerful gravity in the Jupiter sphere.

Fitting with their overall image as pirates, the Crossbone Gundam focused primarily on melee combat, equipped with beam sabers, heat daggers, scissor anchors, and beam shields which doubled as brand marker punching daggers. Because of its emphasis on close combat, the Crossbone Gundam featured thick armour which retained a good deal of heat that needed to be vented through its faceplate often.

The unit also incorporated a bio-computer, a next generation device developed from the psycommu system that enhanced pilot response time whilst placing less strain on the operator compared to traditional psycommu systems.

Armaments

The Crossbone Gundam X1’s standard weapons were vulcan guns for anti-personnel defence, and beam sabers for melee combat.

Vulcan guns

These head mounted shell firing weapons have a high rate of fire, but little power and are generally ineffective against mobile suits. However, they can damage lightly armoured areas such as the sensors, and are ideal for shooting down small, lightly armoured targets such as missiles or small vehicles.

Beam saber/beam guns

The beam saber is the standard close-combat weapon of many mobile suits, it emits a blade of plasma contained by an I-field that can cut through any physical armour not treated to resist it. The Crossbone Gundam is equipped with two beam sabers stored in shoulder racks. They also serve as the beam guns for the core fighter.

Heat daggers

The heat daggers were stored in the mobile suit’s thighs and could be deployed in multiple ways. The blades could extend from the soles of the feet for surprise attacks or be launched as projectiles at medium range.

Scissor anchors

The scissor anchors served as multipurpose weapons mounted on the front skirt armour. These devices could be fired on chains to grapple enemy mobile suits, pull them closer for melee combat, or stabilise the Crossbone Gundam during combat manoeuvres.

Brand marker/beam shields

The distinctive beam shields could also function as brand markers - punching daggers that left the skull and crossbones mark of the Crossbone Vanguard on defeated enemies. This dual function embodied the unit’s pirate aesthetic whilst providing effective defensive capabilities.

Beam zanber

The beam zanber was a cutlass-styled weapon with high enough output to easily overwhelm standard beam sabers and shields. The beam zanber’s pirate cutlass design reflected the Crossbone Vanguard’s space pirate identity.

Buster gun

The buster gun was a beam pistol that could launch both standard and nuclear warhead grenades, providing the mobile suit with versatile ranged firepower.

Zanbuster

The beam zanber and buster gun could be combined into the zanbuster, which functioned as a standard beam rifle. This combination weapon provided the mobile suit with effective long-range firepower when required.

Known pilots

Kincade Nau (aka Seabook Arno)
Tobia Arronax
Umon Samon

Variants

XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X1 Kai - Upgraded version with screw whip
XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X1 Skull Heart - Tobia’s heavily customised version
XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X1 Patchwork - Emergency repair using X3 spare parts
XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X1 Full Cloth - Ultimate configuration with additional thrusters and I-field generators

Behind the scenes

The XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X1 first appeared in Mobile Suit Crossbone Gundam manga and was designed by Katoki Hajime. The mobile suit’s distinctive pirate aesthetic and innovative engineering solutions made it an instant fan favourite, leading to its inclusion in various Gundam video games and model kit lines.

Appearances

Manga

Mobile Suit Crossbone Gundam (1994-1997)
Mobile Suit Crossbone Gundam: Skull Heart (2003-2004)

Video games

Super Robot Wars Alpha 2
Super Robot Wars V
Super Robot Wars X
G Generation series
Gundam Vs series

Model kits

High Grade Universal Century 1/144 XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X1
Master Grade 1/100 XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X1 Ver. Ka
Real Grade 1/144 XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X1

External links

XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X-1 on MAHQ
XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X-1 on Gundam Wiki