Story:

The Crusader was designed and built by the Armatech Syndicate's Newtype Labs subsidiary, a special projects division based on Ark Nova. It's primary specialty is long-range bombardment,  which is easily guessed by just looking at its four linear guns. Developed from the magnetic rail and gauss weaponry of the Space Wars, these latest cannons are smaller, but have a range that rivals most beam weapons. Supporting these is the Crusader's big gun, a chest-mounted beam cannon that rivals the power of a battleship support gun. The only major drawback to this weapon is its lengthy cycling time as it recharges between shots.

The linear guns are installed in a pair of shields mounted on the Crusader's shoulders. These large additions are made from the same heavy-duty armor that is used to construct battleships. Though it is not feasible to construct an entire unit from this bulky material, using it in small doses does have merit. Account for the fact that they are treated with magnetic coating, to make it resistant to beam attacks, and these durable shields seem impossible to destroy.

Unfortunately, all of this firepower and defensive ability comes with a cost. A typical Crusader cannot mount heavy thrusters, so it is not as fast or agile as many mobile suits. Its long-range specialization also makes it vulnerable in close combat, and it takes careful skill for a pilot to use a beam sabre with this unit. It is believed that the skills of a Newtype pilot would make up for these drawbacks. This did not always prove to be the case, however, and became a problem more often-than-not. Ultimately, these machines were reassigned to training cadres and lower level Corps pilots, including defector Noah Kincade. After stealing his Crusader away from the Corps, Noah modified it substantially, adding a pair of back-mounted beam cannons and several additional verniers over the suit's body and shields. This increases his unit's mobility and firepower, though it still possesses a low flight and ground speed.