Unit type: prototype close combat mobile suit
Manufacturer: Earth Federal Forces "Project V"
Operator(s): Earth Federal Forces
Rollout: July UC 0079
First deployed: 18 September UC 0079
Production run: 3 units (upgraded from RX-78-1)
Head height: 18.0 meters
Overall height: 18.5 meters
Base weight: 43.4 metric tons
Full weight: 60.0 metric tons
Power generator output: 1380 kilowatts
Rocket thrusters: 55,480 kilograms total
24,000 kg x 2 (backpack)
1870 kg x 4 (feet)
Maximum thruster acceleration: 0.93 Gees
180-degree turn time: 1.5 seconds
1.1 seconds (after magnetic joint coating upgrade)
Maximum ground running speed: 165 km/h
Sensor radius: 5700 meters
Core block system: FF-X7 Core Fighter
Frame type: semi-monocoque
Armor materials: luna-titanium alloy
Internal electronic systems:
learning computer system
Equipment and features:
re-entry coolant system
magnetic coated joints (later field upgrade)
weapon mount x 1
Basic armament:
60mm vulcan gun x 2
0.38 MW beam saber x 2
- one beam saber later modified to beam javelin x 1
Mounted or attached armament:
RX*M-Sh-008/S-01025 shield x 1
Hand-carried armament:
BAUVA*XBR-M-79-07G beam rifle
BLASH*XHB-L-03/N-STD 380mm hyper bazooka
GUNDAM hammer -or- hyper hammer
The RX-78 GUNDAM (General-purpose Utility Non-Discontinuity Augmented Maneuvering) weapon system was designed for an era of close combat between mobile suits. Of the eight RX-78-1 units constructed, three were sent to Side 7 research colony (August UC 0079) for testing and were subsequently upgraded to the RX-78-2 version which had a higher output in order to meet the energy requirements for the mobile suit portable mega particle cannon, known as a "beam rifle." The GUNDAM was far ahead of its time, equipped a variety of experimental weaponry and armored with a new material called "luna titanium" which was originally developed for use in reactor cores. The density of this armor would deflect rounds from the standard Zaku II assault rifle and was capable of surviving atmospheric re-entry (with the use of a heat deflecting shield), but it was too expensive for mass production. The red, yellow & blue on white color scheme was meant for demonstration purposes and was never intended as the final combat colors. However, Side 7 was attacked on September 18th and two of the three prototype units were destroyed, leaving only a single unit to be taken on by a Side 7 civilian.
On September 18th, UC 0079, Side 7 was suprised attacked by a single Zeon Musai cruiser and its mobile suits. The sole remaining GUNDAM unit was boarded and piloted by a civilian named Amuro Ray--also the son of one of the project engineers, Tem Ray. Ray, with the manual in his lap, managed to defend Side 7 and destroy two of the Zeon MS-06F Zaku IIs. Ray with the GUNDAM went on to destroy many of Zeon's experimental, new mobile armors and downed several ships. The GUNDAM with Ray in the pilot's seat was responsible for nearly 150 MS kills. This was possible in part to Ray's incredible piloting skill and the superior performance of the GUNDAM. The RX-78-2 GUNDAM was completely destroyed in combat during the battle at A Baoa Qu.
A-type:
BAUVA*XBR-M-79-07G beam rifle
RX*M-Sh-008/S-01025 shield
B-type:
BLASH*XHB-L-03/N-STD 380mm hyper bazooka
RX*M-Sh-008/S-01025 shield
C-type:
GUNDAM hammer -or- hyper hammer
RX*M-Sh-008/S-01025 shield
60mm gatling cannons "vulcan guns" - Dual, head-mounted, triple-barrelled gatling cannons in caliber 60 millimeter. Each gun is loaded with 400 rounds of ammunition and fires at a rate of 1600 rounds per minute. Primarily for the elimination of aerial and light armor targets. With sustained fire, can cause damage to enemy mobile suits.
Hand-carried armament:
mega particle cannon "beam rifle" - Equipped in standard A-type configuration, the beam rifle is manufactured by Bauva Norfolk and produced under the model number of XBR-M-79. The G-2 GUNDAM uses the -07G model. The beam rifle was unmatched in power, easily tearing apart conventional armor materials such as steel, titanium and Kevlar. Powered by an internal energy capacitor, with an average charge of fifteen (15) rounds. Bore diameter of 150 millimeters. Mega particle range is limited in Earth's atmosphere. Maximum effective range: 2.0 kilometers. 60 RPM. A spare beam rifle can be stored on the G-2's rear skirt armor weapon mount.
hyper bazooka - A replacement for the beam rifle, Blash Technology Industries' hyper bazooka is more suited to use in an atmosphere than the mega particle cannon. Loaded with a five (5) round internal magazine with one (1) round pre-loaded in the chamber. Firing a 380 millimeter diamater HEDP rocket with a maximum range of 2.5 kilometers. Detonation casualty radius of 100 meters with a killing radius of 35 meters. Suitable against all forms of heavy armor, inluding MS and MA. A spare hyper bazooka can be stored on the G-2's rear skirt armor weapon mount.
Optional equiment:
shield - Hand-carried, forearm-mounted or stored on the GUNDAM's backpack, the shield is a simple defense used to block most incoming ballistic and explosive projectiles. Also used to great effect in close quarters battle with enemy mobile suits. Has a view port than can be sealed off with an internal blast plate. The shield is also used to deflect heat away from the mobile suit when undergoing atmospheric re-entry.