| Model number: MS-18E Code name: K�mpfer Unit type: prototype heavy assault mobile suit Manufacturer: Zeonic Company Operator: Principality of Zeon First deployment: UC 0079 Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso Dimensions: head height 18.2 meters Weight: empty 43.5 metric tons; max gross 78.5 metric tons Construction: titanium/ceramic composite on monocoque frame Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 1550 kW Propulsion: rocket thrusters: 2 x 28500 kg, 2 x 27000 kg, 4 x 12000 kg; vernier thrusters/apogee motors: 16 Performance: maximum thruster acceleration 2.03 G; 180-degree turn time 1.2 seconds; maximum ground running speed 215 km/h Equipment and design features: sensors, range 6100 meters Fixed armaments: 2 x 60 mm vulcan gun, fire-linked, mounted in head; 2 x beam saber, stored in recharge racks in hip armor, hand-carried in use Optional hand armaments: 2 x shotgun, pump-action magazine and breech, 9 round magazine, can be stored on backpack storage racks; 2 x 360 mm giant bazooka, clip-fed, 5 rounds per clip, can be stored on backpack storage racks; 2 x panzer faust, rocket-propelled warhead, can be stored in racks on legs; chain mine |
| In the last days of the One Year War, the Principality of Zeon developed a prototype mobile suit, designated the YMS-18, and experimented with different variants of the design for specific mission roles. One of these variants was the MS-18E K�empfer, designed as a fast assault unit. The K�empfer ("k�empfer" being German for "fighter" or "champion") sacrificed armor protection in exchange for many thrusters and verniers, making it very fast and maneuverable. Armed with an array of giant bazookas, shotguns and panzer fausts, the K�empfer could approach a target at high speed, make a fast strike, and quickly escape. This "hit-and-run" concept made the K�empfer a very powerful and deadly mobile suit; however, its speed and high number of thrusters resulted in high fuel consumption and a limited operational time. Despite this minor drawback, the K�empfer was an excellent mobile suit. Unfortunately for Zeon, it was another case of "too-little-too-late," as the One Year War came to an end and the K�mpfer never saw mass production. Only one K�empfer unit is known to have been fielded, attacking a Earth Federal Forces research base in the neutral Side 6 Libot Colony during a failed attempt to destroy the RX-78NT-1 Gundam "Alex" prototype mobile suit on 20 December, UC 0079. |
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