Model
number: MS-18E Code name: Kämpfer 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 17.7 meters; overall height 18.2
meters Weight: empty 43.5 metric tons; max gross 78.5 metric tons Armor materials: titanium/ceramic composite 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 60mm 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
ZUX-197 Jagdgewehr
shotgun, pump-action magazine
and breech, 9 round magazine, can be stored on backpack storage
racks; 2 x 360mm 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
Technical
and Historical Notes
In
the last days of the One Year War, the Principality of Zeon
developed the MS-18E Kämpfer,
a fast assault unit. The Kämpfer ("käempfer"
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 Kämpfer could approach
a target at high speed, make a fast strike, and quickly escape.
This "hit-and-run" concept made the Kämpfer 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 Kämpfer 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 Kämpfer never saw mass production. A Kämpfer
unit was deployed late in the war, attacking an Earth Federation
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 December 20, UC 0079.