XM-X1 (F97) Crossbone Gundam X-1

Model number(s): XM-X1 (Crossbone Vanguard); F97 (Strategic Naval Research Institute)
Code name: Crossbone Gundam X-1
Unit type: prototype general purpose mobile suit
Manufacturer: SNRI
Operator: Crossbone Vanguard
First deployment: UC 0133
Accommodation: pilot only, in panoramic monitor/linear seat cockpit in torso with Core Block System using Core Fighter
Dimensions: head height 15.9 meters
Weight: empty 9.5 metric tons; max gross 24.8 metric tons
Armor materials: gundarium alloy/ceramic composite
Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 5280 kW
Propulsion: rocket thrusters: 4 x 25000-30000 kg; vernier thrusters/apogee motors: 34
Performance: maximum thruster acceleration 4.03-4.84 G
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown; dummy launchers in hands; special weapons targeting sensor in head, can be deployed over right eye sensor/camera; bio-computer system
Optional equipment: anti-beam coating cloak, mounts on main body; booster, mounts on X-thrusters
Fixed armaments: 2 x vulcan gun, fire-linked, mounted in head; 2 x mega machine cannon, fire-linked, mounted in torso; 2 x beam saber, stored in recharge racks in shoulder armor, hand-carried in use; 4 x heat dagger, stored one in each foot and one in each calf, hand-carried or foot-mounted in use; 2 x scissor anchor, mounted on front skirt armor; 2 x beam shield/brand marker, mounted on forearms
Optional hand armaments: buster gun, can be stored on right hip armor; beam zanber, can be stored on left hip armor; zanbuster, combined buster gun/beam zanber
Optional armaments: rifle grenade, fired from buster gun; atomic shell, fired from buster gun

Developed by the Earth Federation's Strategic Naval Research Institute, the XM-X1 (F97) Crossbone Gundam actually begins its life as the Gundam F97. As part of an under-the-table deal, SNRI gives three such F97 units to Berah Ronah's (aka Cecily Fairchild) Crossbone Vanguard for use against the shadowy Jupiter Empire. Designed to operate within Jupiter's immense gravity well, the Crossbone Gundams use a set of X-shaped thrusters on their backs to put out incredible thrust. Due to the thrusters' flexible nature, the Gundams are also highly maneuverable as well. Focusing primarily on close combat, the Crossbone Gundams feature a number of weapons based on those used by the pirates of the seven seas in Earth's distant past. These weapons include the buster gun and the cutlass-like beam zanber, which can be combined into a powerful beam rifle called the zanbuster. Additionally, the Gundams' beam shields can also be used as punching daggers, leaving behind a distinctive X-shaped burn in whatever they struck. The rest of the Crossbone Gundams' armaments consists of standard weapons such as vulcans and beam sabers. Their extra features include a special cloak treated with an anti-beam coating substance, allowing the Gundams to shrug off most standard beam rifle attacks.

The Crossbone Gundam X-1 is the personal machine of the Crossbone Vanguard's top pilot, Kincado Nau (aka Seabook Arno). Kincado's combat prowess, honed over 10 years of combat, coupled with his superior machine to inspire great fear in the soldiers of the Jupiter Empire. After giving new recruit Tobia Arronax some training, Kincado allows him to sortie in the X-1. Though he fares well against the Jupiter Empire's EMS-06 Batara, Tobia runs afoul one of the new EMA-03 Gangrijo units and has to eject his Core Fighter, allowing Kincado to jump into the X-1 with his own Core Fighter and defeat the mobile armor. On one mission, Kincado and Tobia pretend to be fleeing the Vanguard, while long-time veteran Umon Samon pilots the X-1. After returning from the mission, Kincado resumes piloting duties of the X-1. Unfortunately, he comes up against the Jupiter Empire's Death Gale Team, piloting mobile suits specifically designed to battle the Crossbone Gundams. Badly damaged while fighting the EMS-VSX1 Quavarze, the X-1 is repaired and upgraded into the X-1 Kai.

Pilot(s): Kincado Nau (aka Seabook Arno), Tobia Arronax, Umon Samon
Appearances: Mobile Suit Crossbone Gundam; Mobile Suit Crossbone Gundam: Skull Heart; Mobile Suit Gundam: Climax U.C.
Original mechanical designer: Hajime Katoki

Beam zanber
Brand marker
Buster gun
Core Fighter
Scissor anchor
Zanbuster