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FA-78-2
Heavy Gundam
Model number: FA-78-2 Code name: Heavy Gundam Unit type: prototype general purpose mobile suit Manufacturer: Earth Federation Forces Operator: Earth Federation Forces First deployment: UC 0079 Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso Dimensions: overall height 18.4 meters; head height 18.0 meters Weight: empty 52.2 metric tons; max gross weight unknown Armor materials: lunar titanium alloy Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rating unknown Propulsion: rocket thrusters: total output unknown Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown Fixed armaments: cannon, mounted on torso over right shoulder; beam saber, stored in recharge rack in backpack, hand-carried in use Optional hand armaments: heavy launcher (mounts Gatling gun and 4-tube missile launcher)
Despite the apparent flaws in the design of the FA-78-1 Gundam Full Armor Type, the Earth Federation Forces continued to develop concepts for improving on its well-performing RX-78-2 Gundam. One of the most successful designs was the FA-78-2 Heavy Gundam, which was an all-new mobile suit design, rather than bulky external armor modules added to the existing Gundam. The Heavy Gundam sported thicker armor and a shell-firing cannon similar to the Gundam Full Armor Type. A beam saber for close combat was also added back into the design, and the Heavy Gundam carried a "heavy launcher", which was composed of a large Gatling gun and a 4-tube missile launcher. By being less bulky and more maneuverable, the Heavy Gundam had fully addressed the problems in the Full Armor Type's design. However, the original Gundam continued to lay waste to Zeon's latest mobile weapons, and the idea of an upgraded Gundam became somewhat pointless. The Heavy Gundam's development was stopped in November UC 0079, with only one prototype unit having been constructed. However, it has been reported that Federation pilot Colonel Den Berserk did pilot the Heavy Gundam prototype during the Federation Forces' capture of Zeon's Pezun asteroid base.
Pilot:
Den Berserk
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