FXA-08R Mega Rider

Model number: FXA-08R
Code name: Mega Rider
Unit type: mobile suit support weapon/sub-flight system
Manufacturer: Anaheim Electronics
Operator: AEUG (Anti-Earth Union Group)
First deployment: UC 0088
Accommodation: pilot and copilot plus additional passengers, in standard cockpit in main body
Dimensions: overall length 59.7 meters
Weight: empty 137.4 metric tons
Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactors, output rating unknown
Propulsion: rocket thrusters: total output unknown
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown
Fixed armaments: mega launcher, mounted on front of main body; 2 x laser gun, mounted on main body

A vehicle built by Anaheim Electronics and employed by the AEUG during the First Neo Zeon War, the FXA-08R Mega Rider was designed around the concept of combining a high-powered heavy beam weapon (similar to the AEUG’s FHA-03M1 Mega Bazooka Launcher) and a sub-flight system (used to carry mobile suits in atmospheric combat). Based on the FXA-08R-X1 Proto Mega Rider, the unit was a unique-looking fusion of the two systems, with two mobile suits capable of straddling the mega launcher-equipped vehicle in a fashion similar to riding a motorcycle. In addition to being directly controlled by a riding mobile suit, the Mega Rider could also be operated from a mobile suit via remote control signal, or manually from a cockpit in the Mega Rider’s main body. Because its cockpit was rather spacious, the Mega Rider could also be used as a mobile field base of sorts.

Pilot(s): Mondo Agake, Iino Abbav, Elpeo Ple, Elle Vianno
First appearance: Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
Original mechanical designer: Mika Akitaka

Underside view