MS-04 Bugu

Model number: MS-04
Code name: Bugu
Unit type: limited production general purpose mobile suit
Manufacturer: Zeonic Company
Operator: Republic of Zeon
Rollout: unknown
First deployment: June UC 0077
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso
Dimensions: head height 17.5 meters; overall width 9.3 meters
Weight: unknown
Armor materials: unknown
Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, power output rating unknown
Propulsion: unknown
Performance: unknown
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown
Fixed armaments: none
Optional hand armaments: machine gun; Type A2 MS bazooka; heat hawk, can be stored on waist armor racks; shield, mounts on left elbow pad and features hand grip

Zeon’s mobile suit development project advanced substantially when Dr. Torenov Y. Minovsky created the compact fusion reactor that later bore his name. The new reactor allowed for the development of the YMS-03 Waff, and data from this suit contributed to the creation of the MS-04 Bugu. The Bugu featured improved mobility thanks to the exterior placement of power pipes that transmitted energy as part of the fluid pulse system. The increased energy supply to the limb joints granted the suit high maneuverability. The Bugu’s high performance resulted in it being too expensive for mass production, a role instead given to the MS-05 Zaku I. Several Bugu units were produced, with one participating in a weapons test outside A Baoa Qu in UC 0077. Another was given to ace pilot Ramba Ral and painted in his distinctive blue with a commander’s antenna attached. In UC 0078, this unit participated in the first mobile suit battle in history at Mare Smythii on the surface of the Moon.

Pilot(s): Ramba Ral, Cucuruz Doan
First appearance: Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin (anime)
Original mechanical designer: Hajime Katoki
Note: Based on the MS-04 Prototype Zaku from the Gundam: The Origin manga

Cockpit

Cockpit hatch

Head

Leg

Machine gun

Rear view

Shield

Type A2 MS bazooka