MSA-0011[Ext] Ex-S Gundam

Model number: MSA-0011[Ext]
Code name: Ex-S Gundam
Unit type: high-improved assault/defense heavy transformable mobile suit
Manufacturer: Anaheim Electronics
Operator: Earth Federation Forces
First deployment: 13 March UC 0088
Accommodation: pilot only, in panoramic monitor/linear seat cockpit in torso with Core Block System using FXA-08GB G-Core
Dimensions: mobile suit mode: overall height 25.18 meters, head height 21.73 meters; G-Cruiser mode: overall length 43.63 meters, wingspan 22.89 meters
Weight: mobile suit mode: empty 69.24 metric tons, max gross 162.5 metric tons; G-Cruiser mode: empty 78.28 metric tons, max gross 242.36 metric tons
Armor materials: Gundarium γ alloy composite
Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 7,180 kW
Propulsion: mobile suit mode: rocket thrusters: 1,182,000 kg total (4 x 267,500 kg, 2 x 56,000 kg); G-Cruiser mode: rocket thrusters: 4 x 267,500 kg, 2 x 62,000 kg; vernier thrusters/apogee motors: 15
Equipment and design features: sensors, range 18,800 meters; “ALICE” experimental Artificial Intelligence; I-field beam-deflecting barrier generator
Fixed armaments: 4 x 60mm vulcan gun, mounted in head; 4 x 60mm vulcan gun, mounted in tail stabilator; incom, power rated at 3.8 MW, mounted in head; 4 x beam cannon, power rated at 12 MW, mounted on backpack; 2 x beam saber, power rated at 0.9 MW, stored in recharge rack on knees, hand-carried in use; 2 x beam cannon, power rated at 14 MW, mounted on thighs; 2 x reflector incom
Optional hand armaments: beam smartgun, power rated at 56 MW

The MSA-0011 S Gundam was designed from the beginning to support optional equipment such as boosters, heavy weapons and extra armor. The Ex-S Gundam was a heavy equipment type created according to this plan. Where previous full armor systems were designed mainly for defense, the extra equipment of the Ex-S Gundam simultaneously protected the pilot, increased the mobile suit’s firepower and enhanced its mobility. These new parts also enabled the mobile suit to transform into a G-Cruiser form with extended cruising range. This form of the S Gundam was designated as the [Ext] version, which was short for Extraordinary. The Ex-S Gundam was equipped with eight new or replacement parts. The extra armor on its chest covered the main cockpit, reinforced the mobile suit’s transformation mechanisms, and included an I-field generator that could be activated for brief intervals to protect the pilot from enemy beam weapons. The extra front armor on its waist provided a new connection point for the beam smartgun so that it could be used without removing the thigh beam cannons. Its knee units contained wire-guided devices known as reflector incoms, which used an I-field to deflect the shots fired from the Ex-S Gundam’s own beam weapons and strike enemy machines from unexpected angles. The extra parts on its legs contained propellant tanks and thrust enhancement systems that increased the output of the mobile suit’s leg engines. Finally, the backpack of the original S Gundam was replaced by two booster units whose nuclear thermal rocket engines had more than 10 times as much thrust, more than compensating for the added weight of its other equipment. These booster units also included large propellant tanks and movable frame mounts to which beam cannons could be attached.

The G-Cruiser was the mobile armor form of the Ex-S Gundam. This form was equipped with large propellant tanks to further extend its cruising range and operating time. These tanks were connected to the side jackets of the mobile suit’s shoulder armor, and although they could be retained after transformation, they were often discarded once empty in order to reduce the mobile suit’s dead weight. With these propellant tanks the G-Cruiser was theoretically capable of escaping Earth’s atmosphere and reaching satellite orbit, and it could also descend to the lunar surface and then launch back into space under its own power. The Ex-S Gundam made its combat debut during the middle stage of the Pezun Rebellion. On March 13, UC 0088, Ryo Roots used this form during the initial attempt to capture Ayers City. Although this operation ended in failure, the Earth Federation Forces made a second attempt with the launch of Operation Eagle Fall on March 17, and Ryo continued to use the Ex-S Gundam throughout the ensuing battle on the lunar surface. The fighting ended on March 28 when Ryo defeated New Desides leader Brave Cod and his ORX-013 Gundam Mk-V in close combat. This battle marked the final appearance of the Ex-S Gundam on the battlefield.

Pilot(s): Ryo Roots, Tex West, Shin Crypt
First appearance: Gundam Sentinel
Original mechanical designer: Hajime Katoki

Beam smartgun

Head

Rear view (Mobile suit mode)