RX-78-1 Prototype Gundam

Model number: RX-78-1
Code name: Prototype Gundam
Unit type: prototype general purpose mobile suit
Manufacturer: Earth Federation Forces
Operator: Earth Federation Forces
Rollout: 7 July UC 0079
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso with Core Block System using FF-X5 Prototype Core Fighter
Dimensions: head height 18.0 meters
Weight: empty 43.4 metric tons; max gross 59.0 metric tons
Armor materials: Luna Titanium alloy
Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 1,380 kW
Propulsion: rocket thrusters: total output 55,500 kg
Performance: 180-degree turn time 1.5 seconds
Equipment and design features: sensors, range 5,700 meters
Fixed armaments: 2 x vulcan gun, mounted in head; 2 x beam saber, stored in recharge racks in backpack, hand-carried in use
Optional hand armaments: beam rifle, powered by rechargeable energy cap; shield, mounts on left forearm

The third mobile suit developed under the Earth Federation Forces’ top secret Operation V, the RX-78 Gundam series saw its initial rollout in the form of the RX-78-1 Prototype Gundam at the EFF’s Jaburo military headquarters on Earth. The Gundam was designed as a fast, close combat mobile suit and was the first to feature several new technologies, including the energy cap-based beam rifle (making the Gundam the first mobile suit to pack the firepower of a battleship) and beam saber. Once the initial design was approved, development proceeds to the second stage, and three RX-78-2 units began construction and testing at the Side 7 research colony.

Pilot: Farrell Iha
First appearance: MSV
Original mechanical designer: Kunio Okawara

Beam rifle

Rear view