Apsalus I

Model number: N/A
Code name: Apsalus
Unit type: experimental base attack use mobile armor
Manufacturer: Principality of Zeon
Operator: Principality of Zeon
First deployment: UC 0079
Accommodation: pilot and copilot, in tandem-seat standard cockpit in main body
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 1400 kW
Propulsion: rocket thrusters: output unknown; Minovsky craft system: output unknown
Equipment and design features: sensors, range 3200 meters
Fixed armaments: Minovsky craft system energy pulse

Following the failure of the Principality of Zeon's "Operation British" to drop a colony to destroy the Earth Federation Forces' underground Jaburo headquarters in the early days of One Year War, the brass decide to pursue other avenues to destroy the South American base. One of these plans, the "Apsalus Project" developed by Ginias Sahalin, appears to be the most feasible. It involves constructing an atmosphere/space flight-capable mobile armor driven by a Minovsky craft system which will approach Jaburo from across Earth's surface, then launch up into high orbit and destroy Jaburo with a large mega particle cannon capable of blasting through the rock protecting the underground base.

The first Apsalus unit is constructed at Zeon's Southeast Asia mobile suit factory, under the supervision of Ginias. His younger sister, Aina Sahalin, assists with the project by serving as the Apsalus' test pilot. Built partly out of MS-06JC Zaku II parts, the Apsalus incorporates a powerful generator to run its Minovsky craft system, allowing the mobile armor to float at any altitude and fly at high speeds. However, the generator's output is not enough to give the Minovsky craft system the required power to keep the Apsalus stable in the air. Although this first Apsalus unit is built only for atmospheric test flights and is not conventionally armed, its Minovsky craft system can emit a powerful energy pulse that can be used as a defensive weapon. The first Apsalus unit is heavily damaged during field tests over enemy territory, and a second unit, the Apsalus II, is constructed. Flight and combat data from these first two units are used, along with most of the parts from the Apsalus II, to build the final version, the Apsalus III.

Pilot: Aina Sahalin
Appearances: Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team
Original mechanical designer: Hajime Katoki
Note: custom lineart by Mark Simmons

Cockpit