The NT-2 is based on the idea that the Alex wasn’t the only unit and a total of three RX-78 Gundam were produced. This is due to a container seen in the first episode of 0080 (Overall we see three containers in the episode marked NT-1, NT-2 and NT-3). But how many containers were there? Perhaps the suits were disassembled in each container? While the NT-1 adopted a linear seat for testing purposes, the NT-2 is a type that is equipped with a normal cockpit system that was prepared in the event test results from the linear seat were inadequate. The suit utilizes the same beam rifle as the RX-78 Gundam but the shield is from the GM Command.

Width: 4032mm
Length: 12240mm
Developer: Norfolk Industrial

The RGM-M-Sh-AGD shield is a large type of tower shield (an arched shield) whose design was enlarged to mobile suit size. Developed late in the One Year War, it utilizes the same titanium ceramic composite material as the armor material of the Sh-007 type. While shields that utilize a curved surface can be expected to demonstrate highly resistant abilities against beam weaponry and physical rounds, the fine curved shape was difficult to produce which led to high costs at the start of the war so it was conservatively adopted. Shortly thereafter, through the advancements in production technology and when it became possible to supply it relatively cheaply, it was widely deployed mainly with suits from the GM Command series and commonly became known as the Command Shield. Compared to conventional shields, an anti-beam coating treatment is applied to the surface to increase the thermal capacity thus achieving higher beam energy diffusivity. In addition to being equipped with spikes at the tip for melee combat, the open part at the top is there to prevent interference with the verniers for mobility. Also provided with a weapons latch on the back of the shield, it can mount two spare magazines as well as various other equipment.

Developer: Blash
Overall Length: 9216mm
Output: 1.9MW
Number of Rounds: 16 shots per charge
Recommended Generator Output: 1380kKw

The XBR-M-79-07G beam rifle is one of the first portable beam weapons for mobile suits that was put to practical use for the first time in history. Although it was a prototype, it was introduced into combat quite early on and achieved great results, and its design concept and technological high degree of perfection are lauded for their achievement even now.

The 79-07G type is a beam rifle that was outfitted for the RX-78 Gundam and although it was designed under the impression of mid-range usage, its abilities were somewhat excessive, giving it abilities that bordered on a sniper rifle for long distance shooting, which would be developed later.

One theory also suggests that since the beam output control system was in its infancy at the time, it was designed under the assumption of being able to fire at maximum output right away.

Information from the large movable sensor system that is offset on the top is integrated with the sensor information of the RX-78’s main body with the Fire Control System (FCS) thus achieving a high firing accuracy.

For the 79-07G type, the sensor is able to move 45 degrees on either side and the fore-grip available for firing stability is able to move 90 degrees to support firing positions. Despite it’s elaborate design that is distinctive of a prototype, due to the subsequent miniaturization and improvements to the guns center of gravity and evolution of mobile suits movement programs, this style of design is not often seen with officially adopted beam weaponry that appeared in the later parts of the One Year War.

Although the 79-07G type was not designed for mass production, it is said that it was ultimately produced in several batches in order to continue combat testing use for the RX-78. Whether it was the same type including the internal mechanism design and what not is unknown because accurate records were not disclosed.

The beam saber has the same performance as those belonging to the Gundam and most GMs, but the unit itself and the backpack connectors are made by Blash, so their shape and positioning is different.

Do you remember the NT-1’s transport containers that appeared in Episode 1 of Gundam 0080? According to a line from a Federation soldier under attack at the Arctic base, he says “We’ve still got two more left.” This would mean there are at least three containers total. According to the setting materials by Mika Akitaka, there are actually four containers. Although there are instructions in the designs to designate NT-1 – 1~4, could this have been a misunderstanding or is there an Alex Unit 2 called NT-2?

^Sources:

^{B-CLUB July 1989: 72-73, 89. Print.}

^{Master Archive RGM-79 GM Vol.1: Sept. 24, 2010: 91, 99. Print.}