Master Grade No.35
GUNPLA INFORMATION
Scale: 1/100 Master Grade No.35
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam 0080 War in the Pocket
Released: 2001.01
Price: 4,400 yen
Part Number: 1100366
MS-18E KÄMPFER
PRINCIPALITY OF ZEON ASSAULT USE MOBILE SUIT
In the closing phase of the One Year War, the development of mobile suits within the ranks of the Principality’s armed forces was marked by extreme turmoil. As production of so-called mainstay machines advanced, a slew of new models——mobile armors included——were being birthed in tandem. In this lay an aspect of desperation: a choice made by the Principality’s forces, inferior in industrial power (notably in production capacity), to mount a qualitative counteroffensive against the Federation Forces, who had successfully mass-produced mobile suits and shifted to an offensive stance. Indeed, Zeon’s forces found themselves repeatedly on the brink of a disastrous turn of events, driven there by a single Gundam unit from the White Base team. The military high command, it seemed, had witnessed its potency firsthand, and this likely fueled their fixation on developing a so-called “high-performance machine.”
The introduction of mobile armor was not merely a technical issue; one could argue it was a time when “mobile weaponry,” originating with the Zaku, was approaching a certain turning point. This era bore witness to the realization of the mobile suits potential as an “Anti-MS weapon.” Yet, as the mass production of the MS-14 Gelgoog became a reality and beam weapon production was beginning to stabilize, several prototype machines were on the verge of rollout or completion, exacerbating an already strained budget within the Principality’s military. But it is undeniable that many of these prototype designs showcased foresight, influencing future generations of mobile suits either directly or indirectly.
Many of these prototype machines and conceptual mobile suits were deployed in a bid to recover from the inferior position Zeon found itself in as the war neared its end. Some have proven their merit extensively during and after the war, but in some sense, they also exemplify the erratic path that MS development within the Principality’s forces had taken.
The YMS-16 series of units faced several issues and variations in terms of the functions to be incorporated into MS, and the YMS-17 was designed to have multi-faceted capabilities with a focus on anti-MS combat. It sought to be the epitome of a “superior mobile suit” while also considering hybridizing existing units to some extent. Concurrently, the YMS-18 concept aimed to explore new operational methods and concepts for mobile suits without being chained to existing paradigms. There were rumors of designs for machines that lay somewhere between a Dom and a Gelgoog and machines that included tactics utilizing Newtype capabilities.
The Kampfer, specifically, was part of the YMS-18 concept. It corresponded to a proposal under Type E (Einhauentyp= assault type), a machine specializing in solo anti-MS combat and the capability to breach enemy defense lines, with “kämpf” encompassing the meaning of close combat. Its design——replete with high-thrust vernier thrusters placed throughout its body——was conceived for swift and devastating strikes to bring down bases or enemy main forces. With this combat style in mind, it was equipped with latch points for carrying weapons and, to prevent a drop in generator output, relied solely on a beam saber as a beam weapon. The armor’s design exposed many components, like the thrusters, resulting in a smaller frontal projected area when in a forward-leaning posture. Despite its robust features, very little consideration seems to have been given to its return after an assault.
Nevertheless, considering the “capability to breach enemy defense lines” at a strategic level, this machine, built secretly within a civilian cargo ship and assembled in a small factory deep within enemy territory, could be said to have demonstrated its prowess fully upon activation. Of course, the exceptional skill of the “Cyclops Team” that executed this operation played a part. Still, it is likely that without this specific machine, such a mission would have been impossible.
In the end, the MS-18E Kämpfer failed to achieve decisive combat results. However, given that similar or near-identical concepts for machines were constructed under later AE and Neo Zeon flags, it is fair to say that the Kampfer was indeed a “superior machine.” Perhaps, in a way, it was a machine that arrived before its time.
1 monoeye camera
2 multi-blade antenna
3 power supply pipe
4 shoulder armor
5 shoulder spike armor
6 60mm vulcan
7 cockpit hatch
8 intake
9 duct
10 elbow joint armor
11 manipulator
12 arm fast armor
13 front fast armor
14 rear fast armor
15 shin armor
16 vernier nozzle
17 option latch
18 main thruster
19 sub thruster
20 power terminal
21 knee armor
22 knee joint armor
23 toe spike
24 ankle joint armor
25 handle
26 sight
27 forend
28 grenade
29 muzzle
30 grip
31 trigger
32 beam saber
33 extra stock
34 narrow sensor
35 sight scope
HEAD UNIT
The head module of the MS-18E, built upon the foundational structure of the prototype YMS-18, is designed to protect its mono-eye during close-quarters combat against other mobile suits. This entails a configuration safeguarding the mono-eye, along with an internally mounted 60mm machine gun for defensive purposes in close-range encounters. Many devices used in the Gouf series of mobile suits have been incorporated into the MS-18E’s head. The armor is specifically designed to offer maximum protection when in an assault stance. Additionally, a slit running from the mono-eye to the back of the head acts as a sub-sensor array, ensuring the collection of information even beyond the mono-eye’s direct line of sight. To prevent blind spots during a charge, the connection between the head and body units includes a specially-shaped module, setting this machine apart from existing machines and becomes one of its defining features.
COCKPIT
The MS-18E boasts a design rooted in the so-called United Maintenance Plan, adopting an interface comparable to other machines developed after this plan. Keeping its forward-leaning combat stance in mind, the cockpit block has been implemented with a certain degree of flexibility in relation to the machine. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to state that most of the MS-18E structure is dedicated to propellant tanks, given its role as an assault unit. Its combat duration at maximum output is believed to be less than half of standard mobile suits at the time. However, its agility vastly surpasses the standard space combat mobile suits, even capable of skimming the ground while maintaining a forward-leaning stance. The body unit’s armor has been minimally reinforced for strength, except for the front projection area during assault. It isn’t primarily designed for close-range gunfights. This machine is tailored for high-mobility combat, capitalizing on its numerous vernier thrusters, avoiding melee exchanges when possible. Still, its agility is deemed superior to the MS-15, and if engaged in hand-to-hand combat, it could potentially be one of the most formidable opponents.
ARM UNIT
The arm module of the MS-18E has been meticulously lightened. Yet, during its assault stance, armor reinforcement extends from the manipulator base to the elbow joint, resulting in a double-layered external structure. The arms of the MS-18E not only serve as adaptable weapon interchange equipment but also constitute a massive mobile system. The basic functions, including the “fluid pulse system,” are streamlined, providing only the essentials for the beam saber’s operation. Yet, where most machines would have shoulder armor solely for protection, here, powerful sub-thrusters, three on each side, grant it overwhelming agility. This mechanism, which controls posture using limb movement via the AMBAC system, fundamentally challenges the foundational concept of mobile suit design. Considering the qualitative advancements of mobile weaponry and the prevalence of sub-thrusters on space combat mobile suits, this groundbreaking agility for an “assault-type” was perhaps an inevitable evolution. Indeed, this unconventional maneuverability proved highly effective in terrestrial combat scenarios.
LEG UNIT
For the MS-18E, rigorous weight reduction meant omitting the iconic skirt armor synonymous with Principality mobile suits since the Zaku era. Instead, the leg structure has been integrated with armor, housing saber holders and thrusters. The legs of the MS-18E are emblematic of its most distinguishing features. While both Principality and Federation mobile suits typically possess structures protecting the hip joint essential for maintaining walking functionality, the “Kampfer” challenges this convention in its pursuit of radical weight reduction and enhanced mobility. Although the hip joint appears exposed, it’s safeguarded by armor similar to that on the elbows and knees. The thigh fairings are essentially streamlined side armor, equivalently serving as an integrated skirt armor with internally housed saber holders and vernier thruster units. Particularly the large thrusters fixed to the thighs, akin to the added thrusters on the rear of Gelgoog series machines, which added thrusters to the rear of the skirt armor. This suggests a design foresight that prioritizes function over traditional mobile suit balance.
WEAPONS
The MS-18E was designed as a mobile suit that primarily prioritizes agility and mobility. From the design phase, it was conceived with the concept that all its armaments would essentially be supplied as optional extras. Uncommon for a suit of its time, dedicated weapons systems were developed specifically for it. Naturally, it also served as a field test for various experimental equipment.
GIANT BAZOOKA
The same model of giant bazooka that the Rick Dom II and similar suits are standardly equipped with. Among the large-scale armaments designed for mobile suits that launch solid projectiles, this is a prime example of a heavy weapon with maximum firepower.
SHOTGUN
Developed as a specialized weapon for assault-type MS, this firearm employs 00 (Double-O) packs containing Luna Titanium projectiles. Each cartridge fires 9 projectiles.
STURM FAUST
A disposable rocket launcher that saw extensive use in the latter stages of the One Year War. It lacks any auto-tracking capabilities, making hitting a moving target exceptionally challenging. However, as a handheld weapon, it is formidable.
BEAM SABER
A specialized model mounted on the suits upper thigh region. The grip end design is unique, and the beam itself is of a “curved” biased type. The device appears to be a derivative of those designed for the MS-14.
CHAIN MINE
These mines, containing powerful explosives, are designed to be attached directly onto enemy units to destroy their armor. Only the units attached to the target detonate, while the rest disengage from the connecting section. They can also be thrown.
