The Gundam Wiki
Register
Advertisement
The Gundam Wiki

The F91 Gundam F91 (F91 ガンダムF91 Effu Kujūichi Gandamu Fōmyura Nainti Wan?) is a mobile suit introduced in the movie Mobile Suit Gundam F91, in which it was piloted by Seabook Arno.[6][7] Harrison Madin piloted two production type units in custom colors.

Technology & Combat Characteristics[]

Based on F90V Gundam F90 VSBR Type, the F91 is a prototype machine created under SNRI’s ‘Formula Project’.[6][3][8] The Formula Project, also known as F Project, is a miniaturized MS development program meant to address technological problems such as the upsizing and increasing cost of MS, and to rectify Anaheim Electronics’ monopolization of the MS industry.[6][8][9] The F91 was developed to reached the ‘performance limit tidemark of present day MS’, and as such, its capabilities exceed that of contemporary machines.[6][3][8][10] SNRI only referred to it by its model number, F91.[1][2] It was later given the code name "Gundam F91" by Space Ark captain Leahlee Edaberry as its face resembled the Gundam’s.[7][1]

Befitting its smaller size, the Gundam F91 has a small reactor located in its enlarged backpack, surrounded by high-output thrusters.[8][9] Despite its reduced size, the reactor has a high output, allowing the suit to drive multiple beam weapons including a beam rifle, two beam sabers, a beam launcher, a beam shield, and a pair of variable speed beam rifles (also known as VSBRs).[3][11] While the first two beam weapons are common among contemporary mobile suits, the last three are of new designs.[12] The beam launcher is a beam weapon equivalent of a projectile firing bazooka.[12] The beam shield generates a highly defensive energy shield to block beam and projectile attacks.[8][12] The VSBR is the Gundam F91’s most powerful weaponry, and is capable of firing beams of different speed to achieve either high destructive power or high penetrative power.[8][11][12] Other weapons include two Vulcan guns and two mega machine cannons.[3][11]

With its reduced size and the increase in output, the Gundam F91 has a drastically improved power-to-weight ratio, allowing it to attain higher mobility than MS of earlier eras.[6][9][13] Its mobility is on par with the miniaturized MS deployed later by the Crossbone Vanguard.[8] It also has special features such as the Bio-Computer, MCA (Multiple Construction Armor) structure, and the MEPE (Metal Peel-off Effect) phenomenon.[6][8] The Bio-Computer is installed in the suit’s head and feeds battle data directly to the pilot, but only a Newtype pilot can draw out its full potential.[7][12] Accompanying the installment of the Bio-Computer, a head-mounted coolant and heat discharging system were also implemented, with the face guard opening to discharge heat under certain circumstance.[7][8][9] The MCA structure incorporates electrical functions into the suit’s armor, allowing for more efficient use of the F91's limited internal space.[8][12] The MEPE is a byproduct of the MCA structure.[9][12] It helps the suit to dissipate excess heat by shedding the outer layers of its armor, and in the process, creates afterimages with mass to confuse enemy pilots, as well as the sensors of enemy machines.[7][9][12] However, the MEPE is only activated under specific conditions.[6][8][9]

The Gundam F91’s high performance is not without drawbacks; its full operating mode is too much for normal pilots to handle.[6][9][10][14] Thus, limiters were installed to make the suit more manageable; only a Newtype pilot can handle the full operating mode.[6][3][8][9] When the Bio-Computer - via the Bio-Sensor in the pilot’s linear seat - determines that a Newtype is at the controls, it will disable the limiters and allow activation of the full operating mode.[6][7][15] In this mode, the suit performs at its maximum potential and forced cooling is activated.[7][3][10][15] This results in the suit radiating heat from all over its body: the face guard opens to vent heat, the shoulder-mounted heat radiations fins are deployed, the retractable thruster units on the back of the lower legs and the associated fins are activated, and the MEPE phenomenon occurs.[6][7][3][9] All these are to reduce damage to the machine caused by movement overload during the full operating mode, and to protect the Bio-Computer that is sensitive to high heat.[9][10][15] It is also worth noting that the front grill that takes up most of the chest and abdomen is a heat sink.[8]

After the war with the Crossbone Vanguard, an unspecified but extremely small numbers of Gundam F91s were manufactured.[8] The MCA, MEPE, and full spec Bio-Computer were omitted from these production type units; inclusion of these technologies in the prototype unit was more for experimental purposes.[13][14] Despite this, the catalog specifications of these machines are still comparable to the prototype’s.[14] Although the face guard opening mechanism is retained in all production type units, only certain units for ace pilots (such as Harrison Madin’s) can access the full operating mode through improvements in the cooling system and various devices.[8][13][14] However, these ace-used units still do not have the MEPE function due to the enhanced cooling system, as well as the change in the materials used in the final layer of armor.[13][14]

Armaments[]

  • Vulcan Gun
The Gundam F91 is equipped with a pair of head-mounted Vulcan guns.[6][9] The Vulcan Guns are mainly for intercepting incoming missiles/rockets, destroying mobile suit sensors, and engaging lightly-armored vehicles.
  • Mega Machine Cannon
Mounted in the chest, the pair of mega machine cannons are stronger than the vulcan guns, and capable of damaging enemy MS in close combat.[6][14]
  • Beam Saber
The beam saber is the standard close-combat weapon of most mobile suits. It emits a blade of plasma contained by an I-field that can cut through any armor not treated to resist it. Powered by a rechargeable energy capacitor, two beam sabers stored in the F91’s left side armor.[7][10] The F91’s beam sabers have enhanced functionalities; its beam blade generation being alterable to a certain extent, and an improved beam emitter with greatly enhanced durability.[6][14] When the hand holding the beam saber is rotated 360 degrees rapidly, a makeshift beam buzz saw is created.[7]
  • Beam Rifle
The beam rifle is the standard ranged weapon of most mobile suits. It fires a compressed mega particle beam which can penetrate any physical armor not treated to resist it. The balance of the F91's beam rifle is optimized for a 15m tall MS, and its output can be adjusted.[6][14] It fires normal beams for long-range attacks, and acts like a beam machine gun for rapid-fire.[6][14] It is powered by a replaceable e-pac and can be stored on the rear waist armor.
  • Variable Speed Beam Rifle
The greatest weapon employed by the Gundam F91, they are a pair of high-output large beam rifles mounted on the suit’s backpack, and powered directly by its reactor.[6][11][14] Also known as VSBRs, they can fire either low-speed beams with high destructive power, or high-speed beams with high penetrating power, sufficient to destroy two MS with one shot or pierce a beam shield.[7][8][11][12] The two VSBR typically slide under the shoulder when deployed, but can also be used to attack an enemy at the back while in storage position.[7][8][11][12] They can also be employed for AMBAC purposes when not in use.[8][9][12] The weapon was first experimentally developed for the Gundam F90 VSBR Type.[8]
  • Beam Launcher
An optional handheld weapon of the Gundam F91, this large caliber beam weapon was developed as a replacement for the projectile firing bazooka.[12] Powered by a replaceable e-pac, the beam launcher fires low-velocity beams with high destructive power.[12] Can be stored on the rear waist armor when not in use.
  • Beam Shield
The F91 Gundam is equipped with a beam shield generator mounted on the left arm, and has a spare unit stored in the right side armor.[6][7][10] Unlike an I-field generator, which is effective only against beam attacks, the beam shield blocks both beam and projectile weapons.[12] The beam shield generates a plane of energy similar to the blade of a beam saber.[12] This plane is divided into multiple sections, which can be turned on or off as needed to conserve energy.[12] Individual sections are also automatically deactivated whenever they're in danger of coming into contact with the mobile suit itself.[12] Like beam sabers, the F91's beam shields have an internal condenser that can power the shield even when not connected to the mobile suit.[10][15] Thus, the spare unit can be used as a throwing weapon.[6][7] Like the VSBR, an experimental version of the beam shield is also equipped on the Gundam F90 VSBR Type.
The Gundam F91 equips one that was found floating in the mine of Frontier I, replacing the F91's original beam rifle that Seabook discarded when battling with the Bugs. It was used in the battle against the Rafflesia together with the Beam Launcher until it was destroyed in combat.

Special Equipment & Features[]

  • Bio-Computer
A new kind of man-machine interface, the Bio-Computer is a next generation device developed from the psycommu system, but places less strain on its human operator.[6][9][12] It is originally intended to help the disabled, but its development is ultimately funded by the Earth Federation Forces, who hoped to employ it as a mobile suit control system and install it in the Gundam F91 for experimental purposes.[9][12] As its name implies, the Bio-Computer is similar in structure to a human brain, and its operating processes resemble human thoughts and feelings.[12] Rather than merely displaying data collected by the MS’ sensors on a computer monitor, the Bio-Computer can relay it directly to the pilot in the form of sensory information, so what the machine "feels" can also be experienced by the human operator.[6][12] Like the original psycommu system, the Bio-Computer also allows the pilot to control the MS using thoughts alone.[6][12] However, the full latent potential of this system can only be tapped by a Newtype pilot.[12] Production version of the Gundam F91 uses a Bio-Computer with reduced specifications.[14]
  • Bio-Sensor
Located in the pilot’s linear seat, the Bio-Sensor can pick up thoughts and emotions of the pilot.[7][15] This improves the suit’s responsiveness and reaction speed.[15] Furthermore, it is via the Bio-Sensor that the Bio-Computer is able to determine whether a Newtype is piloting the Gundam F91, and thereby allow access to the full operating mode, unleashing the suit’s full potential.[6][15] Unclear whether the Bio-Sensor is present in the production version of Gundam F91.
  • Psycho-Frame
The F91 is fitted with Psycho Frame around its cockpit, which serves as the main amplifier for its psycommu system. There is also a sub-amplifier built into the back of the pilot seat.[16]
  • Heat Radiation Fins
A set of three heat radiation fins is stored inside each shoulder armor.[7][8] They extend outward when the MS is in full operating mode, and the top and bottom surface have molds that improve the heat radiation capabilities.[6][8] The fins can also be used as stabilizers within atmosphere.[8][15]
  • Multiple Construction Armor
Multiple Construction Armor (MCA) is a multifunctional structural material in which the functions of electronic equipment, such as circulatory and cooling systems, are incorporated into the MS’ armor layers, making more efficient use of the highly compact MS’ limited internal space.[8][9][12] The technology for embedding electrical functions into a structural material is first established in U.C.0090s with the development of the Psycho-Frame.[9][13] MCA is an application of this technology after further development; it uses special structural materials alongside heterogeneous crystallization coupling technology that uses I-Fields.[8][13] This feature is removed in the production version of Gundam F91.[13][14]
  • Metal Peel-off Effect
This special feature of the Gundam F91 is a byproduct of the MCA.[12] In addition to its radiators and cooling ducts, the F91 can also dissipate excess heat by shedding the outer layers of its armor.[12] This process creates afterimages of the mobile suit made up of metallic particles, which can deceive not only the eyes of enemy pilots, but also radar and other sensors.[7][11][12] This feature is activated when the suit is in the full operating mode, and only present in the prototype version of the Gundam F91.[6][7][8][14]
  • Learning Computer
A control computer for MS, it was installed on the Gundam F91 until the Bio-Computer was completed.

History[]

The F91 was a prototype MS developed by Strategic Naval Research Institute as part of their Formula Project. Various revolutionary technologies have been adopted, making it a machine which has reached a tidemark for Mobile Suits of that period.[8] The F91 was completed in U.C. 0116 and operational tests took place during U.C. 0121 to U.C. 0122.[8] In U.C. 0122, the F91 was used against the Oldsmobile Army, controlled by former pilot of the F90 Gundam F90, Bergh Scred. Since the Bio-Computer was not completed yet, it was equipped with a normal Learning Computer, but it still demonstrated high performance and was capable of defeating the MS of the Oldsmobile Army.

It was later brought to the space colonies of the Frontier Side, but was abandoned due to the Crossbone Vanguard's attack in U.C. 0123 during the Cosmo Babylonia Foundation War.[8] After being recovered and refurbished onboard the training ship Space Ark, its Bio-Computer was adjusted and the suit was put into combat against the Crossbone Vanguard.[8] It was piloted by Seabook Arno, son of the Bio-Computer's designer. Seabook showed the power of the F91 during his first sortie against a scouting party of the Crossbone Vanguard in the Frontier I colony, destroying three enemy machines. Seabook then took the F91 on a mission to infiltrate the Crossbone Vanguard controlled Frontier IV colony to search for his friend Cecily Fairchild. Later, Seabook's Gundam F91 teamed up with Cecily's XM-07 Vigna Ghina to take on the Bug automated weapons that Iron Mask released into a space colony, and engaged Iron Mask's XMA-01 Rafflesia, destroying it.

By U.C. 0133, the F91 became a limited production MS. The Earth Federation sortied a number of these Gundam F91s against the pirate group Crossbone Vanguard, after being tricked by the Jupiter Empire pilot Zabine Chareux that they were resisting arrest. One notable unit was painted blue and piloted by Harrison Madin who was a close match for Seabook Arno and his more advanced XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X-1. Even ten years later, the Gundam F91's VSBR was still a threat against Seabook's Crossbone Gundam X-1, and managed to pierce two beam shields before being blocked by the Crossbone Gundam X1's powerful beam zanber.

In U.C. 0136, Harrison Maddin passed his customized production type Gundam F91 to Tobia Arronax's group when the latter visited Earth to gather aid to prevent Jupiter Empire's "Operation Zeus Thunder". Harrison's Gundam F91 was then upgraded to match the specifications of the prototype Gundam F91 and became known as "F91 Gundam F91 Jupiter Battle Specification". This Gundam F91 was piloted by Mitchell Derek Nar and participated in "Operation Steel 7" to stop the Jupiter Empire's attack. Against the overwhelming numbers of the Jupiter Empire forces, the F91 Gundam F91 Jupiter Battle Specification fought bravely. It was shot in the chest and destroyed by the Dictus while trying to protect Minoru Suzuki's F90I-I Gundam F90 Intercept Type Jupiter Battle Specification.

Variants[]

  • F91 Gundam F91 Vital Unit 1 & 2
A pair of prototype mobile suits used for operating tests, they appear in manga Mobile Suit Gundam F91 Prequel. Both Unit 1 & Unit 2 have identical appearances as the F91 Gundam F91, but differ in color schemes. Additionally, instead of beam rifle, they are armed with beam machine gun. The power of the beam machine gun is inferior to the standard beam rifle, but it has a higher rate of fire.[17] Its energy level can be adjusted to fire single shots.[17] The weapon also has an underslung grenade launcher, which holds five rounds.[17]
During the events of Mobile Suit Crossbone Gundam: Steel 7, Harrison Madin left his custom Gundam F91 (which was his second unit, his first unit was scrapped after the fight with Crossbone Gundam X-1 due to severe damage beyond repair) for Tobia and friends when they met on Earth. Later, this Gundam F91 was modified into the Gundam F91 Jupiter Battle Specification for the final mission to destroy the Jupiter Empire's colony laser "Shinvatsu". Piloted by Mitchell Derek Nar, various features removed from the production type Gundam F91 were restored, such as the MEPE. As a result, its capabilities are much closer to that of the prototype Gundam F91 piloted by Seabook Arno.

Gallery[]

Linearts[]

Animation[]

Manga[]

Illustration & Artwork[]

Games[]

Gunpla[]

Action Figures[]

Gashapon[]

Notes & Trivia[]

New 723 powered suit
  • In the fourth Sgt. Frog film, Natsumi Hinata's "723-Power Suit New Ver." is based on the Gundam F91 MS Girl.
  • Seabook's Gundam F91 is featured in the Gundam Vs. series initially at the cost of 2000 but was later upgraded to 2500 to match Kincade's Crossbone Gundam X-1. Harrison's Gundam F91 is also appears as an arcade-exclusive enemy. When activating MEPE, the unit's will cut projectile tracking, gain movement speed and enhanced attacks. Seabook can also summon Cecily Fairchild's XM-07 Vigna Ghina for assistance.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 (May 1991) B‐CLUB SPECIAL 機動戦士ガンダムF91 オフィシャルエディション (in Japanese). Bandai, 11. ISBN 9784891891558. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 (May 1991) B‐CLUB SPECIAL 機動戦士ガンダムF91 オフィシャルエディション (in Japanese). Bandai, 62. ISBN 9784891891558. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 F91 Gundam’s profile on Archived Gundam Official Website
  4. (May 1991) B‐CLUB SPECIAL 機動戦士ガンダムF91 オフィシャルエディション (in Japanese). Bandai, 69. ISBN 9784891891558. 
  5. ガンダムF91|モビルスーツ|『機動戦士ガンダムF91』公式サイト. Retrieved on 2021-12-12.
  6. 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 6.14 6.15 6.16 6.17 6.18 6.19 6.20 6.21 6.22 6.23 6.24 High Grade Universal Century 1/144 Gundam F91 Model Kit Manual
  7. 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 7.15 7.16 7.17 Mobile Suit Gundam F91
  8. 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 8.14 8.15 8.16 8.17 8.18 8.19 8.20 8.21 8.22 8.23 8.24 8.25 8.26 8.27 8.28 Master Grade Gundam F91 Ver.2.0 Model Kit Manual
  9. 9.00 9.01 9.02 9.03 9.04 9.05 9.06 9.07 9.08 9.09 9.10 9.11 9.12 9.13 9.14 9.15 9.16 Master Grade Gundam F91 Model Kit Manual
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 No Grade 1/100 Gundam F91 Model Kit Manual
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 035 F91 F91 Gundam F91 (from Mobile Suit Gundam F91)
  12. 12.00 12.01 12.02 12.03 12.04 12.05 12.06 12.07 12.08 12.09 12.10 12.11 12.12 12.13 12.14 12.15 12.16 12.17 12.18 12.19 12.20 12.21 12.22 12.23 12.24 12.25 12.26 Weapons and Technology Glossary on Archived Gundam Official Website
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 Master Grade Harrison Madin’s Gundam F91 Model Kit Manual
  14. 14.00 14.01 14.02 14.03 14.04 14.05 14.06 14.07 14.08 14.09 14.10 14.11 14.12 High Grade Universal Century 1/144 Harrison Madin’s Gundam F91 Model Kit Manual
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 15.7 No Grade 1/60 Gundam F91 Model Kit Manual
  16. Mobile Suit Gundam F91 - The Official Edition, p.60
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 Mobile Suit Gundam F91 Prequel Vol. 3


Mobile Suit Gundam F91 Mechanics
edit
Earth Federation Forces/Civilian Militia
Mobile Weapon
Mobile Suit
F71 G-Cannon | F91 Gundam F91 | F-50D Guntank R-44 | RGM-89J Jegan Normal Type | RGM-89M Jegan B-Type | RGM-89R Jegan A-Type | RGM-109 Heavygun | XM-06 Dahgi Iris | XM-07 Vigna Ghina

Land Vehicle
Armored Buggy | Armored Car | Missile Armored Car | Motorcycle | Wired Missile Car
Transporter
Space Boat
Cruiser / Mother Ship
Ark-class | Clop-class | Ra Cailum-class | Salamis Kai-class
Crossbone Vanguard
Mobile Weapon
Mobile Suit
XM-01 Den'an Zon | XM-02 Den'an Gei | XM-03 Ebirhu-S | XM-04 Berga Dalas | XM-05 Berga Giros | XM-06 Dahgi Iris | XM-07 Vigna Ghina
Mobile Armour
XMA-01 Rafflesia

Land Vehicle
Armored Buggy | Armored Car | Paint Vehicle
Automated Weapon
Bug
Cruiser / Mother Ship
Zamouth Garr-class | Zamouth Giri-class | Zamouth Jeth-class | Zamouth Nada-class
Jupiter Energy Fleet
Transporter / Supply Ship
Thousandth Jupiter


Mobile Suit Crossbone Gundam Mechanics
edit
Crossbone Vanguard
Mobile Weapon
Mobile Suit
EMS-06 Batalla | EMS-10 Pez Batalla | XM-08 Zondo Gei | XM-10 Flint | XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X-1 | XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X-1 Kai | XM-X2 Crossbone Gundam X-2 | XM-X3 Crossbone Gundam X-3

Transporter / Supply Ship
Eos Nyx
Cruiser / Mother Ship
Little Grey | Mother Vanguard | Zamouth Giri-class | Zamouth Jeth-class | Zamouth Nada-class
Jupiter Empire
Mobile Weapon
Mobile Suit
EMS-06 Batalla | EMS-07 Erebado | EMS-08 Diona | EMS-09 Vagon | EMS-10 Pez Batalla | EMS-VSX1 Mass Production Quavarze | EMS-VSX1 Quavarze | EMS-VSX2 Abijo | EMS-VSX3 Totuga | Security Mobile Suit | XM-X2ex Crossbone Gundam X-2 Kai
Mobile Armour
EMA-01 Acusirio | EMA-02 Thostede | EMA-03 Cangrejo | EMA-04 Elefante | EMA-06 Elegorela | EMA-07 Nautilus | EMA-10 Divinidad

Transporter / Supply Ship
Jupitris-class | Smashion
Cruiser / Mother Ship
Jibia | Jupiter Battleship
Earth Federation Forces
Mobile Weapon
Mobile Suit
F91 Gundam F91 | RGM-89J Jegan Normal Type | RGM-109 Heavygun | RGM-119 Jamesgun | RGM-122 Javelin
Mobile Pod
Model 133 Ball

Cruiser / Mother Ship
Clop-class | Ra Cailum-class | Reinforce


Crossbone Gundam: Skull Heart Mechanics
edit
Crossbone Vanguard
Mobile Weapon
Mobile Suit
EMS-06 Batalla | EMS-10 Pez Batalla | XM-10 Flint | XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X-1 Kai | XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X-1 Kai Kai "Skull Heart"

Cruiser / Mother Ship
Little Grey | Mother Vanguard
Jupiter Empire
Mobile Weapon
Mobile Suit
Amakusa | EMS-06 Batalla | EMS-06-P Arana Batalla | EMS-10 Pez Batalla | EMS-12 Arana
Mobile Armour
Nautilus Kai
Earth Federation Forces
Mobile Weapon
Mobile Suit
F91 Gundam F91 | RGM-79 GM | RGM-122 Javelin | RX-78-2 Gundam
Mobile Pod
B Gundam | RB-79 Ball

Cruiser / Mother Ship
Salamis-class
Principality of Zeon
Mobile Weapon
Mobile Suit
MS-06F Zaku II | MS-06MS Barbus | MS-09R Rick Dom
Jupiter Energy Fleet
Mobile Weapon
Mobile Suit
Gump


Crossbone Gundam: Steel 7 Mechanics
edit
Crossbone Vanguard
Mobile Weapon
Mobile Suit
Angel Diona | Arana Abijo | Bala Tortuga | XM-07B Vigna Ghina II Jupiter Battle Specification | XM-10 Flint | XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X-1 Full Cloth | XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X-1 "Patchwork" | XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam X-1 Kai Kai "Skull Heart" | XM-X3 Crossbone Gundam X-3

Spacecraft
Nozzle | Speed King
Cruiser / Mother Ship
Little Grey
Jupiter Empire
Mobile Weapon
Mobile Suit
Amakusa | Cornix | Dictus | EMS-08 Diona | EMS-12 Arana | EMS-VSX1 Mass Production Quavarze | EMS-VSX1 Quavarze | EMS-VSX2 Abijo | EMS-VSX3 Totuga | Impulse Cornix
Mobile Armour
Elcopty | EMA-10 Divinidad

Super Weapon
Colony Laser
Earth Federation Forces/SNRI
Mobile Weapon
Mobile Suit
F90I-I Gundam F90 Intercept Type Jupiter Battle Specification | F91 Gundam F91 | F99 Record Breaker | RGM-109 Heavygun | RGM-119 Jamesgun | RGM-122 Javelin | XM-10 Flint
Advertisement