RX-78GP02A Gundam "Physalis"
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The RX-78GP02A Gundam "Physalis" is the second of four mobile suits in the Gundam Development Project. It is stolen by Principality of Zeon ace Anavel Gato to commence Operation Stardust.
| RX-78GP02A Gundam "Physalis" | |
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| Gundam "Physalis" | |
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| Gundam "Physalis" MLRS type | |
| Fast Facts | |
| Model Number | RX-78GP02A |
| Unit Type | |
| Prototype general purpose tactical mobile suit | |
| Launched | 18 September UC 0083 |
| Manufacturer | Anaheim Electronics |
| Operator | Earth Federation Forces, Delaz Fleet |
| Known Pilot | Anavel Gato |
| General Characteristics | |
| Overall Height | 19.5 meters; head height 18.5 meters |
| Weight | empty 54.5 metric tons; max gross 83.0 metric tons |
| Power Plant | Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 1860 kW |
| Accommodation | Pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso |
| Armor: | Gundarium alloy |
| Armaments | |
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| Special Equipments and Features | |
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None | |
| Optional Equipments | |
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Contents |
Combat Characteristics
As described in the MG model manual and MS encyclopedia, during the postwar years the Federation received information that the Zeon remnants could have been developing mobile suits with nuclear capabilities. As a countermeasure, the Federation decided to develop a nuclear capable mobile suit of their own, and the result was the RX-78GP02A Gundam Physalis.
Contrary to what is commonely belived the RX-78GP02A was not a violation of the Antarctic Treaty it was designed to deliver the MK-82 warhead based nuclear missile (after the One Year War was over and the Federation was victorious, the Antarctic Treaty was defunct and replaced with the Granada peace accords. However it is unknown what was banned by the Granada peace accords. It is very likely that nuclear weapons were not banned as they are used during 0083, Zeta and CCA. It should also be noted that the Principality of Zeon that made the treaty with the federation didn't exist anymore, as the republic of Zeon took its place, and legally that made it a separate government from the Principality of Zeon.
Despite being one of the largest Gundams in UC history by armor volume, the GP02A is highly maneuverable. Besides the nuclear warhead, the Physalis is armed with standard head-mounted vulcan guns and two torso- mounted beam sabers, which when activated glow green instead of the normal pink. The GP02 was designed to possibly work in tandem with is sister unit, the GP01.
It carried extensive heat and radiation shielding to protect it from nuclear blasts, as well as the standard Federation mobile suit armaments. Mounted on the shoulders of the Physalis were a set of high power thrusters, which contributed to the exceptional maneuverability of the MS. The Physalis, however, is at a disadvantage if the nuclear bazooka were ever destroyed in battle, as it could only rely on its thick armor, large shield, and beam sabers for protection, and could be destroyed easily at long range. In the hands of a skilled pilot, the Physalis may be able to overcome these disadvantages.
Combat History
In the story of Mobile Suit Gundam 0083, which happened in the year UC 0083, the Albion collected both the RX-78GP01 and the RX-78GP02A, shipping them to Torrington Base in Australia for terrestrial testing. Later, Former Zeon Ace pilot Anavel Gato a.k.a The Nightmare of Solomon stole the RX-78GP02A after a nuclear missile from the Federation's Torrington Base stockpile had been loaded into it, and later used it to destroy or disable two-thirds of the Earth Federation space fleet at the Naval Review at Konpei Island. Shortly after, the RX-78GP02A and the RX-78GP01Fb engaged in a battle, resulting in the destruction of both units. Full record of the story can also be referenced from Gundam Officials.
Its data is later used to produce AMX-017 Gigantic, another tactical mobile suit
Variants
RX-78GP02A Gundam GP02A Type MLRS
Alternate equipments for Gundam Physalis, allow it to function as a heavy assault mobile suit. The nuclear warhead is removed and replaced by six-tube Multiple Launch Rocket System, or MLRS, with three tubes mounted on each side of the backpack. The rockets in the MLRS are almost the size of a cruise missile, and thus can pack a much larger punch. In mid range combat, it can easily bombard a large area, sweeping down a majority of the enemies so that the normal troops can come in to clean up the remaining enemies easily.
For more conventional firepower, the GP02A can be loaded with a particle generator in place of the nuclear warhead, and use the atomic bazooka as a heavy beam bazooka. The firepower of beam bazooka can rival that of a mega particle cannon of a large scale mobile armor such as MA-05 Bigro and the full charge shot is roughly equivalent to that of MA-08 Big Zam.
However, none of the aforementioned equipment is used as the GP02A is stolen by Zeon ace Anavel Gato and is used to disable or destroy 2/3 of the Federation space fleet at Konpei Island. It is later destroyed in a heated battle with the GP01Fb Gundam Zephyrantes Full Vernian.
External Links
