Showing posts matching your search.
View All Posts
Popular Posts
Popular Posts
Loading popular posts...
Recent Posts

RX-93-ν2 Hi-ν Gundam: History & Specs of Amuro Ray's Newtype MS

Full body color illustration of the Hi-ν Gundam.

The RX-93-ν2 Hi-ν Gundam stands as an iconic Mobile Suit that emerges as an alternative interpretation of the celebrated RX-93 ν Gundam, appearing prominently in the novel Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack - Beltorchika's Children. This powerful combat machine, assigned to the Londo Bell faction, was piloted by the legendary Earth Federation ace Amuro Ray, who also contributed significantly to its design and development.


RX-93-ν2 Hi-ν Gundam
Full body color illustration of the Hi-ν Gundam.

The RX-93-ν2 Hi-ν Gundam, the final evolution of the ν Gundam for Newtypes.

The RX-93-ν2 Hi-ν Gundam stands as an iconic Mobile Suit that emerges as an alternative interpretation of the celebrated RX-93 ν Gundam, appearing prominently in the novel Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack - Beltorchika's Children. This powerful combat machine, assigned to the Londo Bell faction, was piloted by the legendary Earth Federation ace Amuro Ray, who also contributed significantly to its design and development.

History and Development

Anaheim Electronics developed the Hi-ν Gundam at their facilities near Von Braun, intending it as an update to preceding Gundam-type Mobile Suits. The fundamental design sought to return to the principles of Federation-manufactured units, contrasting with the era's trend toward bulkier and more complex machines. Conceived as a "gift" for Bright Noa, the new Londo Bell commander, the suit quickly became the fleet's most valuable asset. Since the Earth Federation—wary of allowing a Newtype like Amuro to pilot a Gundam—had sealed away previous models, the Hi-ν Gundam's status was elevated significantly.

Prototype Inspection
A person standing on the Gundam's torso inspecting the cockpit.

Review of the Hi-ν Gundam during its development at Anaheim Electronics.

A defining feature was the set of six "all-range" weapons mounted on its backpack, known as Fin Funnels, capable of both offense and defense. This consolidated its status as the first Gundam-type Mobile Suit with full specifications for Newtype use. Amuro Ray, serving as both lead pilot and engineer, designed the original Psycommu system, which initially managed only the Fin Funnel control.

However, following the Battle of Fifth Luna, the unit underwent a crucial upgrade. Amuro successfully captured a damaged MSN-03-2 Psycho Doga abandoned by Neo Zeon pilot Grave Guss. Upon studying its technology, he realized its Psycommu system was ideal for the Gundam. Engineers then incorporated the Psycho-Frame technology obtained from the Psycho Doga around the Hi-ν Gundam's cockpit, drastically increasing responsiveness via brainwave controls. It was due to these modifications by Amuro that the suffix "-ν2" was added to its original model number, RX-93. The completion of the Hi-ν Gundam in just three months testifies to the maturity of movable frame technology, the engineers' tireless efforts, and Amuro's profound understanding of Mobile Suits.

Preparations in the Hangar
Mechanics working around the Hi-ν Gundam before launch.

Londo Bell team readying the Mobile Suit for battle.

The Hi-ν Gundam saw its first deployment during Londo Bell's assault on Axis. In this initial combat, Amuro demonstrated exceptional skill and the Gundam's capabilities by instinctively using Fin Funnels to cut electrified cables, escaping a trap. Tragically, the encounter resulted in the death of Kayra Su, forcing Amuro to retreat to recover her body.

Later, in an attempt to divert Axis's trajectory, the Hi-ν Gundam equipped the Hyper Mega Bazooka Launcher. Amuro attempted to destroy the asteroid's thrusters from a considerable distance, drawing power from the Ra Cailum's engine via a cable. Despite these efforts, attacks by Grave Guss and Quess Paraya—piloting the Psycho Doga and α Azieru respectively—sabotaged the operation, damaging the power cable and rendering the launcher unusable. Amuro activated the Fin Funnel barrier to defend against Quess, landing a critical shot that destroyed an enemy vessel but failed to achieve the primary objective.

Hi-ν Gundam vs. Nightingale
Space battle between the Hi-ν Gundam and the massive Nightingale robot.

The decisive duel between Amuro Ray and Char Aznable at the Battle of Axis.

In the final confrontation against Char Aznable and his MSN-04II Nightingale, the Hi-ν Gundam ran out of Fin Funnels. During the battle on Axis's surface, an auroral light enveloped the Gundam—which Amuro attributed to the voice calling him "father"—protecting it from the Nightingale's attacks. After exhausting his beam rifle, Amuro attempted to destroy Axis's nuclear pulse engines with the Gundam's bare hands before being attacked again and saved by Kayra's Re-GZ. In an unexpected turn, Amuro abandoned the Gundam to attempt splitting Axis from the inside, with Char in pursuit.

Psycho-Frame Resonance
Manga panels showing emotional pilots and the Gundam glowing intensely.

The Psycho-Frame light manifesting during the attempt to stop Axis's fall.

The climax arrived when, after returning to the cockpit, the Hi-ν Gundam faced attacks from the Nightingale and Quess Paraya's α Azieru, who subsequently died by fire from Hathaway Noa's Jegan. With Char's cockpit captured and Axis split by explosives planted by the Ra Cailum, one half of the asteroid continued to fall toward Earth. Amuro, piloting the Hi-ν Gundam, attempted to push the fragment back into space. Inspired by him, other Mobile Suits joined the effort. In a moment of desperation, an intense pulsation emanated from the Gundam, followed by countless beams of light rising from Earth. These lights merged with the Hi-ν Gundam's luminescence, forming a "road of light" that guided both halves of Axis toward the sun. The final fate of the RX-93-ν2 Hi-ν Gundam remains unknown.

Technical Specifications

Official Lineart
Front, side, and rear views of the Hi-ν Gundam design in black and white.

Design blueprints showing armor geometry and standard equipment.

  • Unit Type: Custom Newtype-use Psycho-Frame Multipurpose Mobile Suit.
  • Manufacturer: Anaheim Electronics.
  • Operator: Londo Bell.
  • Overall Height: 20.0 meters (approx. 65.6 feet).
  • Empty Weight: 27.9 metric tons (approx. 30.75 tons).
  • Power Plant: Minovsky Ultracompact Fusion Reactor.
  • Pilot Accommodation: Pilot only (in ejectable panoramic monitor/linear seat cockpit in torso).
  • Armor Material: Gundarium Alloy.
  • Standard Equipment:
    • 2 x Propellant/Thruster Units (external tanks with vernier thrusters, ejectable when empty).
    • Psycho-Frame (microscopic Psycommu chips forged into the frame at a molecular level, installed around the cockpit to improve all-range weapon responsiveness).
  • Mechanical Designer: Yutaka Izubuchi.

Armaments

The RX-93-ν2 Hi-ν Gundam boasts a formidable arsenal, designed for versatility in combat across various ranges:

  • 60mm Vulcan Gun: Located in the head, these projectile weapons offer a high rate of fire, though their power is limited against Mobile Suit armor. They are exceptional for intercepting small, lightly armored targets like missiles or vehicles, and for disabling vulnerable areas such as sensors.
  • Beam Gatling Gun / Machine Gun (Beam Saber): Depending on the design, the Hi-ν's right forearm may equip a machine gun or a Beam Gatling gun. The small-caliber machine gun effectively restricts enemy movement and offers a wide field of fire. The Beam Gatling gun features the additional ability to emit a beam saber from its center, providing an unexpected close-quarters combat option.
  • Rear View of Hi-ν Gundam
    Rear view of the Hi-ν Gundam showing Fin Funnels and fuel tanks.

    Detail of the backpack equipped with signature Fin Funnels and extra thrusters.

  • Beam Saber: For close combat, the Hi-ν Gundam carries three beam sabers. Two are stored in the Fin Funnel racks and are of a custom type, capable of emitting a second beam blade from the bottom of the hilt. A third standard-type beam saber is stored in the left forearm, serving as a spare weapon.
  • Fin Funnel: The Hi-ν Gundam equips six Fin Funnels, mounted on the backpack in a wing-like formation. Each incorporates an open-type mega particle acceleration strip and a small generator. Composed of three blocks, they function as AMBAC units, granting them significantly superior mobility, operational efficiency, and duration compared to conventional Bits or Funnels. Because the mega particle compression system and the I-field generator share basic principles, Fin Funnels can deploy a beam barrier at will. With a minimum of four Fin Funnels, they can form a perfect tetrahedron-shaped defense around the Mobile Suit, although interference from enemy all-range weapons can cause a reverse flow of psychic waves, affecting the pilot.
  • Hyper Mega Bazooka Schematics
    Technical diagram of the Hyper Mega Bazooka weapon and mounting.

    Technical details of the heavy launcher requiring direct power from the Ra Cailum ship.

  • Beam Rifle: The primary weapon of the Hi-ν Gundam. Its output is variable and, at maximum, can match the mega particle cannons of warships of the era. It can also operate as a beam machine gun.
  • New Hyper Bazooka: A version of the Earth Federation's hyper bazooka, modified specifically for the Hi-ν. It possesses a 280mm caliber and features considerable improvements in firing range and destructive power.
  • Hi-ν Gundam Armed
    Color art of the Gundam holding the long Hyper Mega Bazooka cannon.

    Illustration highlighting the immense size of the optional anti-ship weaponry.

  • Hyper Mega Bazooka Launcher: The most potent weapon available to the Hi-ν Gundam. It draws energy from the Ra Cailum's engine via a cable, granting it sufficient power to destroy a battleship in a single shot. When not in use, it mounts on the side of the Ra Cailum. According to the Beltorchika's Children manga, this was a modified main cannon from the Ra Cailum class.
  • Firing the Hyper Mega Bazooka
    The Hi-ν Gundam firing a massive energy cannon in space.

    The Gundam using the devastating Hyper Mega Bazooka Launcher against Neo Zeon forces.

  • Shield: Essential defensive equipment for blocking both physical and beam attacks. Its appearance resembles that of the ν Gundam and is adorned with Amuro's personal emblem. It incorporates a 7.8 MW beam cannon and four missiles. In some redesigned versions, the shield only includes an integrated beam cannon.

This legendary Mobile Suit represents the pinnacle of Amuro Ray's technological contributions. What are your thoughts on the Hi-ν Gundam compared to the original ν Gundam? Let us know in the comments below!

Where to Buy

Looking to add the RX-93-ν2 Hi-ν Gundam to your collection? Explore these stores for a wide variety of Gunpla kits and figures. Please note that prices are approximate and may vary depending on the retailer and location. These are general affiliate links to the storefronts and do not necessarily lead to the specific product mentioned in this article. Your purchase directly supports the site.

For HobbyLink Japan: Get your favorite model kits and anime figures straight from the source. Shop the latest releases on HobbyLink Japan.

For Amazon Japan: Building your next Gunpla or searching for the latest releases from Japan? Find the widest selection of kits and exclusive figures on Amazon Japan.

For Amazon USA: Looking for fast shipping within the US? Find a great selection of popular Gunpla kits and Gundam figures on Amazon USA.

For Premium Bandai USA: For exclusive and limited-edition items, check out the official P-Bandai USA store. (Note: Accessing P-Bandai Japan links may require a VPN, and purchasing often requires a proxy shipping service for international buyers.)

Every purchase through these links helps support the site!

Sources

If you are interested in purchasing merchandise related to the Gundam world or another Japanese franchise, don't forget to visit HLJ

 

× Enlarged Image

Comments