An intricate 'Mechanic File' artwork of the MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki from 'Gundam Perfect File,' showcasing its powerful beam rifle and the advanced engineering that made it a competitive unit throughout the Gryps Conflict.
The development of the MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki represents one of the most complex and revealing chapters in the history of Anaheim Electronics' mobile suit engineering during the Gryps Conflict. Officially designated as the MSN-00100 (often abbreviated to MSN-100), this unit transcends standard prototype classification to embody a bold statement of intent. Its name, Hyaku Shiki (Type 100), bestowed by lead designer Dr. M. Nagano, reflects the ambitious hope that the design would possess operational relevance capable of lasting for a hundred years of mobile suit development history.
Although technically classified as a prototype attack-use mobile suit, the Hyaku Shiki effectively operated as a high-performance command unit. Assigned to the AEUG's ace pilot, Quattro Bajeena (Char Aznable), the synergy between the machine's capabilities and the pilot's skill allowed it to remain competitive against theoretically superior units until the end of the war.
Development Genesis: The Delta Legacy
To understand the Hyaku Shiki's engineering, one must analyze its origin as the MSN-001 Delta Gundam. Originally conceived as part of Anaheim Electronics' "Project Zeta," the goal was to create a next-generation Transformable Mobile Suit (TMS). However, the project encountered catastrophic barriers; the initial frame lacked the rigidity to withstand the extreme mechanical stresses of transformation, resulting in structural deformation during simulations.
A detailed official render of the MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki, accompanied by technical specifications and design notes, highlighting its significance within the 'Project Zeta' development as detailed in 'Project File Z Gundam'.
The turning point was the acquisition of the Gundam Mk-II's Movable Frame technology. This allowed engineers to decouple the armor from the internal skeleton, solving the structural integrity problems. Although full transformation was abandoned to ensure reliability, the new frame optimized the unit as a high-performance humanoid mobile suit. This shift not only improved kinetic performance but also facilitated maintenance, aligning with the "100-year durability" philosophy. Vestiges of the Delta lineage remain, specifically the Wing Binders and leg structure, which still possess joints capable of a theoretical partial transformation.
Engineering and Defense
The Hyaku Shiki departs from traditional heavy armor, favoring advanced ablative defense and sensor superiority. Its most distinctive feature, the brilliant gold finish, is a visible manifestation of the Beam-Resistant Coating. Applied over Gundarium γ (Gamma) Alloy, this coating works via controlled thermal ablation. Upon impact by a high-energy beam, the coating instantly vaporizes, dissipating the thermal energy before it penetrates the frame. While capable of mitigating approximately 30% of incoming beam damage, this protection is sacrificial and requires frequent reapplication.
Engineering lineart of the MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki, highlighting its robust design and the addition of a Ballute System, which was essential for atmospheric re-entry for mobile suits that lacked inherent transformation capabilities.
For targeting, the unit utilizes the Image Directive Encode (IDE) system, manifesting as a visor-type sensor over the Dual Camera Eyes. This system projects scanning patterns—often glowing red during active operation—providing the pilot with superior augmented reality interfaces for extreme-range targeting (up to 11,200 meters / 6.96 miles).
Mobility is ensured by the AMBAC (Active Mass Balance Auto-Control) system integrated with the Wing Binders. These binders function as high-mass limbs, allowing the unit to reorient without expending propellant. Combined with a total thrust of 74,400 kg, the Hyaku Shiki boasts a maximum acceleration of 1.37 G, rivaling transformable units in speed and agility.
A detailed rendering of the MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki, showcasing its iconic golden armor and beam rifle, as it appears in the video game 'Gundam Battle Operation 2'.
Arsenal Breakdown
The Hyaku Shiki employs a versatile doctrine, ranging from standard defense to strategic artillery. Its primary handheld weapon is the BR-M-87 Beam Rifle (2.8 MW), which offers firepower significantly greater than One Year War models. It utilizes replaceable E-pacs for logistical standardization and features a "beam bayonet" mode for instant close-quarters defense. For physical damage or immobilization, the unit carries the 300mm Clay Bazooka, capable of firing adhesive or high-explosive rounds. Standard armaments include two head-mounted 60mm Vulcan Guns and two Beam Sabers stored on the rear waist.
A stunning color illustration of the MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki by Naochika Morishita, emphasizing its golden finish and formidable weaponry, including the Mega Bazooka Launcher, against a cosmic backdrop.
Its most destructive asset is the FHA-03M1 Mega Bazooka Launcher. This strategic-class mega particle cannon surpasses battleship armament in power. Due to massive energy consumption, it requires a significant charge time or connection to other mobile suits (functioning as external energy tanks) to fire rapidly. While powerful, the launcher's mass drastically reduces mobility, temporarily converting the Hyaku Shiki into a semi-stationary artillery platform.
.webp "Hyaku Shiki Firing Mega Bazooka Launcher")
A dynamic illustration from 'Gundam Perfect File' showing the MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki unleashing a devastating blast from its Mega Bazooka Launcher, demonstrating its immense firepower.
.webp "Hyaku Shiki with Mega Bazooka Launcher")
The MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki deploying its signature Mega Bazooka Launcher, a powerful long-range weapon that amplified its effectiveness as a high-performance attack and command unit. (Zeta Ep32)
Operational History
During the Gryps Conflict, Quattro Bajeena used the Hyaku Shiki's distinctive gold color to psychologically taunt the Titans, demonstrating the AEUG's technological prowess. It saw action in major operations, including the orbital assault on Jaburo using the Ballute system. The unit's service culminated in the chaotic battle around Gryps 2, where Bajeena simultaneously engaged Paptimus Scirocco's The-O and Haman Karn's Qubeley. Despite suffering catastrophic damage and being abandoned in the colony laser's structure, the machine's legacy endured.
.webp "Hyaku Shiki Launch Sequence")
The MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki positioned for launch, showcasing its imposing stature and readiness for battle from a hangar or launch bay. (Zeta Ep32)
.webp "Hyaku Shiki in Combat")
The MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki, despite its advanced capabilities, often found itself in intense close-quarters combat during the Gryps Conflict, as depicted in this scene from 'Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam movie: Heirs to the Stars'.
.webp "Hyaku Shiki Escorts Zeta Gundam")
The MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki (far right) stands ready, potentially escorting the Zeta Gundam, illustrating its role as a high-performance command unit and its close operational ties with other AEUG forces. (Zeta Ep36)
.webp "Damaged Hyaku Shiki")
The resilience of the MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki is tested, as seen in this image depicting a damaged unit after intense combat, highlighting the brutal realities of the Gryps Conflict (from 'Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam A New Translation III - Love Is the Pulse of the Stars').
During the First Neo Zeon War, the AEUG deployed a second unit aboard the Argama. Piloted by Beecha Oleg, a recruit from Shangri-La, the Hyaku Shiki continued to play a vital role against Haman Karn's forces, proving the longevity and adaptability of Dr. Nagano's design.
.webp "Hyaku Shiki Wreckage in Space")
The ultimate fate of a high-performance unit after fierce battles; the wreckage of the MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki drifts in space, a stark reminder of the Gryps Conflict's destructive power. (Gundam Fix pictorial by Hajime Katoki)
Summary Technical Data
- Model Number: MSN-00100 (MSN-100)
- Code Name: Hyaku Shiki (Type 100)
- Designer: Dr. M. Nagano (Clean-up by Kazumi Fujita)
- Head Height: 18.5 meters (60.7 feet)
- Overall Height: 21.4 meters (70.2 feet)
- Base Weight: 31.5 metric tons
- Power Plant: Minovsky Ultracompact Fusion Reactor, 1,850 kW output
- Propulsion: 74,400 kg total thrust; 12 attitude control verniers
- Max Acceleration: 1.37 G
- Armor: Gundarium γ Alloy with Beam-Resistant Coating
.webp "Hyaku Shiki in Flight with Other Mobile Suits")
The MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki in dynamic flight, engaging in combat while demonstrating its agility and offensive capabilities, as featured in 'Mobile Suit Bible Vol. 16'.
The Hyaku Shiki remains one of the most iconic designs of the Universal Century. What are your thoughts on this golden mobile suit and its performance in Zeta Gundam? Let us know in the comments below!
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Sources
- MSN-00100 Hyaku-Shiki – Mobile Suit – Zeta Gundam | MechaBay
- MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki | Gundam Wiki
- MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki | Gundam Front Xperience
- Gundam Wiki: Technology
- Active Mass Balance Auto-Control | Gundam Wiki
- HG 1/144 MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki | Gunpla Gundam Information
- MG MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki (Ver. 2.0) | Gunpla Wiki
- AMX-004 Qubeley | Gundam Wiki
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