Technical Notes

[Nemesis]

Transcribed from SonicSP @ Mechatalk

If anybody sees any corrections needed or better interpretations, feel free to fix them. I'm not exactly the best around here at this.

Page 94 Top Half - IBO Mechanics and World

Ahab Reactors

Constructed on a plant near a fixed star, By transforming artificially generated vacuum elements, it creates enormous energy that can be used a the powerplant of mobile suits and battleship. It was invented by Ahab Balaena(?).

When a phase transition reaction occurs, there is a tendency for a gravitational field corresponding to the output is generated in the center of the reactor. That is, due to the phase transition of the vacuum element, it believed that Ahab Particles with the gravitational factors are generated.

The existence period of the Ahab Particles is really short, as the particles collapse shortly after the occurrence, splitting into elementary particles like neutrinos and muon particles, then it flies at its surroundings at ultra high speeds. This phenomenon is called Ahab Wave, and the influence extends to a maximum radius of tens of kilometers. For that reason, in the vicinity where the Ahab Reactor is operating, there is lots of interference with elementary particles, wireless communications and radar are rendered useless. Similarly guided weapons like missiles and remote control of drones is also impossible.

As it is constantly functioning, in standby mode almost no Ahab Waves are emitted. It is impossible to physically destroy, and due to this Reactors that we're made during the Calamity War are still active and functioning.

Each Ahab Reactor is a unique item and contains unique properties even when having the same structure. Particularly Ahab Waves where each possess its own natural frequencies and this is used to identify specific mobile suits.

Barbatos in hanger picture:
As there is limit to the miniaturization of the Ahab Reactor, naturally the size of mobile suits will be decided accordingly. Also, the size of the power source will determine the layout of the fuselage much like it is in cars, etc. In the case of mobile suits, the Ahab Reactor is usually placed at the center.

Ahab Reactor Graveyards picture:
Ahab Reactors that were wrecked during Calamity War, formed high density debris belts from the generated Ahab Particles. As the Ahab Reactors are still active it is still possible to use them, however recovery in the high density debris belt is very dangerous.

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Comments:
- Wish there was more elaboration on why its physically indestructible. As it is they went "can't be physically destroyed full stop".
- Ditto for the construction in a plant near a star thing though I assume the capital requirements for doing so are pretty high as it is.
- More talking about the phase transition of vacuums hat was originally mentioned in the first HG Barbatos. That has to be about it closer into a true vacuum from the false vacuum theory right? That's some dangerous stuff they're playing around with despite how stable the reactors apparently are.

 

[Nemesis]

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Thermal Phase Transition Thrusters
Mobile suits' high powered propulsion system. By utilizing the ultra high heat generated within the Ahab Reactors, Thrust can be achieved by ejecting the heated and expanded hydrogen from the nozzle. Aside from mobile suits, these are also used as the main propulsion of a large ship. Since hydrogen is used as the catalyst of the propellant, a propellant tank is needed.

Ahab Thrusters
Thrusters that gains propulsion by discharging with direction some of the elementary particles that constitutes the Ahab Waves that occurs during the collapse of the Ahab Particles. Although it is not possible to obtain a higher output than the thermal phase transition thrusters, it is very energy efficient and doesn't require propellants. It is mainly used for inertial flight in space and attitude control.

Ahab Particles
Particles produced within the reactor. It is also used as anti-G system in mobile suits and as a pseudo gravity generator in ships. Particles are harmless to the human body. When the vacuum undergoes phase transition, gravitons generated with energy. It's period of existence is really short, as it collapses in less than one millionth of a second after its occurrence and then it changes into elementary particles like neutrinos, mu particles, etc and diffuses as an Ahab Wave.

As it is a particle that exists only in the core of the Ahab Reactor, decrease or increase of the gravity generated can be done based on the reactor output. However for the small reactors in mobile suits, it is a level that is not noticeable. Within a spacecraft carrying a large reactor, the shipboard environment can be arranged by controlling direction of the microgravity inside the ship by circulating the liquid metal inside the reactor containing the Ahab Particles around/within(?) the ship.

Ahab Wave
When the Ahab Particles collapses into a myriad of elementary particles, a type of magnetic storm is then generated during the scattering (of these particles). Radio communication and radar equipment are disrupted under the influence of wave and it becomes difficult to use. It is also one of the reasons why melee combat by mobile suits at visible distance is the subject of battle.

Because of this influence, bringing in Ahab Reactors into urban areas is prohibited. The mobile suit battle in Edmonton City was inherently illegal. Normally, the detector displays the numerical values in color or the like. Among the crew members of spacecrafts, It is said to be like a wave of the sea: high, low, calm, etc. Although nearly all of these spacefarers have never seen the seas of the Earth.

 

[Nemesis]

Limbs

Even if you swing the manipulator at full output of the Ahab Reactor while gripping a weapon, it is still strong enough not to be damaged. In addition, the mobile suits' limbs can also be used as melee weapons themselves.

How MS Fights

The most effective tactics in MS battles are direct blows by close combat weapons. The output by the Ahab Reactor is transmitted to the weapons via the MS' limbs, and this allows it to swing down at maximum power. Because guided weapons are rendered useless by Ahab Waves, in addition to Nanolaminate Armor, the result is a situation where shooting weapons are unable to cause fatal damage.

Firearms are mainly used for supressive fire as MS cannot be destroyed directly. That being said, close range shots from a smoothbore gun or a bazooka can have close to the power of melee attack and as such, some damage can be expected.

As the MS Frame is very tough. Since it is physically impossible to destroy the Ahab Reactor, the best way to efficiently disable enemy MS in battle is to aim for the cockpit. One of the known tactics for penetrating cockpits used in actual battles is to go through the gaps of the armor, particularly for armored cockpits. That being said, it is difficult to damage the Ahab Reactor or Frame due to the MS' tough structure.

As this method of battle is key, In most cases destroyed MS are only damaged at the cockpit. Because of that, most of the remaining parts would still function without problems. After battles, the remains of the enemy MS are usually gathered and sold through illegal channels.

Melee Weapons
Heavier and more powerful weapons are more advantageous, though too heavy and it would be too slow. Thus, balance between power and weight is important. Long sword (tachi), sword (ken), and mace, etc are inferior to power to axe. It might also be necessary to pintpoint the attack between the gaps of the armor, and depending on the type of sword and skill of the pilot, it may even be possible to even break the frame of the MS.

Long Sword (tachi)
Sword (ken)
Mace
Hammer
Axe
Spear

Firearms
It is possible to fatally damage MS via firearms (??? Yeah I'm not so sure I'm getting this right), different type of firearms also be used based on the operational needs. Under the circumstances of the Ahab Waves, it is thought that accuracy is not so important. If the purpose is suppressive fire, weapons with high firing rates like such as rifles and machine guns are used. On the other hand for focus on power, things like bazookas and smoothbore guns are used. Since accuracy is low anyways, shooting at close distance is the best way to cause damage. Smaller caliber firearms are also used by mobile workers and personnels.

Rifle
Machine Gun
Bazooka
Smoothbore Gun

 

[Nemesis]

Armor - Nanolaminate Armor
Special armor adopted for MS and ships. It is a special metallic paint reacting to the Ahab Particles emitted by the Ahab Reactor which are vacuum deposited (note: complex atom painting - thanks Wikipedia) on the surface of the MS or battleship.

The metallic paint is affected by the gravity field that is generated, thereby forming a multi-layered molecular arrangement that is suitable for external impact. Due to its properties, the energy bearing molecules can absorb the impact from live ammunition and explosive charges.

At first glance it looks like the armor is hard, but in principle it's like a very thin cushion with several layers. However, as the paint is deposited on the armor's surface, damage and and peeling can be caused by impacts during battle. When that happens, it is necessary to reapply new metallic paint on the damaged part.

While usually it is vacuum deposited as armor paint on the surface of the fuselage, by spraying its powdered form around Ahab Reactor-equipped MS and battleships ["Nanomirror Chaff"], it is possible to interfere with laser communication and optical detection.

Different colors are priced differently. More practical colors like purple, blue and green are more expensive while conversely, colors like white and such are cheap. Prices are determined mainly due to visibility on the battlefield, and there is almost no performance difference between colors.

Kimaris Picture Caption:
Gundam Kimaris has long been kept by the Baudoin family. It is a fuselage that leaves the looks/face/facade of 300 years ago intact. Is the most expensive purple color used due to it being a Seven Star machine? (Note: This is going to add more elements to the Kimaris original look debate)

Barbatos Picture Caption:
Gundam Barbatos is painted in inexpensive white colors. It is not clear whether this color was from the Calamity War or whether it was painted by CGS President Aklay.

Cockpit
The cockpit is affixed to part of the chest of the MS. This is basically so it would be placed in the front of the Ahab Reactor. By using the Ahab Particles for inertial control, the strain on the pilot can be reduced during operation.

Graze Cockpit Caption:
Alaya-Vijnana System is not compatable with the Graze cockpit. The control system and structure are simplified and easy to adapt.

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- Seems that Nano Mirror Chaff is really just Nanolaminate Armor but in powder form. Didn't expect them to be related. Also it seems that the Ahab Waves from the surrounding targets is needed to even get them to activate.

- Seems that the gravity field generated by the Ahab Reactors is also an important part on why the armor is so powerful. The armor itself has high energy molecules which makes it good at absorbing attack. I'm hoping the S2 version of this book would go on to explain why they are so beam resistance to as well as to what is the beam makeup.

- Interesring bit on Barbatos' color scheme, I never once thought that Maruba may have had it painted as opposed to it being its original color.

 

[Nemesis]

-Twin eye camera is one of the characteristics of the Gundam Frame. There are main and sub cameras.
-The magazine of Barbatos' smoothbore cannon holds 12 rounds.
-Barbatos Form 6’s autocannons slide forward when in use
-As mobile suit is focused on hand-to-hand combat, a roll cage-like frame protects the cockpit.
-Gusion Rebake‘s long rifle is 120mm.
-Via the AV System, the Gusion Rebake’s Aiming mode transform various information into visual data and feed them to the pilot.
-Brewer's Gndam Gusion is customized to fits its usage environment and its pilot, Kudal’s preference.
-Gundam Gusion's 400mm Buster Anchor is the largest caliber firearm installed on a MS.
-Gundam Gusion share cockpit parts with the cockpit of the rodi frame series.
-Kimaris Trooper's rear skirt armor contains a hover unit and the movable fin-like structure at the end is a stabiliser.
-The rear end of the Kimaris’ Gungnir lance can be used as an emergency weapon to strike enemy that sneak up to its back.
-Kimaris’ slash disk is fired electromagnetically, and one charge allows for three shots.
-As the AV system in the Ryusei-Go was forcefully integrated with the original Graze's control system, its link with the pilot is incomplete.
-Ryusei-Go and Gusion Rebake has the same cockpit.
-Graze Ein's custom large axes’ sizes are meant to fit the suit’s larger size and output. With the increase in the weapon's size, its destructive power also increased.
-Graze Ein's pile bunker is a single-use weapon, and the weapon's holder is ejected after use.
-Ein is fully integrated with the Graze Ein via the AV system, and connected to the suit's cockpit via three cords on the back, two on the neck and two on the chest. There is no monitor in front of Ein as all info is projected onto his retina. The cockpit is filled with nutrient fluid.
-The shoulder thrusters of the Graze Ritter Commander Type has a higher output than the ones on the Standard Type.
-With a caliber of 110mm, Hyakuris' rifle is more destructive than the Hyakuren’s 100mm rifle cannon.
-The JEE-102 Revolving Grenade Launcher holds 8 rounds, while the Rifle Cannon's magazine holds 20 rounds.
-Hyakuren can store spare magazine for its rifle in its side armor.
-Although the Valkyrja frame only had 1 ahab reactor, its potential is comparable to the Gundam Frame.
-Kutan Type III’s machine gun is listed as Vulcan, and alternatively as Vulcan Gun.
-The cockpit of the Kutan Type III has three seats, but it can be piloted by a single person.
-Spinner Rodi has additional, movable sensor on the forehead. The boost hammer it uses has in-built thrusters.

 

[Nemesis]

Mobile Armors (M&W 2)
A major factor for the MAs going rampant during the Calamity War is the AI controlling the machines expanded the targets from enemy soldiers to all mankind. During the war, the AI self evolves, becoming better, stronger and gaining the ability to self-propagate. Countermeasures developed by humanity against MA include MS, Nanolaminate armor, and Dainsleif. MA may have acquired Nanolaminate armor technology via leaked information during the war.

Hashmal
M.Works: The Hashmal was awakened after it sensed the Ahab Wave of Iok’s MS. It was previously asleep as the half metal around it had prevented it from detecting Ahab Wave. The abdominal fins are capable of independent movements. The limbs are not legs, but arms. Despite being larger than a MS, it has much higher agility and during attacks, it reminds one of a bird of prey. Although the energy supply system is not directly related to combat, it is proof that the MA is an autonomous unmanned weapon, and hence an important function. Hashmal’s core control unit is located on the underside of the head; concentrated attacks on it by Mikazuki caused the MA to cease functioning.

The Superhard Wire Blade is a mid-range weapon; its trajectory can be freely controlled, and can be used to launch surprise attacks from blind spots. The Kinetic Energy Shot is a powerful weapon with its own propulsion power, and can penetrate enemy’s armor. Hashmal’s beam weapon has high destructive power and effective range, but could not be fired instantly. Nanolaminate armor only diffuse and refract the beam, minimizing the damage done, but it does not absorb or weakened the beam.

M&W 2: Hashmal is a ground-use MA and there are possibly other space-use units also bearing angelic-based names. Like MS, MA’s frame is also made of high hardness, rare alloy. Beam weaponry was once the main armament of mobile weapons, but this changed after the invention of Nanolaminate Armor. Although Hashmal’s core control unit is exposed on the underside of the head and looks unprotected, the MA’s body armor uses Nanolaminate Armor and is thus extremely robust. Furthermore, Pluma accompanies the Hashaml, so landing a direct attack on the core control unit is extremely difficult.

The wire of the close combat use Superhard Wire Blade is made of a special alloy that bends flexibility at room temperature when charged with a trace amount of electrical current. The blade of the Superhard Wire Blade has high hardness. The kinetic energy shot bullet has its own propulsion device, and is like a rocket type spear. Although not as powerful as a Dainsleif, it is still strong in its own rights.

Pluma
M.Works: They also protect the Hashmal and can be used to survey the enemy’s fighting strength. A single Pluma is no match for a MS, but as they move in groups, they can easily decimate production plants, human beings and MS. Pluma will stop functioning if the Hashmal is destroyed. They tend to attack from various directions, confusing the enemy with their tricky movements. The panel/hatch at the top that opens up is the energy receiver. The firepower of its railgun is weak, but this is compensated with the Plumas firing their railguns in a tight formation.

M&W 2: Capable of agile movements due to the thrusters on various parts of its body.

2nd C: Pluma is described as a high mobility sub unit.

Dainsleif Characteristics (M&W 2)
Merit: Can penetrate Nanolaminate Armor
Demerit:
1) Not a guided/homing weapon, a single shot will not hit the highly mobile MA.
2) Decoy is needed to stop the MA’s movements. Preparing a large numbers of projectiles and targeting a large area is necessary. However, it is still possible for the attack to miss.
3) If the launch/firing point is specific, the attack is very likely to be evaded.
4) Deals serious damage to the surface, in situations where reconstruction is considered, attack on the surface might be limited. However this is not the case during an emergency situation.

MS Development & Deployment (M&W 2)
The early to middle stages of the war was the period where the foundation for humanoid weaponry was established. When MS was first created, the gap in performance with the MA was unexpected. Even in the middle stage, MS such as the Hexa Frames and Rodi Frame have difficulty fighting on equal terms with MA. In the late stage, more thought was put into using MS to fight against MA, leading to the competition between Gundam Frame and Valkyria Frame. While the Gundam Frame is extremely specialized for anti-MA battle, the Valkyria Frame is more of a further development of humanoid weaponry.

The Gundam Frames made up about 80% (estimates based on pie chart shown in book) of the machines used against the MAs on the surface of Earth, Moon and Mars. The remaining are normal MS, support teams, etc. In space (between Earth and Moon, and between Moon and Mars), battles against the MAs are mainly conducted using Dainsleifs (80%), supported by Gundam Frames (~10%), other normal MS and other support teams (~10%). This division is to ensure the best use and distribution of resources. Another contributing factor for this division is that usage of the Dainsleif led to heavy damage on the Moon. As the Barbatos and Flauros were found on the Mars, there is a possibility that they used to work in a team.

MS Development Post War
M.Works: Gjallarhorn was fearful MS fallen into the hands of unspecified forces would became the roots of rebellion. So, it monopolized MS development technology for about 300 years. However, restoration of calamity war era machines and trial development occurred in areas outside of Gjallarhorn’s surveillance, such as the Outer Sphere.

M&W 2: The true aim behind limiting the building of new Ahab Reactors to the Gjallarhorn is to restrict MS development. Furthermore, to manufacture MS, the precision technology needed to process the high hardness rare metal alloy used in MS frame is required. However, it is difficult to reproduce the technology as Gjallarhorn kept it a secret in fear of a collapse in the military balance. Teiwaz managed to clear this huddle, and created original MS frame that utilized salvaged Ahab reactors, resulting in the prototype machines, Hyakuren and Hyakuri.

The Ahab Reactor building restrictions is also noted to be for suppressing the reactor’s characteristic electronic interference. Also, as the essential Half Metal became precious after the war, the uses of the reactors have to be limited, unlike before the war where the reactors are used in various infrastructures.

Alaya-Vijnana System
M.Works: Surgery originally has no age restriction, but as technical capabilities fell 300 years after the war, the age at which surgery is possible and the success rate both decreased.

M&W 2: For Gundam Frames that were not/could not be recovered after the war, their cockpit was destroyed as a physical measure to prevent leakage of the AV technology. The taboo regarding mechanical implants in the human body is actually to prevent wide spread use of the AV System. Outer Sphere uses leaked, incomplete AV system technology

Alaya-Vijnana System Type E
M&W 2: Gaelio was near death when rescued by Rustal Elion, and to fight again, he received the Psuedo AV system surgery.

M.Works: Due to injuries suffered at the end of season 1, Gaelio has difficulties walking. The Psuedo AV system device has a function that assisted him in walking. After defeating McGillis, Gaelio is determined not to pilot MS anymore, so he removed the device.

 

[Nemesis]

ough length of some ships (M&W 2)
Biscoe Class Cruiser & Shuttle - about 50m
Isaribi – about 300m
Armored Assault Ship = Multipurpose Battleship – about 340m
Hammerhead – about 380m
Halfbeak Class Battleship – about 400m
Skipjack Class Battleship – about 800m

Isaribi
M.Works: Has 8 missile launchers, 4 on each side.

Hotarubi
M&W 2: Consist of an armored assault ship as the core, with a container on each side. Have guns for self defense, but focused more on transport capabilities than combat power. The hatches at the side of the two containers are the MS launch ports, and simultaneous MS launch is possible. Compared to other ships, this ship’s launch capability is astonishing. Does not have catapults for launching MS, instead MS is launched via cranes that provide slight acceleration. MS are stored in box shaped containers on the side of the MS hangar. These box containers have sufficient space for maintenance and other works.

Biscoe Class
M.Works: A small ship used by Gjallarhorn. It can carry mobile suits for atmospheric re-entry and to escape the atmosphere.

Halfbeak Class
M.Works: Main space battleship used by Gjallarhorn, coloring differs based on the fleet. Some of the families connected to Seven Stars have the ship in their own unique colors. The 2 panels at the back of the bridge are sensors, and are used only when not in battle. These panels retract into the bridge during battle, while the bridge retracts into the main body.

Skipjack Class
M.Works: Largest class of space battleship in the Arianrhod Fleet. Its large size is a symbol of Gjallarhorn’s authority. Bridge retracts during battle.

M&W 2: Twice as long as the Halfbeak Class, it is optimized for space use. The ship may look fragile based on the numbers of main cannons and anti-air guns, but it actually has countless missile launchers in its bow and main body. MS launched from 6 hexagonal hatches, 3 on each sides. Although each hatches’ catapult does not seem long, its capabilities are not much different from the one on the Halfbeak Class. A part of the catapult is exposed, and each catapult can launch MS at a quick rate/cycle. Each catapult is linked to a MS hangar via an air lock, and the hangar contains 2 sets of 5 MS cages, for a total of 10 MS per hangar (so overall, the ship can carry 60 MS). The bridge is separated into the small main bridge at the top, and a larger sub bridge directly below it. Have a large anchor on each side, they are effective in anti-ship combat.

Dawn Horizon Corps Battleship
M.Works: Sandoval Reuter’s ship, it is based on the Armored Assault Ship like the Hammerhead and Isaribi. Its main feature is the presence of the flight deck on the nose of the ship, allowing it to operate like an aircraft carrier. The other ships in the group are simply known as multipurpose battleships.

M&W 2: From the shape of the hull’s back, it seems to be based on the Armored Assault Ship, but the bow is different due to the operational usage of the space pirates. Unlike other ships of the same era that launch MS from the sides or the bottom, the Battleship launches MS from the top of its bow. This design might be due to an emphasis on the core capabilities (?) of space pirates in terms of surprise attack and deployment capabilities. After the Dawn Horizon’s defeat, the Battleship is handed over to Gjallarhorn. Dawn Horizon Corps fleet's multipurpose battleships have no special modifications.

Golden Jasley
M&W 2: Ship’s colors and name reflect Jasley’s preference. The stern of the ship seems to be based on Gjallarhorn’s Halfbeak Class, while the bow is greatly lengthened with plans for enhanced armor and weaponry. However, it does not have main guns and the like as with other ships of the same class. Unlike the Halfbeak Class, the MS launch port is at the bottom and its opening faces the stern, but the number/rate of MS launch is still high. Jasley’s use of a Halfbeak-like ship, compared to the Calamity War-era armored assault ships used by Teiwaz’s other subsidiaries, shows his power as the organizations’ No.2.