Asshimar
The Asshimar (model number: NRX-044) is an atmospheric transformable mobile armor developed by the Earth Federation Forces, debuting in the anime series Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. Produced at the Oakland Research Institute, it stands as one of the earliest transformable mecha engineered by the Federation within the Universal Century timeline. Designed for dedicated air combat, the unit can seamlessly convert from a Mobile Suit into a disc-shaped Mobile Armor mode, allowing it to fly independently without the aid of sub-flight systems. Utilizing its exceptional aerial mobility, it excels at swift hit-and-run tactics, playing a prominent operational role under the Titans during key engagements such as the pursuit of the Audhumla.
Overview
The Asshimar (model number: NRX-044) is an atmospheric transformable mobile armor developed by the Earth Federation Forces, debuting in the anime series Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. Produced at the Oakland Research Institute, it stands as one of the earliest transformable mecha engineered by the Federation within the Universal Century timeline. Designed for dedicated air combat, the unit can seamlessly convert from a Mobile Suit into a disc-shaped Mobile Armor mode, allowing it to fly independently without the aid of sub-flight systems. Utilizing its exceptional aerial mobility, it excels at swift hit-and-run tactics, playing a prominent operational role under the Titans during key engagements such as the pursuit of the Audhumla.
Appearance
In Mobile Armor mode, the machine exhibits a compact disc-shaped silhouette resembling a flying saucer, whereas in Mobile Suit mode, its overall size significantly exceeds standard mecha of its operational era. Its head unit features a sliding hood-like armor cover with an entry hatch positioned on the right side. The facial structure combines a convex main camera and lower visor block reminiscent of a GM with a Dom-style monoeye track, supported internally by three auxiliary cameras. The entire airframe is constructed with exceptionally thick and sturdy armor plating.
Abilities
Powered by thermonuclear jet engines in its legs and leveraging aerodynamic lifting-body design alongside magnet-coated joints, the unit achieves mobility equivalent to a fighter jet without requiring sub-flight systems. It can transform between forms in just 0.5 seconds, ascending in Mobile Armor mode, converting into Mobile Suit mode mid-fall for combat, and re-transforming to disengage. Its reinforced structure grants immense durability, surviving direct hits to exposed frame components during transformation, shrapnel fire, and sustained flight even after losing a leg. It equips a specialized 2.6 MW large beam rifle that rotates for flexible firing angles in flight, and can also dual-wield standard 2.2 MW beam rifles.
Background
Design work began in U.C. 0083 at the Oakland Research Institute, leading to a completed prototype in 0085 as the Earth Federation's first atmospheric transformable unit. During the Gryps Conflict, it was deployed by the Titans and Federation Forces across major atmospheric battlefields, including the interception at Kennedy Spaceport and defense operations around Dakar. Piloted by officers such as Buran Blutarch, the mecha pressed AEUG and Karaba forces during the Audhumla pursuit. Several units were also captured and fielded by opposing factions, including AEUG and Neo Zeon. The success of its atmospheric transformation system provided valuable data that shaped later successor mobile suits, such as the Anksha.
Relationships
The machine was piloted by key officers including Major Buran Blutarch, Ajis Aziba, Gabriel Zola, and Ewin Bader. Throughout its combat history, it engaged in high-speed dogfights against AEUG and Karaba pilots such as Kamille Bidan in the Gundam Mk-II, Quattro Bajeena in the Hyaku Shiki and Rick Dias, and Amuro Ray. From a mechanical development standpoint, it is directly tied to evaluation units like the Prototype Asshimar TR-3 [Kehaar] and Gundam TR-6 [Kehaar II], the upgraded Dandachakra variant, and eventual successor machines such as the Anksha and the Asshimack.
Trivia
Mechanical designer Kunio Okawara drafted the initial concept for the machine, which was subsequently finalized by Kazumi Fujita. Within the fictional lore, the concept of a disc-shaped Mobile Armor mode was proposed by designer O. Kuwaran, and civilian sightings of early flight tests reportedly caused it to be mistaken for a UFO. In crossover video games such as the Super Robot Wars series, its circular transformation is frequently the subject of a running gag where Duke Fleed mistakes the mecha for a Disc Beast (Enbanju).
