Mobile Suit Pilot Manual Vol II

The second volume primarily covers changes that were made in the UC0080s as the panoramic cockpit became standard. This time, the narration is pretty straightforward and technical, and presents like reading any other manual. A large emphasis this time around is given to the various support systems that developed in the Grypps conflict. One amusing point to note is the inclusion of a CRT display in the main cockpit, which would already be outdated by the 21st century. Such are the risks of making science fiction, I suppose.

---

Mobile Suit Pilot Manual Volume Two



1. Control explanation


This expansive linear seat belongs to the JTS-17F, a Mobile Suit developed by Anaheim Electronics in 0084. This Mobile Suit has superior controls and enhanced targeting systems, which are computer assisted, and act as a backup to the pilot, drastically reducing his workload.

The panoramic monitor, a large Liquid Crystal Display with the pilot in the center, allows the pilot to have a 360 degree field of view of the environment outside his mobile suit.

The Monoeye and 10 additional subcameras capture video images from outside the Mobile Suit, which are then composited together with Computer Graphics. In front of the pilot seat is a CRT display board, which is Multi-Function Display, but in combat primarily serves as a targeting display. Behind the pilot on either side are projection-type displays that are used to project targeting information onto the panoramic screen. The panoramic screen can also be used for communications.

The controls on the right of the main CRT display are display mode selectors. The computer is also responsible for targeting information. The display controller can also be used to display scan data from enemy units. Once performance and armament information is input into the computer, it can be retrieved at any time and displayed. To input data, the I/O port on the left of the main MFD can be used to interface with the computer.

The control sticks on either side panel control 80 percent of the fire control for the Mobile Suit. The sticks not only contain weapon selectors, trim, and trigger controls, but individual weapons can be assigned to either stick. The remaining 20 percent is controlled through the weapon systems panel, located on the left console.

Mobile Suit controls are primarily the pedals and the control sticks. 　Auxiliary controls, for the generator and fuel systems, can be found on both side panels. In combat, these systems are primarily controlled by the computer, so the pilot does not need to focus on them. Mobile Suits use a wide range of mission specific equipment, but most of the control software is already installed. Access the Mobile Suit control data in the computer and select the appropriate piece of equipment.
2. Second generation Mobile Suit optional equipment


Currently, all EFSF Mobile Suits (as well as AEUG and Neo Zeon) are able to utilize the ballute system.

The ballute system is an atmospheric re-entry system that utilizes a deployed balloon along with high pressure air to interrupt the heat caused by air friction. 　As the air resistance slows the unit down, the balloons will detach and hover units mounted on the chest and legs will assist in the descent to the surface.
Additionally, if there is any remaining fuel in the leg units, they can be used to allow the suit to move along the ground in hover mode, facilitating a lightning assault.(Most second generation Mobile Suits have enough leg thruster power to enable hover movement as well, however in a 1G environment propellant reserves will be rapidly depleted, severely limiting the length of time hover movement can be utilized.) When the unit depletes its fuel, it can be jettisoned.







Another example of a mobile suit support system is the Mega Particle Cannon. This large mega particle cannon allows Mobile Suits to carry equivalent firepower to a ship-mounted particle cannon. Though the cannon contains an internal fusion reactor,　it requires additional power from Mobile Suits in order to operate. 　Though currently the mega condenser has been improved, early versions drained power from two Hi-Zack Mobile Suits completely.

The launcher is equipped with a long range targeting sensor, which supplies control data to the monoeye. The launcher's targeting is controlled by the mobile suit, assisted by apogee motors mounted on the launcher itself, so the controls are no different than the controls for a beam rifle. Successive shots from the launcher require considerable recharge time, and there is a danger of overheating the connected Mobile Suit's reactor as well.



Another Mobile Suit support system is the Sub-flight system. Sub flight systems allow extended flight in Atmospheric and Outer Space conditions, though there are different types for each environment, but both types are similar in that the Mobile Suit can ride on top of them.

The Dodai Kai is an unmanned flight system that mobile suits can connect to by gripping them with their manipulators, which then enables the Mobile Suit to control them. While it is possible to control these units from long range remotely via radio, the presence of Minovsky particles can cause these systems to fail.

While it is possible to engage targets with ranged weapons while mounted on a flight unit in theory, highly experienced pilots have been known to separate from the flight units, (For very short periods, due to propellant concerns. If the propellant is depleted, the Pilot may fall to the ground) engage the enemy, and re-mount the flight unit, and some pilots have even mastered this difficult skill.


3. Ejection systems Most current Mobile Suits, (with the exception of the MSZ-010 ZZ Gundam, which utilizes a core block system) are equipped with ejection pods. Since this system ejects the entire cockpit block clear of the Mobile Suit, survival rates have greatly improved compared to One Year War type ejection seats. 　

If the mobile suit sustains serious damage, the control computer will instruct the main computer to blow the first armor layer surrounding the cockpit clear of the Mobile Suit using explosive charges, and then the ejection pod will be blown clear of the Mobile Suit with another set of explosive charges, and the inertia should be enough to send the pod clear of the Mobile Suit. After this, the rescue beacon will be activated and the pilot will await rescue.The linear seat can also jettison the arms and eject this way, as the seat is equipped with apogee motors, it has some maneuvering capability. In atmosphere, a thruster mounted on the bottom of the seat is used to eject the seat, and although there is no parachute, pilots can still safely eject.