HG 1/144 HGUC NRX-044 Asshimar

The NRX-044 Asshimar is a transformable mobile armor introduced in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. It was most notably piloted by Buran Blutarch.

Initially developed as an experimental transformable mobile armor at the Oakland Research Institute, the Asshimar was introduced before the Gryps Conflict and was used extensively by the Earth Federation Forces. It was the first mobile weapon to be able to fly in the Earth atmosphere on its own power without the help of a sub-flight system. Asshimar's development was initiated by the Earth Federation Forces as the NRX-044[R] Prototype Asshimar TR-3 [Kehaar] and later continued in form of the NRX-044 Prototype Asshimar TR-3 [Kehaar].

Asshimar's design featured additional sub mono-eye sensors along with the main camera sensor. Because its range was restricted to within the Earth atmosphere, a thermonuclear jet engine is used as its main propulsion system. This system uses air for propellant, making it fuel-efficient while effectively giving the Asshimar an enhanced cruising capacity. The engine air intakes are located in the upper thighs of the leg units, which are mainly closed by shutters in its mobile suit mode. In addition, its mobile armor mode possesses excellent aerodynamics as a lifting body, allowing for long-haul flights. The head unit is equipped with a multiple antennas with differential pressure sensors. Its landing gear, which is provided in the chest armor and leg units, is used in conjunction with underside fuselage nozzles for hovering during take-off.

While not as powerful as its prototype, the production model of the Asshimar was a formidable machine. With magnet coating technology being applied to its transformation system, the Asshimar was able to transform between its MS and MA modes in only 0.5 seconds. Also, it sported thick armor and was able to withstand most standard mobile suit firearms. However, the chest frame is left vulnerable to attack during transformation. The Asshimar was limited to fielding its custom large beam rifle which was mounted on the main body in MA mode, limiting its usefulness. Nevertheless the Asshimar proved to be a powerful, versatile, and deadly unit and was stationed on various Federation bases on Earth.

In the manga Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam Define, it was redesigned by Kyoshi Takigawa. New features include an increase in height, folding wings on the legs, retractable twin machine guns in both forearms, and built-in missile racks on both shoulders. In addition, the large beam rifle was now stored on the side in MA mode (allowing two to be mounted), and mounted on the forearm in MS mode when not in use.