Technology & Combat Characteristics
The "E" in the MS-18E Kämpfer's model number was an abbreviation for the German word "Einhauen," which translates to "to smash in," and this summed up the mobile suit's role as a fast assault unit meant to strike quickly and cause massive damage before making a fast escape. The Kämpfer was a very focused design, never intended to work outside of its role. Within this role it was an exceptional unit, rivaling the Federation's RX series in firepower and speed. It was equipped with numerous thrusters and verniers to achieve high maneuverability. Conversely, the large number of thrusters resulted in higher fuel consumption rate, limiting its operational time.
The Kämpfer's design opted for minimal armor, even removing the hip-mounted skirt armor found on most mobile suits. The choice of conventional shell-based weapons rather than beam weapons was made to reduce the drain on its reactor and resultant drop in speed. Weapon racks were designed to be ejected from the unit as they were expended, minimizing dead weight. The Kämpfer was intended to be operated by special forces, and was built to be easily disassembled and reassembled in blocks, aiding in its infiltration behind enemy lines.
History
In the few remaining days and weeks before the end of the One Year War, the Principality of Zeon produced several new prototype mobile suits. One of these new units was known only as the YMS-18 Kämpfer Prototype, which Zeon engineers quickly began producing different variations and redesigns to create custom units meant to excel in specific mission roles. One of the variations created was the MS-18E Kämpfer.
Despite the drawbacks of limited armor and high fuel consumption, the Kämpfer was still an incredible mobile suit. Due to its late introduction to the war, only a few units were ever produced. A single Kämpfer was fielded by Zeon's Cyclops Team during their infiltration of Ribo in the neutral Riah Republic of Side 6 on December 20, U.C. 0079. This unit, piloted by an inebriated Mikhail Kaminsky, singlehandedly destroyed the entire Scarlet Team mobile suit squadron of the assault carrier LMSD-76 Gray Phantom. It then faced its primary objective, the Earth Federation's RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1. Despite completely destroying the NT-1 Alex's Chobam armor and damaging the Gundam, the Kämpfer failed to disable it and was destroyed by the Gundam's forearm-mounted 90mm Gatling gun.
In Gundam Legacy, a Kämpfer served as the control unit for the "Silver Lance" system deployed in Operation Silver Lance against the Republic of Zeon in U.C. 0084. It was piloted by Zeon Remnant's Lilia Flaubert.