Technology & Combat Characteristics
The Methuss was the first true transformable mobile suit produced by Anaheim Electronics for the AEUG under their "Project Zeta". It served as a testbed for the transformation structure and the gathered data was later used in the development of MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam and the MSZ-008 ZII. The Methuss' standard armament consisted of two beam guns built into its forearms and six beam sabers stored in its legs. The primary form of the Methuss is the mobile armor mode, which is a capable space fighter with extremely high mobility and excellent defensive capabilities. In combat, the mobile armor excels in dogfighting and long-range anti-ship battle. As the cylinder frame that connected the Methuss' pelvis with its upper body is exposed in mobile suit mode, this form suffered from structural weakness and defensive issues, making it unsuitable for close combat with enemy mobile suits. Nevertheless, the Methuss is easy to pilot and repair. When necessary, the Methuss could also serve as a second power generator for the upgraded Mega Bazooka Launcher.
History
Despite being a prototype, the Methuss was still assigned to the AEUG flagship Argama and first used by Reccoa Londe in U.C. 0087. Afterwards, it was assigned to young pilot trainee Fa Yuiry. As she was a terrible pilot, the Methuss was often heavily damaged, but it turned out to be easy and quick to repair so it would be ready for the next engagement. Fa and the Methuss managed to survive the Gryps Conflict.
The Methuss briefly remained in service during the First Neo Zeon War, again used by Fa against the Neo Zeon team lead by Mashymre Cello. Mashymre's forces attacked the Argama while it was berthed at the Shangri-La colony and, following the Argama's escape into space, the Methuss was heavily damaged. Fa, torn between her duty to the AEUG and her desire to take care of then-mentally-crippled Kamille Bidan, left the Argama and returned to Shangri-La, taking the remains of the Methuss with her.
In October of UC 0088, admist the First Neo Zeon War, the AEUG deployed more Methuss units. These featured a new color scheme and were equipped with beam diffusing missiles, to create a beam diffusion "curtain", as the Solar System II was being prepared by AEUG forces for an attack against the Neo Zeon's asteroid base, Axis.