Technology & Combat Characteristics
After the completion of the MSA-005 Methuss, Anaheim Electronics started to explore further development potential of the mobile suit. The MSA-005X-2 Methuss X-2 was the second prototype unit in this project, and was developed by Anaheim Electronics' Granada branch. The design team for the X-2 included former members of MIP, which developed Mobile Weapons for the Principality of Zeon during the One Year War. In contrast to the MSA-005X-1 Methuss X-1, the X-2 was designed to operate both in space and under gravity. Like the ORX-005 Gaplant, which was already deployed in combat at the time of X-2's development, the X-2 is equipped with thruster-equipped binders which mount large mega particle cannons. The X-2’s intended role was anti-ship combat, and a drastic weight reduction allowed it to carry out hit-and-run attacks with its mega particle cannons. However, the X-2's weight reduction resulted in thinner armor. This, along with the X-2's beam sabers being fixed to the its knees, left the mobile suit with compromised close combat abilities. Two optional boosters were developed to be equipped on the X-2 for long-distance travel.