Generations of Mobile Suits

[fazz2108]

The Xi Gundam and the Penelope are classified as 5th Generation Mobile Suits. What mobile suits do you think are classified under the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations and what are the distinct features that characterize the different generations?

[Seto Kaiba]

The Xi Gundam and the Penelope are classified as 5th Generation Mobile Suits. What mobile suits do you think are classified under the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations and what are the distinct features that characterize the different generations?

As I understand it, the breakdown that's been officially given is:

• 1st Generation MS
  The initial Mobile Suit generation, a catch-all encompassing all pre-Movable Frame designs regardless of their power source, armament, or capabilities.
• 2nd Generation MS
  • Movable Frame-based design
  • Gundarium Gamma armor material
  • All-Sky Monitor linear seat cockpit
• 3rd Generation MS
  • Variable Mobile Suit design
  • Adopts all improvements from 2nd Generation
• 4th Generation MS
  • Newtype pilot-compatible MS
  • Improvements to thermonuclear reactor design
  • Direct-coupled mega-particle cannon weaponry w/ mega-condenser
  • Improved Psycommu safe for Oldtype use
• 5th Generation MS
  • Solo flight without transformation via miniaturized Minovsky craft system

Apparently production-level mobile suits are just kinda stuck in the 2nd or 3rd Generation until the UC 0100s when the whole thing starts over... the 4th and 5th are mainly noted to be one-offs.

[Underrated GM Custom]

There was a pretty good discussion regarding MS Generations a few years back. Here's the thread: viewtopic.php?t=16923