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Aircraft Carrier

Earth Federation Forces aircraft carrier used during the One Year War.
Jenxi Seow Published 24 Jun 2025 Updated 24 Jun 2025
Aircraft Carrier

The Aircraft Carrier was a vessel type used by the Earth Federation Forces during the One Year War in UC 0079. These vessels served as part of Admiral Gopp’s fleet during major naval operations.

History

The Aircraft Carrier class was developed as an extension of the Earth Federation Forces’ existing Himalaya-class design, adapted specifically to provide enhanced aviation support capabilities for fleet operations during the One Year War.

In late UC 0079, Aircraft Carriers formed part of Admiral Gopp’s substantial fleet that was sailing towards Europe to conduct a major assault against Principality of Zeon forces stationed at Odessa. This operation represented one of the Federation’s most significant coordinated attacks against Zeon’s Earth-based strongholds.

The vessels were designed to provide air support for the fleet and landing operations, carrying conventional aircraft rather than the mobile suits that had become the dominant force in space combat. Their inclusion in Gopp’s fleet demonstrated the Federation’s combined-arms approach to major ground operations, recognising that traditional naval aviation still had an important role alongside the newer mobile suit forces.

Design

The Aircraft Carrier design represented an evolution of the Federation’s Himalaya-class vessels, incorporating modifications necessary to support sustained aircraft operations. At 250 metres in overall length, these carriers provided a substantial platform for aviation operations while maintaining the seaworthiness required for extended ocean voyages.

The vessels utilised conventional propeller engines for propulsion, reflecting their role as traditional naval units rather than the more advanced propulsion systems found on space-capable Federation vessels. This conventional design approach made the carriers well-suited for extended operations in Earth’s oceans while remaining cost-effective to produce and maintain.

The flight deck configuration and hangar arrangements were optimised for conventional aircraft operations, providing the necessary facilities for launch, recovery, and maintenance of the Federation’s air assets. These capabilities were essential for providing close air support to ground forces and establishing air superiority over contested areas.

Armaments

While specific details of the Aircraft Carrier’s defensive armament remain classified, the vessels were presumably equipped with anti-aircraft guns and other defensive systems typical of Federation naval vessels. The primary offensive capability came from the aircraft complement rather than shipboard weapons systems.

The carriers’ defensive armament would have been designed to protect the valuable aviation assets and provide point defence against enemy aircraft and mobile suits that might threaten the fleet.

Behind the scenes

The Aircraft Carrier appeared in Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan’s Island, serving as part of the broader Federation fleet operations that provided context for the events on Alegranza island.

The vessel’s inclusion demonstrated the continued relevance of conventional naval forces even as mobile suit technology revolutionised warfare, showing that traditional military assets still had important roles in combined operations.

Appearances

  • Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan’s Island

See also