Cui
Personnel transport vehicle produced by the Principality of Zeon.
The Cui was a personnel transport vehicle produced by the Principality of Zeon for infantry transport during the One Year War.
History
The Principality of Zeon developed the Cui as a ground transport for jetpack-equipped infantry. The vehicle saw notable action when Ramba Ral used several units in his attack on the assault carrier White Base. The Cuis transported his soldiers close enough to launch boarding operations against the Federation vessel.
A Cui was also carried aboard a Gaw carrier operated by Bone Abust during an encounter with the 08th Mobile Suit Team.
Design
The Cui featured an unconventional design that reflected Zeon engineers’ limited experience with terrestrial combat vehicles. Its most distinctive features were two extended platforms where infantry could stand and observe the battlefield through observation slits. These platforms also served as launch points for jetpack-equipped soldiers.
The vehicle moved on three engine-driven caterpillar treads — one centre tread and two at the ends of the troop platforms. The driver operated the Cui from a cabin in the central tower section.
Armaments
The Cui carried minimal armament, with defence provided by a single weapon system.
2-barrel machine gun
A twin-barrelled machine gun mounted on the central tower provided limited defensive capability. The gun could engage light targets but was primarily intended for suppressive fire to protect deploying troops.
Known commanders
- Ramba Ral
Variants
A space-use variant called the Cui Space Type replaced the caterpillar treads with rocket thrusters for operation in zero gravity.
Behind the scenes
Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer.