*Endra* – MechaBay | Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ

The Endra was a Neo Zeon cruiser of the Endra-class that served as the flagship for Mashymre Cello during the early stages of the First Neo Zeon War. The ship was later commanded by Chara Soon before its destruction near the Moon Moon Colony.

History

The Endra was one of the first vessels of the Endra-class](/endra-class) to enter service with Neo Zeon forces in UC 0088. As the lead ship of its class, the Endra served as a testbed for the new technologies and tactical doctrines that would define Neo Zeon’s naval operations during the First Neo Zeon War.

Early operations under Mashymre Cello

In March UC 0088, the Endra was assigned to Mashymre Cello for a critical mission to win the support of space colonies for the Neo Zeon cause. Mashymre’s orders were to conduct diplomatic overtures to colonial populations whilst also pursuing military objectives against AEUG forces.

The ship’s first major operation took it to Side 1, specifically to Shangri-La Colony, one of the oldest space colonies in the Earth Sphere. The Endra docked at the colony’s spaceport, using it as a base of operations whilst Neo Zeon soldiers carried out their mission to win colonial support.

The situation became complicated when intelligence revealed that the AEUG flagship Argama was also present within Shangri-La Colony. Mashymre immediately shifted priorities from diplomatic outreach to destroying the enemy vessel before it could complete repairs and rebuild its forces.

Operations within Shangri-La Colony

The Endra served as a mobile base and command centre during the extended operations within Shangri-La Colony. The ship’s mechanics assembled several new model mobile suits that Haman Karn wanted tested in field conditions, including various prototype units designed to evaluate new technologies and tactical concepts.

Throughout most of these missions, the Endra operated as a stationary platform from which mobile suits were deployed and to which they returned for resupply and maintenance. This approach allowed Neo Zeon forces to maintain a persistent presence within the colony whilst conducting both diplomatic and military operations.

For the final mission within Shangri-La Colony, Mashymre ordered the Endra to enter the colony itself to pursue the fleeing Argama. This bold manoeuvre demonstrated the ship’s atmospheric capabilities and Mashymre’s aggressive tactical approach.

Command transfer to Chara Soon

Following the conclusion of operations at Shangri-La Colony, command of the Endra was transferred to Chara Soon, one of Haman Karn’s trusted lieutenants. Under Chara’s command, the ship continued to serve Neo Zeon operations during the ongoing First Neo Zeon War.

The Endra participated in various operations under Chara Soon’s leadership, continuing to serve as both a combat vessel and a mobile testing platform for new Neo Zeon mobile suit designs. The ship’s experienced crew and proven capabilities made it a valuable asset for continued operations.

Final battle and destruction

The Endra met its end during combat operations near the Moon Moon Colony. The ship was destroyed whilst under Chara Soon’s command, marking the loss of one of Neo Zeon’s first Endra-class vessels and a significant blow to the faction’s naval capabilities.

Design and capabilities

As the lead ship of the Endra-class, the Endra incorporated all the standard features and capabilities of its class. The ship measured 410 metres in length and had a gross weight of 68,584 metric tonnes, making it substantially larger and more capable than the Musai0class cruisers it was designed to replace.

The Endra could accommodate six mobile suits, representing a fifty percent increase in mobile suit capacity over the earlier Musai-class. These mobile suits were launched from two crossed catapults built into the bow, allowing for rapid deployment during combat operations.

Mobile suit complement

Throughout its service, the Endra carried various mobile suit types depending on operational requirements and availability. During operations at Shangri-La Colony, the ship served as a testing platform for prototype mobile suits, allowing Neo Zeon engineers to evaluate new designs under actual combat conditions.

The ship’s enhanced maintenance facilities allowed for comprehensive mobile suit servicing and repairs, making it well-suited to extended operations far from major bases. This capability proved essential during the prolonged operations within Shangri-La Colony.

Atmospheric operations

The Endra demonstrated the Endra-class’s atmospheric capabilities during operations within Shangri-La Colony. The ship’s ability to operate within the colony’s atmosphere showcased the versatility of the design and Neo Zeon’s technological advancement over earlier Zeon vessels.

Command crew

Mashymre Cello

Mashymre Cello served as the Endra’s first captain, leading the ship during its initial operations in Side 1 and the extended mission at Shangri-La Colony. Mashymre’s leadership style emphasised aggressive tactics and personal loyalty to Haman Karn.

Under Mashymre’s command, the Endra served dual roles as both a diplomatic platform and a combat vessel. His approach to the Shangri-La mission demonstrated the flexibility required of Neo Zeon commanders operating in complex political and military environments.

Chara Soon

Chara Soon assumed command of the Endra following Mashymre Cello’s reassignment. As one of Haman Karn’s trusted lieutenants, Chara brought her own tactical expertise and leadership style to the vessel.

Under Chara’s command, the Endra continued to serve Neo Zeon operations until its destruction near the Moon Moon Colony. Her leadership during the ship’s final period demonstrated the high standard of Neo Zeon naval officers.

Legacy

The Endra served as the prototype for Neo Zeon’s renewed naval capabilities, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Endra-class design concept. The ship’s successful operations at Shangri-La Colony validated the design’s mobile suit capacity and atmospheric capabilities.

The experience gained through the Endra’s operations contributed to the refinement of tactics and procedures for subsequent Endra-class vessels. The ship’s role as a testing platform for new mobile suit designs also advanced Neo Zeon’s mobile suit development programmes.

Behind the scenes

The Endra was designed by Nagano Mamoru as part of the Endra-class for Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. As the lead ship of the class, the Endra established the visual and operational template for subsequent vessels.

Appearances

External links

Endra-class on the Gundam Wiki
Endra-class on MAHQ