Fat Uncle Custom

The Fat Uncle Custom was a variant atmospheric transport aircraft used by Zeon Remnants during UC 0096. It was a modified version of the massive Fat Uncle transport planes originally used by the Principality of Zeon during the One Year War.

History

The Fat Uncle Custom was developed by Zeon Remnants as a modified version of the original Fat Uncle transport aircraft. The modifications were implemented to improve the aircraft’s operational capabilities for the remnant forces’ specific requirements in UC 0096.

In UC 0096, Earth-based Zeon Remnants deployed several Fat Uncle Custom aircraft as part of a large-scale attack on the Earth Federation Forces’ Torrington Base in Australia. These aircraft served as vital transport platforms, carrying mobile suits and supplies to support the assault operation.

Design

The Fat Uncle Custom retained the basic design philosophy of the original Fat Uncle but incorporated several significant modifications to enhance its operational effectiveness. Like its predecessor, it featured powerful thermonuclear engines and large VTOL rotors that provided the aircraft with its distinctive appearance and capabilities.

The most notable modifications from the original Fat Uncle included the relocation of the two jet engines to above the rotors, providing improved performance and handling characteristics. Additionally, a sliding door was installed on the left side of the cargo bay, facilitating easier loading and unloading operations during field deployments.

The aircraft’s massive interior maintained the capability to store both cargo and mobile suits, with sufficient space to accommodate up to three mobile suits standing upright in the cargo bay. The front-opening cargo doors enabled airdrops during flight, similar to the original Fat Uncle design.

Armaments

The Fat Uncle Custom’s armament configuration was simplified compared to the original model. The standard armament consisted of defensive weapons designed to provide protection during transport operations.

Machine guns

The Fat Uncle Custom was armed with two single-barrelled machine guns for defence, replacing the original’s three twin machine gun turrets. Both defensive weapons were mounted on the top of the aircraft, positioned on either side of the cockpit.

Each gun turret featured adjustable barrels that could raise or lower as needed, and the turrets could rotate 360 degrees to provide comprehensive defensive coverage. This armament configuration provided adequate protection against light aircraft and ground-based threats while maintaining the aircraft’s primary role as a transport platform.

Operational use

The Fat Uncle Custom operated primarily within areas controlled by Zeon Remnant forces, as the aircraft remained vulnerable to attack despite its defensive armament. The aircraft’s large size and limited manoeuvrability made it an easy target for enemy forces, requiring careful operational planning and escort protection.

During the attack on Torrington Base, the Fat Uncle Custom aircraft demonstrated their continued utility as heavy transport platforms, successfully delivering mobile suits and support equipment to the battlefield despite their age and the challenges faced by remnant forces.

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer of the base Fat Uncle design. The Fat Uncle Custom modifications were developed for Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn to represent the technological adaptations made by Zeon Remnant forces.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn

External links

Fat Uncle Custom on the Gundam Wiki
Fat Uncle Custom on MAHQ