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FF-S3 Saberfish

High-speed space and atmospheric fighter developed by Hervic for the Earth Federation Forces.
Jenxi Seow Published 23 Jun 2025 Updated 23 Jun 2025
FF-S3 Saberfish

The FF-S3 Saberfish was a high-speed space and atmospheric fighter developed by [Hervic](/hervic for the Earth Federation Forces. It was a space-capable variant of the FF-3 Saberfish atmospheric fighter, designed to provide the Federation with a versatile dual-environment combat aircraft.

The “FF” in the model code denoted that it was a Federation fighter, the “S” indicated it was a space variant, and the “3” showed it was developed from the third fighter design in the series.

History

The FF-S3 Saberfish was developed as part of the Earth Federation’s Year 70 Armament Reinforcement Plan in UC 0076. This collaborative development project between the Earth Federation Space Force and Earth Federation Air Force sought to create a versatile fighter capable of operating in both space and atmospheric environments.

[Hervic](/hervic completed the FF-S3 in UC 0071, creating a space-capable version of their successful FF-3 Saberfish atmospheric fighter. The design incorporated additional rocket boosters and missile systems to enhance its space combat effectiveness whilst retaining its atmospheric flight capabilities.

The Saberfish first saw combat during the One Year War, where it was widely deployed in the opening stages of the conflict. Originally planned as a carrier-based fighter for Magellan-class battleships, opposition from the space force resulted in its alternative deployment as a high-altitude fighter instead.

Despite demonstrating superior performance against Principality of Zeon Gattle fighters in traditional engagements, the Saberfish proved inadequate against mobile suits. Lacking the armour, advanced weapons, and AMBAC system of opposing mobile suits, the Saberfish became both outmanoeuvred and outgunned. The fighter was particularly vulnerable in close-range combat, which Zeon forces favoured, as it lacked any form of melee weaponry.

Federation pilots were forced to adopt swarm tactics to overwhelm mobile suit opponents, using superior numbers and hit-and-run strikes against vulnerable support vessels rather than engaging in direct combat. In the latter half of the One Year War, the Saberfish was withdrawn from front-line space service and replaced by the more heavily armoured RGM-79 GM and more manoeuvrable RB-79 Ball.

Nevertheless, the Saberfish’s dual-role capability as an atmospheric fighter served the Federation well in regaining air superiority over Zeon in the later stages of the war. The fighter continued to see service well into UC 0087, despite the odds stacked against it and the apparent lack of efforts to modernise its capabilities.

During the Gryps Conflict, Saberfish fighters saw action when the Anti-Earth Union Group attacked Jaburo, though they were overwhelmed by the more technologically advanced mobile suits. In UC 0096, several Saberfish were stationed at Torrington Base when Zeon remnants attacked, but they were destroyed by an MS-05L Zaku I Sniper Type before they could launch.

Many Federation mobile suit aces of the One Year War, including Bernard Monsha, South Burning, and Yuu Kajima, first earned their combat experience piloting Saberfish fighters.

Design

The FF-S3 Saberfish was a space-capable modification of [Hervic’s](/hervic successful FF-3 Saberfish atmospheric fighter. The design featured significant enhancements to enable effective space operations whilst retaining its atmospheric flight capabilities.

The most distinctive feature of the FF-S3 was its four wing-mounted booster packs—two mounted above and two below the wings. These boosters ensured high mobility in space environments and significantly enhanced the fighter’s acceleration and manoeuvrability compared to the base atmospheric model.

The dual propulsion system allowed the Saberfish to operate effectively in both environments. In space, it relied on chemical rockets for thrust and manoeuvring, whilst atmospheric operations utilised jet engines for sustained flight. High-altitude atmospheric missions could employ rocket boosters for enhanced performance.

The fighter featured a standard canopy-style cockpit that provided the pilot with good visibility for both air-to-air combat and ground attack missions. Its sensors, whilst adequate for conventional fighter operations, proved ineffective in Minovsky particle-rich environments during the One Year War.

Armaments

The FF-S3 Saberfish carried enhanced armament compared to its atmospheric predecessor, with particular emphasis on missile systems for space combat effectiveness.

Machine guns

Four 25 mm machine guns were built into the nose of the aircraft, arranged in two pairs. These weapons provided the Saberfish with rapid-fire capability for engaging enemy fighters and lightly armoured targets. While effective against conventional aircraft and unarmoured vessels, they proved largely ineffective against mobile suit armour.

The machine guns served as the fighter’s primary close-range defensive armament and were particularly useful for engaging multiple enemy fighters or destroying enemy missiles and incoming projectiles.

Missile launchers

The space warfare booster packs were equipped with triple missile launchers, with each of the four booster packs mounting three missile tubes for a total of twelve missiles. These missiles significantly enhanced the Saberfish’s long-range engagement capability and provided substantial firepower against heavily armoured targets.

The missiles were designed primarily for space combat, allowing the Saberfish to engage enemy vessels and mobile suits at extended ranges. This armament gave the fighter firepower comparable to that of a mobile suit, though it still lacked the defensive capabilities and close-combat effectiveness of true mobile weapons.

Anti-ship missile

When required, the Saberfish could mount a large anti-ship missile beneath the fuselage. This optional armament provided the fighter with the capability to damage or destroy enemy capital ships, significantly expanding its tactical role from pure air-to-air combat to include anti-shipping missions.

The anti-ship missile was particularly valuable during fleet engagements, allowing Saberfish formations to contribute meaningful firepower against enemy battleships and cruisers that would otherwise be immune to fighter attacks.

Behind the scenes

The FF-S3 Saberfish was originally featured in the MSV (Mobile Suit Variation) mechanical design series created by Okawara Kunio. It made its first animated appearance in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam and later appeared in Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn and Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance.

Appearances

See also