FF-X7Bst Core Booster

The FF-X7Bst Core Booster was a support fighter developed by the Earth Federation Forces as part of Project V. It was an enhanced version of the FF-X7 Core Fighter, equipped with additional armour, weaponry and a booster module.

History

The Earth Federation began the secret Project V four years before the One Year War after receiving intelligence about the Principality of Zeon’s mobile suit development programme. The project included the development of the FF-X7 Core Fighter as an interchangeable module for the Core Block System used by Project V mobile suits: the RX-78-2 Gundam, RX-77-2 Guncannon, and RX-75-4 Guntank.

The Federation later enhanced the Core Fighter by adding a booster module to address its limitations in firepower and operational duration. This upgraded variant was designated the FF-X7Bst Core Booster. Only 16 units were produced during the war due to high production costs, with 6 seeing combat. Several served aboard the assault carrier White Base.

General Revil assigned a Core Booster to the White Base for testing on 2 November UC 0079, with Matilda Ajan delivering it on 7 November. Sayla Mass, believed to possess Newtype potential, became its pilot and used it to destroy one of the Black Tri-Stars’ MS-09R Rick Dom.

The Core Booster proved highly effective in subsequent battles. During the Battle of Belfast, Sayla’s unit destroyed a MSM-03 Gogg and sank a Jukon-class submarine. She later shot down a MSM-07 Z’Gok over the Atlantic Ocean, though her Core Booster sustained damage.

After Zeon’s attack on Jaburo, the White Base received a second Core Booster piloted by Sleggar Law. The units were designated “005” (Sleggar) and “006” (Sayla). During the Battle of Solomon, Sleggar sacrificed himself by ramming his damaged Core Booster into the MA-08 Big Zam, creating an opening for Amuro Ray to destroy it.

Sayla’s unit later intervened in a duel between the Gundam and Char Aznable’s MS-14S Gelgoog Commander Type. Not realising his sister was the pilot, Char nearly destroyed her cockpit before Lalah Sune telepathically stopped him. This moment of hesitation allowed Amuro to damage Char’s Gelgoog.

During the Battle of A Baoa Qu, Sayla shot down at least one MS-14A Gelgoog before abandoning her damaged Core Booster.

Design

The Core Booster addressed the Core Fighter’s limitations by adding a booster module that significantly enhanced its capabilities. This upgrade was developed using data from the G-Sky and G-Sky Easy, though the Core Booster was designed as a pure fighter rather than a fighter-bomber.

The craft featured thermonuclear jet/rocket engines that enabled excellent performance in both atmosphere and space, achieving speeds up to Mach 5.38. Its advanced computer system provided more than ten times the processing power of contemporary aircraft. The design included an emergency system that could spray fire-extinguishing fluids on damaged areas.

When docked with the booster module, the Core Fighter’s wings folded, making its missile launchers unusable. However, the booster module compensated with its own weapons systems and additional fuel capacity.

Armaments

The Core Booster’s standard weapons were machine cannons for close-range defence, mega particle cannons for anti-mobile suit combat, and missiles and bombs for varied mission profiles.

Machine cannons

Four 25 mm machine cannons were mounted in the Core Fighter’s nose section, operating as fire-linked pairs. While these weapons could barely damage mobile suit armour, they proved effective for suppressive fire and distraction tactics.

Mega particle cannons

The booster module carried two mega particle cannons powered by the craft’s reactor. These weapons used Energy CAP technology similar to the Gundam’s beam rifle, providing the Core Booster with sufficient firepower to engage and destroy mobile suits.

Missile launchers

Two missile launchers were mounted under the mega particle cannons, each holding four missiles. These provided additional ranged attack capability against various targets including mobile suits, ships and ground installations.

Multi-warhead bombs

The booster unit featured a bomb bay capable of carrying two multi-warhead bombs, allowing the Core Booster to conduct tactical bombing missions.

Known pilots

• Sayla Mass
• Sleggar Law

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer.

The Core Booster appeared only in the Mobile Suit Gundam compilation films, replacing the G-Fighter from the TV series. This change reflected director Tomino Yoshiyuki’s desire to move away from super robot elements and create a more realistic portrayal of mecha warfare.

External links

• FF-X7Bst Core Booster on the Gundam Wiki
• FF-X7Bst Core Booster on MAHQ