FF-XII Core Fighter II
Fighter developed by Anaheim Electronics for the Core Block System of the RX-78GP01 Gundam.
The FF-XII Core Fighter II was a fighter developed by Anaheim Electronics as part of the Core Block System for the RX-78GP01 Gundam GP01 Zephyranthes. It served as both the cockpit and escape craft for the mobile suit.
History
Created by Anaheim Electronics as part of the Earth Federation Forces’ secret Gundam Development Project, the FF-XII Core Fighter II was designed to function as both the primary cockpit of the RX-78GP01 Gundam GP01 Zephyranthes and as an independent fighter craft. The Core Fighter II rolled out on 29 September UC 0083 and was first deployed on 13 October UC 0083.
In October UC 0083, the Core Fighter II and GP01 were delivered by the assault carrier Albion to the Torrington Base for testing. When Zeon remnants attacked and stole the RX-78GP02A Gundam GP02A Physalis, the GP01 was taken into battle by rookie pilot Kou Uraki.
During the subsequent pursuit of the GP02A, Kou extensively used the Core Fighter II for reconnaissance missions. The fighter proved particularly effective in the scouting role, as it could perform reconnaissance duties more efficiently than any mobile suit of the era whilst remaining far less conspicuous than a full-sized mobile weapon.
The Orville incident
Two Core Fighter II units existed in UC 0083, both assigned to the Albion’s mobile weapon complement. The primary unit served as the cockpit for the GP01 Zephyranthes, whilst a spare was used as a dedicated scout craft. During operations in Africa, it was discovered that Anaheim Electronics worker Nick Orville was a Zeon agent. Orville escaped by stealing the spare Core Fighter II.
Captain Eyphar Sinapus deliberately allowed Orville to gain some distance before sending a pursuit team, believing the panicked spy would lead them to the Zeon base. The plan succeeded in locating Zeon forces, but the Zeon soldiers had led Orville astray to sacrifice him for his incompetence. They shot down the Core Fighter II he was piloting, destroying both the aircraft and Orville. This left only the original unit that remained integrated within the Zephyranthes.
Space upgrade
After the ground-configured GP01 was heavily damaged in space combat against Cima Garahau, Anaheim Electronics mechanics repaired and upgraded both the mobile suit and its Core Fighter II. The fighter was extensively modified into the FF-XIIFb Core Fighter IIFb, specifically optimised for space operations as part of the RX-78GP01Fb Gundam GP01Fb Zephyranthes Full Burnern.
Design
Based on the original FF-X7 Core Fighter, the FF-XII Core Fighter II incorporated several significant improvements over its predecessor. The most notable enhancement was its more streamlined and aerodynamic design, which helped offset the fact that it was both longer and heavier than the original Core Fighter.
The Core Fighter II measured 14.7 metres in overall length with a width of 10.5 metres, making it considerably larger than its predecessor. Despite the increased size, the improved aerodynamics maintained excellent performance characteristics. The fighter had a maximum gross weight of 15.9 metric tons, constructed using Luna Titanium alloy for optimal protection whilst maintaining structural efficiency.
Unlike the original Core Fighter, the Core Fighter II was equipped with the RX-78GP01’s beam sabers, which were mounted under the wings in flight mode. This provided the Core Fighter II with melee combat capability when operating independently, significantly enhancing its combat effectiveness compared to earlier Core Fighter variants.
Performance
The Core Fighter II was powered by a Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor with an output rated at 1,790 kW. Propulsion was provided by two rocket thrusters generating a total of 84,000 kg of thrust (42,000 kg each). This powerplant configuration provided excellent performance for both atmospheric and space operations.
Armaments
The Core Fighter II’s standard armament consisted of two beam guns mounted on the wings. These provided effective anti-aircraft capability and sufficient firepower for engaging light enemy units. The beam guns drew power directly from the fighter’s fusion reactor, ensuring sustained combat capability without ammunition limitations.
Additionally, the fighter carried the GP01’s beam sabers mounted under the wings when in flight configuration. These could be deployed for close-range combat, giving the Core Fighter II unprecedented melee combat capability for a Core Fighter variant.
Known pilots
- Kou Uraki
- Nick Orville
Behind the scenes
The FF-XII Core Fighter II was designed by Shoji Kawamori, known for his work on the Macross series. The design reflected the evolution of Core Fighter technology within the Universal Century timeline, incorporating lessons learned from the One Year War whilst introducing new capabilities specific to the Gundam Development Project.
Appearances
See also
- FF-XIIFb Core Fighter IIFb
- FF-X7 Core Fighter
- RX-78GP01 Gundam GP01 Zephyranthes
- Core Block System
External links
- FF-XII Core Fighter II on the Gundam Wiki
- FF-XII Core Fighter II on MAHQ