Fly Manta
Mass-produced fighter-bomber aircraft developed by the Earth Federation Forces.
The Fly Manta was a mass-produced fighter-bomber aircraft developed by the Earth Federation Forces. It served as one of the Federation’s primary atmospheric combat aircraft during the One Year War.
History
Before the development of mobile suits, the Earth Federation Forces relied heavily on conventional aircraft for aerial warfare. The Fly Manta was developed as a versatile fighter-bomber to serve both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.
The Fly Manta saw extensive combat during the One Year War. A significant number participated in Operation Odessa, where they conducted bombing runs against M’Quve’s military installations. They were also deployed during the Battle of Jaburo, engaging in dogfights with Dopp fighters.
Despite the introduction of more advanced aircraft like the FF-6 TIN Cod and FF-S3 Saberfish, the Fly Manta remained in active service throughout the war due to its reliability and versatility.
Design
The Fly Manta was designed as a twin-engine atmospheric combat aircraft capable of both fighter and bomber roles. At 17 metres long and 13 metres wide, it was relatively compact compared to other Federation aircraft of its era.
The aircraft demonstrated excellent speed, manoeuvrability, and operational range, making it the most widely produced aircraft in the Earth Federation Air Force. Its performance capabilities exceeded those of the Principality of Zeon’s Dopp fighter, particularly in dogfighting scenarios.
The Fly Manta featured a standard canopy-style cockpit in its forward section, providing good visibility for the pilot. Its airframe was constructed primarily from Universal Duralumin, offering a balance of durability and weight.
Armaments
The Fly Manta’s standard weapons were dual 30 mm vulcan guns for air-to-air combat and triple missile launchers for versatile engagement capabilities. It could also be equipped with various bombs for ground attack missions.
30 mm vulcan guns
A pair of high-speed 30 mm vulcan guns were mounted in the Fly Manta’s nose section. These automatic tracking weapons served as the aircraft’s primary armament for dogfighting and close-range engagement.
Triple missile launchers
Two triple missile launchers were built into the sides of the aircraft’s nose section. These launchers could be loaded with either air-to-air or air-to-ground missiles depending on mission requirements.
The air-to-air missiles featured a unique submunition system—upon reaching a preset distance, the warheads would split open, dispersing dozens of smaller projectiles in an inverted cone pattern. While individual submunitions had limited destructive power, this design improved hit probability in conditions of high Minovsky particle density where guidance systems were less effective.
Bomb racks
The Fly Manta could be equipped with multiple bomb racks under its wings for ground attack missions. These could carry conventional bombs or smart bombs depending on mission requirements.
Known pilots
- Texan Dmitri
Behind the scenes
Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer.
Appearances
- Mobile Suit Gundam
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Lost War Chronicles