FXA-07GB Neo Core Fighter – MechaBay

The FXA-07GB Neo Core Fighter was an advanced fighter aircraft developed by Anaheim Electronics as an integral component of the MSZ-010 ZZ Gundam’s revolutionary Core Block System. This sophisticated fighter served the dual purpose of functioning as both an independent combat aircraft and the primary cockpit for the ZZ Gundam.

History

The FXA-07GB Neo Core Fighter represented the evolution of the Core Block System concept first pioneered by the Earth Federation Forces during the One Year War with the original FF-X7 Core Fighter. Anaheim Electronics developed the Neo Core Fighter based on the same fundamental principles, creating a cockpit module that could function independently as a fighter aircraft whilst serving as an escape pod for the pilot.

The Neo Core Fighter was specifically designed for integration with the MSZ-010 ZZ Gundam, forming the central component of its three-part transformation system. When combined with the Core Top and Core Base components, the Neo Core Fighter became the heart of one of the most powerful mobile suits of its era.

The aircraft made its operational debut on 9 March UC 0088 during the early stages of the First Neo Zeon War. Roux Louka was assigned to deliver the first Neo Core Fighter to the AEUG battleship Argama at the Shangri-La colony at Side 1. Following a successful rendezvous with the vessel, Roux immediately deployed the Neo Core Fighter alongside Judau Ashta’s MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam in combat against three Neo Zeon AMX-006 Gaza-D mobile suits.

After this initial engagement, Roux revealed to the Argama crew that the anticipated new mobile suit was still under construction, but that the Neo Core Fighter was an essential component that would form part of the completed system. Throughout the remainder of the First Neo Zeon War, the Neo Core Fighter served primarily in reconnaissance roles, rarely participating directly in major battles due to its limited combat capabilities when operating independently.

Design

The FXA-07GB Neo Core Fighter incorporated advanced aerospace engineering principles whilst maintaining the fundamental requirements of the Core Block System. The aircraft featured a streamlined configuration optimised for high-speed atmospheric and space operations, with swept wings providing excellent manoeuvrability characteristics in atmospheric flight.

At 11.62 metres in overall length with a wingspan of 15.89 metres, the Neo Core Fighter was substantially larger than its predecessor, the FF-X7 Core Fighter. This increased size accommodated the more sophisticated systems required for integration with the ZZ Gundam whilst providing enhanced performance characteristics when operating independently.

The aircraft featured a panoramic monitor cockpit with linear seat configuration, providing the pilot with excellent situational awareness during both independent operations and when serving as the ZZ Gundam’s primary cockpit. This advanced cockpit design represented a significant improvement over earlier Core Fighter variants, offering enhanced ergonomics and operational efficiency.

Propulsion was provided by four rocket thrusters, each generating 5,240 kg of thrust for a total output of 20,960 kg. This substantial thrust-to-weight ratio enabled the Neo Core Fighter to achieve impressive acceleration and manoeuvrability, making it an effective reconnaissance platform despite its limitations in direct combat.

The Neo Core Fighter’s primary strength lay in its speed and agility rather than offensive capability. When operating independently, the aircraft excelled in intelligence gathering operations, providing the AEUG with valuable reconnaissance data whilst maintaining the ability to evade enemy pursuit through superior performance characteristics.

Armaments

The FXA-07GB Neo Core Fighter carried a limited but effective armament suite designed for self-defence and light combat operations. The aircraft’s weapons loadout reflected its primary roles as reconnaissance platform and escape pod rather than frontline combat unit.

Vulcan guns

A pair of vulcan guns were mounted in the nose section of the Neo Core Fighter. Whilst essentially ineffective against mobile suit armor, these rapid-fire weapons proved highly useful in several operational scenarios. They were particularly effective for intercepting incoming missiles and rockets, providing the aircraft with defensive capabilities against projectile attacks.

The vulcan guns also served as precision weapons for destroying mobile suit sensors and other vulnerable external systems. In engagements with lightly armored vehicles and aircraft, the weapons provided adequate offensive capability for self-defence purposes.

Twin micro-missile launcher

The Neo Core Fighter was equipped with a twin micro-missile launcher system utilising AMA-09S micro-missiles. This weapon system provided the aircraft with enhanced engagement capabilities against more heavily armored opponents, offering significantly greater destructive potential than the vulcan guns alone.

The micro-missiles were designed for use against mobile suits and other hardened targets, providing the Neo Core Fighter with a credible deterrent capability when operating in contested airspace. The twin-launcher configuration allowed for rapid engagement of multiple targets or concentrated firepower against a single high-priority threat.

Known pilots

Behind the scenes

The FXA-07GB Neo Core Fighter was designed as part of the ambitious MSZ-010 ZZ Gundam concept, which sought to combine the proven Core Block System with advanced transformation technology. The aircraft represented a significant technical advancement over previous Core Fighter designs whilst maintaining the fundamental principles that made the system effective.

The Neo Core Fighter’s design reflected the increasing sophistication of Universal Century aerospace technology, incorporating advanced materials and propulsion systems that enabled superior performance characteristics compared to earlier Core Fighter variants.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ

External links

FXA-07GB Neo Core Fighter on the Gundam Wiki
FXA-07GB Neo Core Fighter on MAHQ