Heavy Fork-class

The Heavy Fork-class was a land battleship used by the Earth Federation Forces during the ground campaigns of the One Year War. It served alongside the Big Tray-class as one of the Federation’s primary mobile artillery platforms for terrestrial operations.

History

The Heavy Fork-class was developed by the Earth Federation Forces as part of their land battleship programme during the One Year War. These vessels were designed to serve as mobile artillery platforms and command centres for Federation ground forces, filling a similar role to the Principality of Zeon’s Dabude-class land battleships.

The Heavy Fork-class saw extensive deployment during the ground portion of the One Year War, particularly in the European theatre of operations. Multiple Heavy Fork-class ships, along with Big Tray-class vessels, were deployed during the Battle of Odessa in November UC 0079, one of the most significant ground engagements of the war.

During the Battle of Odessa, Federation forces used these land battleships to provide heavy artillery support for the massive offensive that would ultimately break Zeon’s hold on Earth. The hover-propelled Heavy Fork-class ships proved valuable in the difficult terrain of Eastern Europe, where their ability to traverse various ground conditions gave Federation forces significant tactical advantages.

Design

The Heavy Fork-class was designed as a heavily armed and armoured mobile artillery platform. At 210 metres in length, 107 metres in width, and 66 metres in height, it was a substantial vessel optimised for ground-based operations rather than space combat.

Like the Big Tray-class, the Heavy Fork utilised multiple hover engines for propulsion. This hover system allowed the massive vessel to traverse various terrain types without the need for roads or prepared surfaces, giving Federation forces considerable strategic flexibility in positioning their heavy artillery assets.

The ship’s design prioritised firepower and durability over speed and manoeuvrability. Its substantial armour protection allowed it to withstand return fire from enemy artillery and mobile suits whilst delivering sustained bombardment of enemy positions.

Armaments

The Heavy Fork-class was heavily armed with multiple weapon systems designed for different combat roles and ranges.

Main guns

The ship’s primary armament consisted of three 3-barrel main guns mounted on the forward and midship sections. These large-calibre weapons provided the Heavy Fork’s primary long-range bombardment capability, allowing it to engage hardened enemy positions and fortifications at considerable distance.

The main guns were positioned to provide overlapping fields of fire whilst maintaining the ability to engage targets across a wide arc. Their placement also allowed for effective fire support during Federation advances.

Secondary guns

Six 3-barrel secondary guns were mounted on the port and starboard sides of the midship section. These weapons provided medium-range fire support and helped defend the vessel against mobile suit attacks. The secondary armament also enhanced the ship’s ability to provide suppressive fire during ground operations.

Machine guns

Twelve 2-barrel machine guns were distributed throughout the vessel, mounted on the forward, midship, and aft sections. These rapid-fire weapons served as close-in defence against enemy mobile suits and infantry, providing protection for the larger guns and creating defensive zones around the ship.

The machine guns also proved effective for suppressing enemy infantry positions and providing cover for Federation ground troops operating near the land battleship.

Operational history

The Heavy Fork-class played a significant role in several major Federation ground campaigns during the One Year War. Their deployment represented the Federation’s commitment to developing effective ground-based heavy weapons platforms to counter Zeon’s mobile suit advantage.

Battle of Odessa

The class’s most notable deployment was during the Battle of Odessa in November UC 0079. Multiple Heavy Fork and Big Tray class ships participated in this massive Federation offensive that aimed to break Zeon’s control of Earth.

During the battle, Heavy Fork-class ships provided crucial artillery support for advancing Federation forces. Their ability to move across the battlefield whilst maintaining heavy fire support proved instrumental in the Federation’s eventual victory at Odessa.

Known ships

Nicosia

The Nicosia was a Heavy Fork-class land battleship that served under Captain Gisele Albert during the Battle of Odessa. The ship participated in the massive Federation offensive and demonstrated the class’s capabilities in large-scale ground operations.

Behind the scenes

The Heavy Fork-class was designed by Shinji Aramaki for Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO 2: The Gravity Front. The design reflected the series’ focus on depicting the ground-based warfare of the One Year War and showcasing the massive scale of the Federation’s military-industrial capabilities.

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO 2: The Gravity Front

See also

• Big Tray class
• Battle of Odessa
• Dabude class
• Earth Federation Forces

External links

• Heavy Fork-class on MAHQ