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HLV

Heavy lift launch vehicle used by the Principality of Zeon for Earth-Space transport.
Jenxi Seow Published 23 Jun 2025 Updated 23 Jun 2025
HLV

The HLV (Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicle, 大重量離昇機, Dai Jūryō Rishō-ki) was a heavy lift launch vehicle used by the Principality of Zeon to transport troops, supplies and mobile suits between Earth and space during the One Year War.

History

The HLV was developed by the Principality of Zeon as part of their comprehensive Earth invasion strategy. The vehicle represented a crucial component of Zeon’s logistics network, enabling the rapid deployment of forces and equipment between space and Earth’s surface.

The HLVs first appeared during Zeon’s First Landing Operation on 1 March UC 0079, when they were used to transport mobile suits and equipment to Earth’s surface for the initial invasion. The vehicles proved essential for maintaining Zeon’s Earth-based operations throughout the conflict.

During November UC 0079, following the Earth Federation Forces’ victory at the Battle of Odessa, retreating Zeon forces used many HLVs to evacuate personnel and equipment from Earth. The evacuating HLVs became vulnerable targets whilst floating in Earth orbit, prompting Zeon ships such as the Jotunheim to provide escort missions for the evacuees.

In January UC 0080, the EFF’s White Dingo team attempted to prevent an HLV launch at Australia’s Hughenden Base. The operation was part of efforts to prevent Zeon forces from escaping with sensitive materials, including samples of the biological weapon Astaroth.

In October UC 0083, Zeon remnants hiding in the Kimberlite mine in Africa used an HLV they had concealed since the end of the war. This vehicle allowed Anavel Gato to escape into space with the stolen RX-78GP02A Gundam GP02A Physalis during Operation Stardust.

Following the One Year War, the HLV design continued to be used by various factions. In June UC 0087, Karaba’s Hickory Base used an HLV variant to transport AEUG pilot Char Aznable and his MSN-00100 Hyaku-Shiki back to space.

Design

The HLV was a reusable single-stage-to-orbit vehicle designed with vertical take-off and landing capabilities. Its streamlined conical shape was optimised for atmospheric re-entry, allowing the vehicle to safely return to Earth’s surface after completing space missions.

The vehicle featured a large payload compartment capable of transporting six mobile suits or sixty personnel, plus ten combat vehicles and substantial quantities of supplies simultaneously. This impressive cargo capacity made the HLV invaluable for Zeon’s logistical operations on Earth.

When fitted with rocket boosters for space launch operations, the HLV stood approximately 101 metres tall, though some variants may have reached heights of up to 200 metres depending on configuration and booster arrangements.

Launch configuration

For Earth landing operations, the HLV was equipped with six tear-shaped auxiliary boosters mounted on its three sides. These boosters provided additional thrust and manoeuvrability control for space operations. The auxiliary boosters were detached and disposed of once the HLV reached Earth’s outer orbit for atmospheric re-entry.

For launching from Earth to space, the HLV required a main rocket booster mounted at its base, complemented by three sets of twin boosters plus the aforementioned auxiliary boosters. This configuration provided sufficient thrust to break through Earth’s atmosphere. The boosters were progressively jettisoned as the vehicle gained altitude, with final separation occurring upon reaching Earth’s outer orbit.

Operational capabilities

The HLV’s design prioritised versatility and reliability over speed or manoeuvrability. The vehicle’s robust construction allowed it to operate in various environmental conditions, from the vacuum of space to Earth’s diverse climates and terrains.

The vehicle’s large internal volume was configurable for different mission requirements, allowing for the transport of personnel, equipment, or mobile suits as needed. This flexibility made the HLV an essential component of Zeon’s military logistics network.

Variants

The basic HLV design served as the foundation for several variants developed by different factions:

HLV (Zeta Gundam era) The Earth Federation Forces and Karaba developed their own version of the HLV concept, featuring a tubular design resembling conventional rockets. Unlike the Zeon original, this variant was incapable of atmospheric re-entry and was designed solely for launching personnel and equipment from Earth to space.

Behind the scenes

The HLV concept draws inspiration from real-world heavy lift vehicle designs and early space shuttle concepts. The vehicle’s name is a direct reference to the aerospace industry term for rockets capable of lifting heavy payloads to orbit.

There are conflicting accounts regarding the HLV’s dimensions across different Gundam productions. The original design from Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory lists the booster-equipped HLV at 101 metres tall, whilst later productions suggest variants reaching 200 metres in height.

Appearances

See also

  • HLV (Zeta Gundam)