Komusai
Mass-produced re-entry spacecraft developed by the Principality of Zeon.
The Komusai was a mass-produced re-entry spacecraft developed by the Principality of Zeon during the One Year War. It served as a vital transport vessel for deploying mobile suits from space to Earth.
History
The Principality of Zeon developed the Komusai alongside the Musai-class light cruiser as part of its Earth invasion strategy. The spacecraft formed an integral part of the Musai-class design, docking upside-down in the lower bow section of the cruiser.
The Komusai saw extensive use throughout the One Year War, with Char Aznable notably using one in October UC 0079 to enter Earth’s atmosphere and join Garma Zabi’s Earth Attack Force. Despite the introduction of the Zanzibar-class mobile cruisers, the Komusai remained in active service for transport operations.
In May UC 0079, the 603rd Tactical Evaluation Unit used a Komusai to transport the YMT-05 Hildolfr mobile tank for evaluation tests in North America. Near the war’s end, the craft was used to evacuate test subjects from the Flanagan Institute to Earth.
The Komusai continued service with the Republic of Zeon after the war, operating from Musai Kai-class light cruisers. Zeon remnants also utilised the spacecraft, with one unit attempting a kamikaze attack on the Spartan in UC 0080.
Design
The Komusai was designed primarily as a re-entry vehicle and atmospheric transport. When required, it launched from its Musai-class carrier via a guide rail system, allowing for efficient atmospheric entry with minimal fuel consumption except for attitude adjustments.
Its airtight cabin was positioned in the middle fuselage for protection during re-entry, though this configuration limited direct forward and downward visibility during landing. The spacecraft functioned as a lifting-body aircraft in atmosphere, powered by two thermonuclear rocket engines.
Later variants featured a more aerodynamic fuselage with smaller rear stabilisers and additional side wings. The cargo bay could accommodate two MS-06 Zaku II mobile suits or equivalent cargo, with three airtight hatches located at the rear, top, and bottom for versatile loading and airborne drops. The compact design allowed the Komusai to be carried by Gaw attack carriers.
Armaments
The Komusai’s standard armament consisted of two vulcan guns mounted in its nose section.
Vulcan guns
Two vulcan guns were mounted in the Komusai’s nose for minimal defensive capability. These rapid-fire weapons proved ineffective against mobile suits but could potentially deter light aircraft or missiles.
Known pilots
- Char Aznable
- Dren
- Oliver May
- Monique Cadillac
Behind the scenes
Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer for Mobile Suit Gundam, while Fujioka Kenki redesigned it for MS IGLOO.
The name “Komusai” comes from the Japanese words “ko” (small) and “Musai”, literally meaning “little Musai”.
Appearances
- Mobile Suit Gundam
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team
- Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO: The Hidden One Year War
- Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO 2: The Gravity Front