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LMSD-73 Thoroughbred

Assault carrier produced by the Earth Federation Forces.
Jenxi Seow Published 30 Mar 2013 Updated 13 Feb 2025
LMSD-73 Thoroughbred

The LMSD-73 Thoroughbred was a Pegasus-class assault carrier produced by the Earth Federation Forces during the One Year War. It served as the flagship of the 16th Autonomous Corps and later became part of the Phantom Sweep Corps.

The Throroughbred also used the model codes SCVA-72 and MSC-03. The Pegasus-class carriers were initially designated as SCV (Space Carrier Vessel) but they were later on re-designated as LMSD (Landing Mobile Suit Deck). After the war, the ships were reassigned as MSC (Mobile Suit Carrier).

History

The Thoroughbred was first deployed from Jaburo in November UC 0079 as one of four decoy ships to protect the rear of the Earth Federation Forces main fleet. It was assigned two prototype mobile suits: the RX-78-4 Gundam Unit 4 piloted by Luce Cassel, and the RX-78-5 Gundam Unit 5 piloted by Ford Romfellow. The ship also carried three RX-77-2 Guncannons.

After successful deployment, the Thoroughbred was ordered to intercept Principality of Zeon supply routes behind the Moon leading to Space Fortress Solomon in preparation for Operation Star One. Throughout most of the war, the ship conducted operations disrupting Zeon supply lines and intercepting reinforcements.

Following the loss of the RX-78-4 Gundam and its pilot, the Thoroughbred was tasked with escorting Zeon Prime Minister Darcia Bakharov to Granada for final peace negotiations. Though attacked by Zeon forces opposed to the war’s end, the ship successfully completed its mission.

In UC 0081, the refitted Thoroughbred was assigned to Hugues Courand’s Phantom Sweep Corps, a special unit tasked with eliminating Zeon remnants.

Design

Unlike the White Base, the Thoroughbred was specifically designed for covert operations. It featured specialized warheads that could deploy anti-laser chaff to disrupt laser communications, as well as equipment for rapidly dispersing Minovsky particles over wide areas. Its blue-grey coloration was chosen to reduce visibility in space.

The ship utilized a Minovsky craft system that enabled atmospheric flight and re-entry capabilities. Like other Pegasus-class vessels, it featured rotating sections in its main body to generate artificial gravity in space.

Armaments

The Thoroughbred’s standard weapons included a main gun turret, mega particle cannons, and various defensive armaments.

Main gun

A retractable 580 mm two-barrel main gun turret was mounted forward of the bridge, providing the ship’s primary offensive capability.

Mega particle cannons

Two retractable twin mega particle cannons were housed in circular “shields” amidships. These weapons could rotate 180 degrees and delivered firepower exceeding that of standard battleships, though they required longer charging times.

Anti-aircraft guns

Thirty-six retractable twin anti-aircraft turrets were mounted across the hull. These open-top, crew-operated turrets provided defense against enemy fighters and mobile suits.

Missile launchers

Eight 3-tube missile launchers were mounted at the bow, with pairs on each side of the arm-like struts. A rear-facing 6-tube missile launcher provided defense against pursuing enemies.

Mobile suit complement

The Thoroughbred could accommodate up to six mobile suits in its hangars. In UC 0079, it carried:

By UC 0081, its complement included:

  • 1 × RX-78-7 7th Gundam
  • 1 × RX-81AS G-Line Assault Armor
  • 1 × RGM-79GS GM Command Space Type

Known captains

  • Kilstein Lombard (UC 0079)
  • Stuart (UC 0081)

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer.

In episode 29 of Mobile Suit Gundam, a green ship appeared docked beside the White Base in Jaburo. While not identified in the episode, the Lost War Chronicles manga later established this as the Thoroughbred.

Variants

  • LMSD-71 White Base
  • LMSD-78 Albion

Appearances

  • Mobile Suit Gundam
  • Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: From Place Beyond the Blaze
  • Mobile Suit Gundam: Lost War Chronicles
  • Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space
  • Gundam Legacy
  • Mobile Suit Gundam Battlefield Record UC 0081
  • Gundam Side Stories