Lombardia-class
Prototype assault cruiser designed for mobile suit testing and data collection.
The Lombardia-class was a prototype assault cruiser developed by the Titans during the Gryps Conflict. The class was specifically designed for testing experimental mobile suits and served as a mobile test platform for the Titans’ advanced mobile weapon development programme.
History
The Titans developed the Lombardia-class as part of their efforts to field advanced mobile suit technology during the latter stages of the Gryps Conflict. Based on the earlier Alexandria-class cruiser, the Lombardia-class incorporated design modifications specifically for prototype mobile suit testing and performance evaluation.
The ship was designed to test the performance of experimental mobile suits for the Titans space force, prioritising manoeuvrability and sensor capability over raw firepower. The vessel served as a dedicated test platform, allowing the Titans to conduct field trials of new mobile weapon systems away from their main production facilities.
In UC 0087, during the latter portion of the Gryps Conflict, the class saw limited deployment. The lead ship participated in several operations, including the gassing of a space colony whilst AEUG forces attempted to intercept Titans forces. The vessel was also tasked with retrieving Rosamia Badam and Gates Capa during the conflict.
Design
The Lombardia-class was developed from the Alexandria-class cruiser design, with significant modifications to accommodate its role as a mobile suit testing platform. The ship’s design philosophy emphasised manoeuvrability over heavy armament, making it more agile than vessels of comparable size.
The vessel featured an advanced sensor array specifically designed for data collection from prototype mobile suits. These high-performance sensors allowed the ship to monitor and record detailed telemetry data during mobile suit operations, enabling engineers to evaluate performance characteristics and identify areas for improvement.
Despite being considered lightly armed compared to other vessels in its class, the Lombardia-class maintained sufficient defensive capability to operate in combat zones. The ship’s improved manoeuvrability compensated for its reduced firepower, allowing it to avoid direct confrontation whilst still providing effective support for its mobile suit complement.
Armaments
The Lombardia-class carried a defensive armament package designed to protect the vessel whilst conducting test operations.
Mega particle cannons
The ship mounted six mega particle cannons as its primary armament. Four single-barrelled main gun turrets served as the main weapons, with two mounted on the port and starboard sides of the ship, and two additional turrets positioned on the dorsal side of the hull above the launch deck. These weapons provided the vessel with adequate defensive firepower against enemy vessels and mobile suits.
Missile launchers
Multiple missile launchers were distributed across the ship’s hull, providing anti-mobile suit defence and supplementing the main gun armament. These launchers gave the vessel additional flexibility in combat, allowing it to engage multiple targets simultaneously.
Mobile suit complement
The Lombardia-class could carry between eight and ten mobile suits, depending on the configuration and size of the test units. Two launch catapults enabled rapid deployment of mobile suits for testing operations or combat missions.
The ship’s hangar bay was specifically configured to accommodate prototype mobile suits, with enhanced maintenance facilities and data collection equipment. This allowed for real-time monitoring of mobile suit performance and rapid modifications between test flights.
Ships
Lombardia
The lead ship and only known vessel of the class, the Lombardia served as the primary test platform for Titans mobile suit development. The vessel participated in several operations during the Gryps Conflict before its ultimate fate became unknown—either retreating from combat or being destroyed during the final phases of the conflict.
Behind the scenes
The Lombardia-class was designed by Kazumi Fujita for Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. The design reflects the series’ emphasis on military realism, showing how different factions developed specialised vessels for specific operational requirements.
The class name “Lombardia” refers to the Lombardy region of northern Italy, following the series’ convention of naming ship classes after geographical locations.
Appearances
See also
External links
- Lombardia-class on the Gundam Wiki
- Lombardia-class on MAHQ