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PVN.4/3 Wappa

Mass-produced reconnaissance aerial hovercraft developed by the Principality of Zeon.
Jenxi Seow Published 19 Mar 2013 Updated 11 Feb 2025
PVN.4/3 Wappa

The PVN.4/3 Wappa (Wheelless Aero Palletized Personal Actuator) was a mass-produced reconnaissance aerial hovercraft developed by the Principality of Zeon during the One Year War.

History

The Principality of Zeon developed the Wappa as a lightweight reconnaissance and patrol vehicle. It saw extensive use during the One Year War across multiple fronts.

The Stein Battalion of the 1st Terrestrial Mobile Division deployed Wappas in Eastern Europe, using them as combat support units. On 6 November UC 0079, they were instrumental in delivering Major Stein’s message announcing the capture of the Cluj-Napoca military base from the Earth Federation Forces.

Despite its primary role as a reconnaissance craft, some units employed the Wappa in creative combat applications. In October UC 0079, Sergeant Cuaran led a coordinated attack against the RX-78-2 Gundam, using Wappas to plant magnetic grenades on the mobile suit. During the Battle of Odessa on 7 November UC 0079, Zeon forces successfully used similar tactics to disable several RGM-79[G] GM Ground Types.

Design

The Wappa prioritised mobility and speed over combat capability. Its distinctive design featured twin rotors mounted at the front and rear of an open cockpit, each covered by a hemispherical cowl. These independently-driven rotors provided both lift and thrust, enabling vertical take-off and landing capabilities.

Four electric motors powered by batteries mounted on the vehicle’s underside drove the rotors. This high power-to-size ratio allowed the Wappa to rapidly achieve significant altitudes. Four telescopic landing legs with rounded feet provided stable ground contact.

The control system combined automated systems with manual input through a single control stick, similar to motorcycle controls. The pilot could also influence direction by shifting their body weight. This intuitive control scheme meant new pilots could master basic operation with just a few hours of training.

The open cockpit design, while allowing excellent visibility, offered no protection from the elements or enemy fire. Pilots required full flight suits, particularly for high-altitude operations. While primarily designed for single-pilot operation, the Wappa could be modified with a special platform to carry up to four passengers or cargo. Specialised variants were developed for both tropical and cold weather operations.

Armaments

The Wappa’s standard armament was a single MAZURA MG74/S machine gun for self-defence and light attack capabilities.

Machine gun

A MAZURA MG74/S machine gun was mounted on a boom in front of the cockpit. While its swivel mount provided a wide firing arc, the pilot had to remove one hand from the flight controls to operate it, compromising vehicle control. The weapon proved effective against infantry and light vehicles but was ineffective against armored targets, aircraft, or mobile suits.

Wappa units deployed to the Eastern European front were equipped with two MG74/S machine guns, mounted on either side of the cockpit for increased firepower.

Known pilots

  • Cuaran
  • Miru
  • Sol

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer for Mobile Suit Gundam. Kusanagi Takuhito later redesigned it for Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO 2: The Gravity Front.

Gunpla

Bandai has released the Wappa in multiple scales:

  • 1/35 U.C. Hard Graph “Zeon Mobile Scout Set” (2006)
  • 1/144 U.C. Hard Graph “MS-06 Zaku The Ground War Set” (2009)

Appearances