RX-160S-2 Byarlant Custom 02
Custom close combat mobile suit developed by the Earth Federation Forces as the completed version of the Byarlant Custom series.
The RX-160S-2 Byarlant Custom 02 was a custom close combat mobile suit developed by the Earth Federation Forces as the completed version of the Byarlant Custom series. It represented the culmination of the Federation’s efforts to create an enhanced atmospheric combat mobile suit.
The “R” in the model code indicated it was developed for the Earth Federation (Renpou in Japanese), whilst the “X” designated it as an experimental design. The “160” denoted its place in the development sequence, with the “S-2” indicating it was the second custom variant.
Development history
The RX-160S-2 Byarlant Custom 02 was the second incarnation of the RX-160S Byarlant Custom, which itself was a refined version of the Titans’ Gryps War-era RX-160 Byarlant.
The second Byarlant Custom unit developed at Torrington Base as a composite “creature” (Chimera) of Titans mobile suits, the Byarlant Custom 02 was considered the completed version of the Byarlant Custom, unlike Unit 1 which was a modification validation unit.
Unit 2 swapped out the Unit 1’s back-mounted propellant tank/thruster units for movable binders containing integrated beam cannons, thrusters and fuel tanks. Other differences from Unit 1 included the use of normal mobile suit hands to hold portable weapons, slight changes to the feet design, and new weaponry.
Design features
Frame and construction
Standing 20.6 metres tall, the Byarlant Custom 02 was constructed from Gundarium alloy armour materials. It weighed 40.2 metric tonnes empty and had a maximum gross weight of 63.5 metric tonnes.
The mobile suit featured movable binders that contained integrated beam cannons, representing a significant departure from the original Byarlant design. Compared to the Byarlant and the Byarlant Custom, the RX-160S-2 used standard human-style five fingered manipulators rather than claw arms.
Atmospheric flight capability
The Byarlant Custom 02 retained the exceptional atmospheric flight capabilities that defined the Byarlant series. The mobile suit could achieve sustained flight through its enhanced thruster system and aerodynamic design features.
Performance
The mobile suit was powered by a Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor with an output of 2,040 kW. Its rocket thrusters generated a total output of 117,450 kg, providing exceptional acceleration and manoeuvrability.
The enhanced sensor suite had a detection range of 11,200 metres, allowing for effective long-range reconnaissance and targeting.
Armaments
Fixed armaments
Aero armor shields
The Byarlant Custom 02 mounted small aero armor shields above its long rifles that reduced air resistance during high-speed flight. The pair of Aero Armor on top of the long beam rifles are shields that can be used to reduce air resistance when held in front of the mobile suit during high-speed flight.
Long rifles
Mounted on the Byarlant Custom 02’s arms, the pair of long beam rifles are designed with an emphasis on accuracy and can be used for long-range sniper shots. Additionally, a beam blade can be emitted from the weapon’s muzzle, allowing the long beam rifle to be used as long beam saber.
The two long beam rifles on the Byarlant Custom 02’s arms can function as ranged or melee combat weapons as they are capable of generating beam sabers.
Beam cannons
Mounted in the Byarlant Custom 02’s back-mounted movable binders, the pair of beam cannons are based on the ORX-005 Gaplant’s beam rifles and are directly linked to the mobile suit’s generator.
Optional equipment
Booster unit
The RX-160S-2 could also mount a booster unit previously utilised by the Titans’ ORX-005 Gaplant. The Byarlant Custom 02 can attach the booster used by the ORX-005 Gaplant to its rear skirt thruster, not only increasing the mobile suit’s thrust but also allowing it to reach the higher stratum of the atmosphere under its own power.
Operational history
In UC 0096, two RX-160S-2 units saw combat when Zeon remnants attacked the Earth Federation Forces’ Torrington Base in Australia. The first unit, with a blue and white colour scheme, was piloted by Bier Quatrieme.
The Byarlant Custom 02, piloted by Federation pilot Bier Quatrieme, was deployed alongside the RX-160S Byarlant Custom. Together, they battled against mobile suits operated by pirates, and ended up assisting Zeon remnants who were being attacked by the pirates.
The second unit, with a black and grey colour scheme, was later transferred to the Ra Cailum, where it was assigned to Londo Bell pilot Riddhe Marcenas. Riddhe used it during the events of the manga version of the OVA’s episode 5.
Known pilots
- Bier Quatrieme - Pilot of the blue and white colour scheme unit deployed at Torrington Base
- Riddhe Marcenas - Londo Bell pilot who used the black and grey colour scheme unit assigned to the Ra Cailum
Variants
The RX-160S-2 Byarlant Custom 02 was itself a variant of the RX-160S Byarlant Custom, representing the completed version of the Custom series development programme.
Behind the scenes
The RX-160S-2 Byarlant Custom 02 was designed by Hajime Katoki for the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn series. The mobile suit appeared in UC-MSV, Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn - Bande Dessinée and Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn: The Noble Shroud.