RX-160S Byarlant Custom – MechaBay | Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn

The RX-160S Byarlant Custom was a custom close combat mobile suit developed by the Earth Federation Forces as a technology testbed created by upgrading surviving units of the RX-160 Byarlant.

The “R” in the model code meant it was a Federation model¹ and the “X” designated it as an experimental mobile suit. The “160” denoted it was developed from the RX-160 Byarlant, and the “S” suffix indicated it was a custom or special variant.

History

After the Gryps War, a surviving unit of the RX-160 Byarlant was designated as a technology testbed and upgraded into the RX-160S Byarlant Custom. The development was undertaken by the Earth Federation Forces to create an improved version of the original Titans mobile suit.

The suit’s thrusters were enhanced, and the addition of propellant tanks extended its operational time flying through the atmosphere. Development staff have referred to this project as a composite “creature” (Chimera) of Titans mobile suits, incorporating parts from multiple units including the RX-110 Gabthley and NRX-055 Baund Doc.

In UC 0096, pilot Robin Diez used the Byarlant Custom to defend the EFF’s Torrington Base from a large-scale attack by Zeon remnants. Unit 1 was launched during the attack and successfully engaged multiple enemy mobile suits, whilst Unit 2, which had yet to undergo further modifications, was grounded due to an error soon after activation.

Design

The RX-160S Byarlant Custom was a technology testbed created by upgrading surviving units of the RX-160 Byarlant, which was developed by the Titans during the Gryps War. Its thrusters have been enhanced, and a pair of back-mounted propellant tank/thruster units added, to extend the time for which it can fly independently in the atmosphere.

The mobile suit incorporated parts from multiple Titans mobile suits, earning it the nickname “Chimera” from development staff. The arm parts were taken from the RX-110 Gabthley, whilst the feet design was derived from the NRX-055 Baund Doc. The mono-eye sensor of the original Byarlant was replaced with an EFF standard visor-type sensor that incorporated twin eye cameras. The Federation Forces HQ specifically requested the sensor change before they would approve the project.

The Byarlant Custom was constructed from Gundarium alloy that provided excellent protection whilst maintaining flight performance. It was powered by a Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor generating 1,840 kW of output. The mobile suit used rocket thrusters with a total output of 98,300 kg for propulsion.

Although the Byarlant Custom did not incorporate the latest technology, it still achieved improvement in overall performance over the original Byarlant.

Armaments

The Byarlant Custom’s standard weapons were mega particle cannons for ranged attacks that could also generate beam sabers for melee combat, enhanced by claw arms for close combat.

Mega particle cannons

The Byarlant Custom was armed with two mega particle cannons mounted in its forearms that could also generate beam sabers. Unlike the original Byarlant, the Byarlant Custom’s beam sabers are generated from the mega particle cannons rather than being separate weapons.

Beam sabers

The beam sabers used an I-field to contain Minovsky particles within the shape of a blade. Minovsky particles broke down matter at a molecular level, meaning that the beam saber could cut through almost any material. The beam sabers were generated directly from the mega particle cannons when needed.

Claw arms

While the original Byarlant has small claws for manipulators, the Byarlant Custom is equipped with two claw arms from the Gabthley for improved melee combat capability. However, they are even more unsuitable for wielding weapons than the original design.

Propellant tank/thruster unit

The propellant tank/thruster unit is a combination of large fuel tank with rocket-propelled thruster units attached at the end. It provides additional fuel for longer deployment times and greatly enhances Byarlant Custom’s acceleration and agility during aerial combats. A pair are equipped on both sides of Byarlant Custom’s built-in back thrusters.

Known pilots

Robin Diez

Variants

The Torrington Base also developed another variant, the RX-160S-2 Byarlant Custom 02, which featured further modifications including movable binders with integrated beam cannons and standard manipulators.

Behind the scenes

Katoki Hajime was the original mechanical designer. The Byarlant Custom was designed for its appearance in Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn and became notable for its impressive aerial combat sequence in episode 4 of the OVA.

The mobile suit’s design philosophy as a “Chimera” of Titans mobile suits reflects the post-war Federation’s approach to mobile suit development, incorporating proven technologies from multiple sources rather than developing entirely new designs.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn

External links

RX-160S Byarlant Custom on MAHQ
RX-160S Byarlant Custom on the Gundam Wiki

Federation in Japanese is renpou, hence the use of “R”. ↩