Simus Al Bakharov

Simus Al Bakharov was a First Lieutenant in the Principality of Zeon who served as a test pilot and co-pilot for the experimental MAN-03 Braw Bro mobile armour. She worked closely with the Flanagan Institute on the development of Newtype-use weapons and ultimately served as assistant pilot to Challia Bull during the mobile armour’s final combat deployment.

As one of the few female mobile armour pilots in Zeon service, Simus Al Bakharov demonstrated exceptional skill in operating the complex systems of the massive Braw Bro. Her experience with the prototype during testing phases made her an invaluable asset when the mobile armour was assigned to combat operations in the final stages of the One Year War.

Biography

Early career and assignment

Simus Al Bakharov began her military service with the Principality of Zeon as a Second Lieutenant, eventually rising to the rank of First Lieutenant. Her technical aptitude and piloting skills led to her assignment to the Flanagan Institute, Zeon’s premier research facility for Newtype weapons development.

As part of Zeon’s technical evaluation team, she was selected to participate in the testing and development of the MAN-03 Braw Bro, the first mobile weapon designed specifically for Newtype use. The massive mobile armour required multiple operators due to its size and complexity, making experienced pilots like Simus essential for its operation.

Testing the prototype

In early December UC 0079, Simus Al Bakharov participated in testing the prototype Braw Bro near Side 6. She co-piloted the mobile armour’s right block alongside First Lieutenant Cowal, who operated the left block. The testing was conducted in secret, hidden within Side 6’s airspace to avoid detection by Earth Federation forces.

During one test session, the Braw Bro was undergoing repairs when it was accidentally discovered by a Federation G-Armor patrol. The surprised Braw Bro crew fired their twin mega particle cannons at the passing aircraft, alerting the pilots Amuro Ray and Sayla Mass to their presence.

In the ensuing battle, the RX-78-2 Gundam attacked the mobile armour with its beam rifle. Cowal’s left block was destroyed in the engagement, killing him instantly. However, Simus successfully escaped in the right block, preserving crucial test data and combat experience that would prove valuable for future development.

Partnership with Challia Bull

Following the prototype’s partial destruction, the Braw Bro was reconstructed using data recovered from Simus’s escaped right block. When Challia Bull, the newly returned commander of the Jupiter Energy Fleet, was assigned to pilot the rebuilt mobile armour, Simus was chosen as his assistant pilot due to her extensive experience with the weapon system.

The pairing proved effective, as Simus’s technical knowledge of the Braw Bro’s systems complemented Challia Bull’s Newtype abilities. Her familiarity with the mobile armour’s complex controls and weapons systems allowed Challia Bull to focus on utilizing his psychic powers to operate the psycommu system effectively.

When they met Char Aznable and Lalah Sune aboard Char’s Zanzibar-class cruiser, Simus was mystified by Lalah’s unusual attire and behaviour. Challia Bull had to explain that Lalah was emanating powerful psychic pulses, demonstrating the difference in perception between Newtype and normal human pilots.

Final mission

On 28 December UC 0079, Simus Al Bakharov accompanied Challia Bull on what was ostensibly a test flight of the Braw Bro. In reality, this sortie brought them into combat with the RX-78-2 Gundam in the Corregidor Shoal Zone.

Despite their experience with the mobile armour and its overwhelming firepower, both pilots found themselves outmatched by Amuro Ray’s superior Newtype abilities and the Gundam’s advanced technology. The battle lasted less than ten minutes before the Braw Bro was destroyed by the Gundam’s beam weapons, killing both Simus and Challia Bull.

Personality and traits

Simus Al Bakharov demonstrated the dedication and technical competence expected of a test pilot working on experimental weapons. Her ability to escape during the prototype’s first encounter with Federation forces showed quick thinking and piloting skill under pressure. The successful preservation of test data from her escape proved crucial for the mobile armour’s reconstruction.

Her mystified reaction to Lalah Sune’s unusual appearance and behaviour reflected the typical response of a conventional pilot encountering Newtype phenomena for the first time. This highlighted the significant perceptual differences between normal humans and Newtypes, even among elite military personnel.

Skills and abilities

Mobile armour operation

Simus Al Bakharov possessed exceptional skill in operating the complex systems of the MAN-03 Braw Bro. The massive mobile armour required precise coordination between multiple operators, and her experience with both prototype and production versions made her one of the most qualified pilots for the weapon system.

Her technical knowledge extended beyond basic piloting to include maintenance and repair procedures, as evidenced by her involvement in the mobile armour’s testing and reconstruction phases. This comprehensive understanding of the Braw Bro’s systems made her an invaluable asset for both development and combat operations.

Test piloting

As a member of Zeon’s technical evaluation team, Simus demonstrated the analytical skills and attention to detail required for experimental weapons testing. Her ability to gather and preserve crucial performance data during combat situations proved essential for the continued development of Newtype-use mobile weapons.

Mecha

MAN-03 Braw Bro

Simus Al Bakharov’s service was closely tied to the MAN-03 Braw Bro, from its initial prototype testing through its final combat deployment. She operated both the experimental and production versions of the mobile armour, gaining unparalleled experience with its systems and capabilities.

Working alongside Cowal during prototype testing and later with Challia Bull in combat operations, she helped demonstrate the potential of the psycommu system while also highlighting the challenges of operating such complex weapons. Her death in the mobile armour’s destruction marked the end of both her service and the Braw Bro development programme.

Relationships

Cowal

First Lieutenant Cowal served as Simus’s co-pilot during the prototype Braw Bro testing phase. Their professional partnership was cut short when Cowal was killed during the mobile armour’s first encounter with Federation forces, leaving Simus as the sole survivor with operational experience of the weapon system.

Challia Bull

Challia Bull became Simus’s partner when he was assigned to pilot the reconstructed Braw Bro. Their collaboration combined her technical expertise with his Newtype abilities, creating an effective team for operating the complex mobile armour. Both perished together in their final battle against the Gundam.

Behind the scenes

Simus Al Bakharov was designed as part of the original Mobile Suit Gundam series’ exploration of supporting characters in Zeon’s military hierarchy. Her role as a female mobile armour pilot was relatively uncommon in the series, highlighting the diversity of personnel involved in Zeon’s advanced weapons programmes.

Voice actress Kazuko Matsuzawa provided Simus’s voice in the original Japanese version, while Colleen Wheeler voiced the character in the English dub. Her character design featured the practical military attire typical of Zeon technical personnel, with brown hair worn in a functional style appropriate for mobile armour operations.

In Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin, Simus Al Bakharov’s fate differs from the original series. Rather than dying alongside Challia Bull in the Braw Bro, she survives long enough to participate in the Battle of A Baoa Qu, where she is ultimately killed by Sayla Mass.

Appearances

Simus Al Bakharov first appeared in Mobile Suit Gundam episode 38 during the prototype Braw Bro testing sequence, and made her final appearance in episode 39 during the mobile armour’s combat deployment and destruction.

External links

• Simus Al Bakharov on the Gundam Wiki
• Simus Al Bakharov on MAHQ