Type 89 Base Jabber – MechaBay

The Type 89 Base Jabber was a sub-flight system developed by the Earth Federation Forces for space transport operations. It was designed as an improved variant of the original Base Jabber, specifically intended for space use to transport mobile suits without consuming their internal propellant.

The “Type 89” designation indicated that the sub-flight system was developed in UC 0089, marking it as part of the Federation’s continuing efforts to improve mobile suit logistics and combat effectiveness in space operations.

History

The Earth Federation Forces developed the Type 89 Base Jabber in UC 0089 as an evolution of the atmospheric Base Jabber sub-flight system. Unlike its predecessor, which was designed primarily for atmospheric operations, the Type 89 was specifically engineered for space use to address the growing need for efficient mobile suit transport in the vacuum of space.

The Type 89 Base Jabber entered service with the Earth Federation Forces in UC 0089 and was subsequently adopted by the elite Londo Bell task force. It saw extensive use during the Second Neo Zeon War in UC 0093, where it proved invaluable for rapidly deploying mobile suits to combat zones without forcing them to expend their own propellant reserves.

During the Second Neo Zeon War, Type 89 Base Jabber units were used to deliver the RX-93 ν Gundam from Von Braun to the battlefield, demonstrating its capability to transport even the most advanced mobile suits. The system also proved essential for shuttling RGM-89 Jegan units to battle during the conflict.

The Type 89 remained in service through the Laplace Incident of UC 0096, where both regular and Type 89 Base Jabbers saw combat during the Third Neo Zeon War. The system continued to serve Federation forces well into the late UC 0090s, demonstrating its enduring value as a transport and support platform.

Design

The Type 89 Base Jabber represented a significant evolution from the original atmospheric Base Jabber, incorporating design changes specifically tailored for space operations. The most notable improvement was the addition of a dedicated cockpit in the forward section, allowing for more precise control and better communication with transported mobile suits.

The craft’s most distinctive feature was its ability to carry mobile suits in space without requiring them to use their own propellant. This was achieved through a combination of powerful rocket thrusters and an efficient mounting system that could secure mobile suits during transport. The Type 89 was equipped with two rocket thrusters, though their exact output specifications remain classified.

One of the Type 89’s key design innovations was its modular propellant tank system. Two propellant tanks were mounted on the underside of the craft, providing extended operational range for long-distance transport missions. However, these tanks could be jettisoned when necessary, revealing mounting points that allowed the Type 89 to accommodate a second mobile suit. This flexibility made the system particularly valuable for multi-unit deployment operations.

The craft featured standard sensors for navigation and threat detection, though their specific range and capabilities remain classified. The cockpit was designed to accommodate both a pilot and copilot, ensuring proper oversight of transport operations and allowing for coordination with both the transported mobile suits and command structures.

The Type 89’s construction prioritised reliability and ease of maintenance, reflecting its role as a workhorse transport system rather than a front-line combat vehicle. The lack of fixed armaments was a deliberate design choice, as the craft was intended to operate under the protection of the mobile suits it transported or escort units.

Known pilots

Notable pilots who operated the Type 89 Base Jabber included:

Amuro Ray
Brick Teclato

Behind the scenes

Yutaka Izubuchi was the original mechanical designer for the Type 89 Base Jabber, creating it as part of the vehicle designs for Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack. The design reflected the film’s focus on more realistic and practical military equipment compared to earlier Gundam productions.

The Type 89 represented an evolution in sub-flight system thinking, moving away from the atmospheric focus of earlier designs to address the practical needs of space-based mobile suit operations. This reflected the broader shift in Universal Century conflicts towards space-based engagements.

Appearances

External links