Valiant
Converted ore carrier used as a support ship by Mafty during UC 0105.
The Valiant was a converted ore carrier that served as a support ship for the anti-Earth Federation military group Mafty during UC 0105.
History
The Valiant was originally an ore carrier before being refitted by Mafty to serve as their main concealed support ship for operations in the Pacific Ocean. The conversion included modifications to support mobile suits and Galcezon sub-flight systems, transforming the civilian vessel into a capable military support platform.
In April UC 0105, the Valiant played a crucial role in Mafty’s operations during the Adelaide Conference. The ship served as a mobile base for the organisation’s activities in the Pacific region, operating covertly to avoid detection by Federation forces.
Following the Cargo Pisa operation where Hathaway Noa retrieved the RX-105 Ξ Gundam from orbit, the Valiant recovered the Mafty forces and set sail for their next mission. The ship’s civilian appearance and legitimate cargo carrier credentials provided excellent cover for Mafty’s clandestine activities.
Design
The Valiant retained the basic structure of an ore carrier whilst incorporating military modifications necessary for its new role. The conversion focused on creating facilities to support mobile suit operations and house Galcezon sub-flight systems used by Mafty forces.
The ship’s most significant modification was the installation of mobile suit maintenance and storage facilities. These allowed the Valiant to serve as a forward operating base for at least one mobile suit, providing repair, resupply, and tactical support capabilities far from Mafty’s main bases.
Additionally, the vessel was equipped to carry and maintain multiple Galcezon sub-flight systems. These aircraft were essential to Mafty’s operations, as they provided atmospheric flight capability to mobile suits that otherwise could not operate effectively in Earth’s atmosphere.
The Valiant’s civilian appearance was deliberately maintained to serve as camouflage. To outside observers, the ship appeared to be nothing more than a standard commercial ore carrier conducting legitimate business operations. This deception proved invaluable in allowing Mafty to position their forces without attracting Federation attention.
Known operations
The Valiant participated in several key Mafty operations during UC 0105, serving as a mobile command and support platform. Its most notable deployment was during the events surrounding the Adelaide Conference, where it coordinated with other Mafty assets including the Cargo Pisa operation to deliver the Ξ Gundam to Hathaway Noa.
Behind the scenes
The Valiant was originally featured in the Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash manga and novels. For the 2021 animated film, the design was finalised and brought to the screen for the first time.