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YS-11 Dodai YS

Sub-flight system bomber aircraft mass produced by the Principality of Zeon.
Jenxi Seow Published 19 Mar 2013 Updated 11 Feb 2025
YS-11 Dodai YS

The Dodai YS was a sub-flight system bomber aircraft mass produced by the Principality of Zeon to provide its mobile suits with atmospheric flight capability.

History

The Principality of Zeon initially developed mobile suits for space combat. When these units were deployed on Earth, they lacked flight capability. The Dodai YS was developed as an interceptor-bomber but was converted into a sub-flight system to assist in the movement of mobile suits.

After the One Year War, the South Seas Alliance deployed salvaged Dodai YS units with reduced armament of six missile launchers instead of eight. The design influenced the development of the Dodai Kai and Base Jabber by the Earth Federation Forces.

Despite being an antiquated system, Zeon Remnants continued to maintain and operate Dodai YS units on Earth as late as UC 0096.

Design

The Dodai YS achieved vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability by taking in air through its upper surface and expelling it from the lower surface. It was equipped with multiple rocket boosters for rapid frontline takeoffs.

Due to its flat design and powerful engine, the Dodai YS could carry a mobile suit standing on its upper surface. The carried mobile suit could still use its weapons while mounted, expanding its effective range and gaining air combat capabilities.

While the Dodai YS could transport Zaku-type mobile suits, it was primarily designed to operate with the MS-07B Gouf. The Gouf featured a forehead antenna, typically associated with commander units, as standard equipment to facilitate communication with the Dodai YS.

The cooperation between this aircraft and mobile suits posed a significant threat to Federation air defences. However, the Dodai YS’s armor was relatively weak, making it vulnerable to weapons like the vulcan guns of the FF-X7 Core Fighter.

Armaments

The Dodai YS’s only armament was missile launchers for offensive capability.

Missile launchers

Eight missile launchers were mounted in the forward section of the aircraft. These provided limited air-to-air combat capabilities, which necessitated escort by Dopp fighters. The South Seas Alliance variant had only six launchers.

Known pilots

  • May Kauwin
  • Klink

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer.

Variants

  • Dodai GA
  • Dodai II

Appearances

Anime

Manga

  • Advance of Zeta: The Traitor to Destiny
  • Mobile Suit Gundam: Lost War Chronicles
  • Mobile Suit Gundam MS Generation
  • Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: The Blue Destiny
  • Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story 0079: Rise from the Ashes
  • Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt
  • Mobile Suit Gundam MSV-R: The Troublemakers
  • Mobile Suit Gundam Climax UC: The Bonds of the Bloodline
  • Mobile Suit Gundam: We’re Federation Hooligans!!

Games

  • Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs Zeon DX