Gundam Archives

Papua-Class: The Unsung Heroes of the One Year War

The Papua-class supply ship played a crucial role in the Principality of Zeon’s military operations during the One Year War. Designed to serve as support vessels, these ships were responsible for transporting supplies, weapons, and even mobile suits to the front lines.

Design and Capabilities

The Papua-class was a mass-produced supply space transport ship, measuring 300 meters in length and 145.60 meters in width. Its empty weight was approximately 19,000 metric tons, making it a substantial vessel. The ship was equipped with two thermonuclear rockets for propulsion and had a top speed of unknown capabilities. Additionally, it was armed with several point-defense machine guns, including AA-AMS guns, to defend against enemy fighters or mobile suits.

Operational History

The Papua-class was first seen in action during the initial Zeon descent operation of the One Year War. These ships played a vital role in launching waves of Heavy Lift Vehicles carrying Zeon mobile suits, which comprised the primary drop forces. The Papua-class continued to operate independently, resupplying Zeon’s space navy throughout the war. One notable example was the Dried Fish, which served as the flagship and primary mobile suit carrier of Zeon’s Living Dead Division.

Notable Appearances

The Papua-class has appeared in various forms of media, including the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt, and MS IGLOO. It has also been featured in several manga and video games.

Technical Specifications

• Overall Height: 115.00 meters
• Overall Length: 300 meters
• Overall Width: 145.60 meters
• Empty Weight: 19,000 metric tons
• Propulsion: 2 x Thermonuclear Rockets
• MS Catapults: 2
• Standard Equipment: External Propellant Tanks
• Fixed Armaments: AA-AMS Guns

Trivia

• The Papua-class was designed by Kunio Okawara and Hajime Katoki.
• A single Papua-class ship can supply two Musai-class cruisers.
• The Papua-class was eventually phased out in favor of the newer and more efficient Pazock-class.