P-Bandai: HGUC 1/144 Dra-C (Unicorn Ver.) [REISSUE] - Release Info

P-Bandai: HGUC 1/144 Dra-C (Unicorn Ver.) [REISSUE]
Release Date: July 2024
Price: 2,200 Yen

The Dra-C from "Mobile Suit Gundam UC" is now available in the HGUC model kit series. This kit shares the same the base molds as the HGUC 1/144 Dra-C (0083 variant), but adds a few unique parts and features that set it apart from its predecessor.

The model comes in pinkish purple mold colors that correspond to its appearance in the OVA. It contains modified sections on the chest and sleeves with markings from the "Sleeves" faction, which adds some modification to the original design. A unique right-hand Gatling cannon that merges with the arm attachment gives the model a striking appearance.

To add realism, the kit includes special foil stickers that may be put to the chest and wrists to replicate the engravings shown in the anime. The kit also includes a customized stand for displaying the kit when finished, which allows for many dynamic stances. This version of Dra-C allows enthusiasts to create a model that closely resembles the mobile suit shown in "Mobile Suit Gundam UC," packed with faction-specific upgrades.

MS-21C Dra-C

In the "Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn" OVA, the MS-21C Dra-C appears as a purple mobile suit employed by the Sleeves faction. The Dra-C, first shown in "Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory," is a high-speed assault space mobile suit created by the remains of Zeon to improve their combat capabilities for patrolling, reconnaissance, and sabotage operations. It is made out of parts from damaged MS-06F-2 Zaku II F2 Type mobile suits and Gattle space fighter bombers.

The Dra-C is noted by its exceptional straight-line acceleration and mobility, which outperforms normal space-use fighter planes. However, its mobility is regarded as inferior to that of ordinary mobile suits due to poor AMBAC (Active Mass Balance AutoControl) capabilities, which are caused by the design's replacement of legs with propellant tanks. These tanks, which are modified Gattle components with bottom thrusters, offer some agility and turning capability.

To solve its mobility restrictions, the Dra-C has additional propulsion pods on its shoulders, derived from work-use spaceships. The backpack for the mobile suit was modified from Gattle's primary engine modules to improve stability.

In its Sleeves configuration of the late U.C. 0090s, the Dra-C substitutes its standard 40mm vulcan gun with a more powerful 6-barrel Gatling gun, which also increases sensor range. This adaption, together with its legless design, provides better maintainability and operational cost effectiveness than typical mobile suits.