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

P-Bandai: HGUC 1/144 Dra-C (Unicorn Ver.) [REISSUE]
Release Date: July 2026
Price: 2,640 yen

The Dra-C from Mobile Suit Gundam UC joins the HGUC lineup with a variant that blends its rough, improvised origins with the distinct aesthetic of the “Sleeves” faction. Based on the HGUC 1/144 Dra-C (0083 version), this release introduces subtle but meaningful updates that bring its OVA appearance to life.

This version is molded in a pinkish-purple color scheme that matches its look in Gundam UC, immediately setting it apart on the shelf. The design incorporates modified chest and arm sections adorned with the ornate markings of the “Sleeves,” adding a layer of faction-specific identity to the otherwise utilitarian mobile suit.

One of its most striking features is the unique right-arm Gatling cannon, seamlessly integrated into the arm unit itself. This gives the Dra-C a more aggressive silhouette and reinforces its role as a fast-attack unit. To further enhance accuracy, the kit includes foil stickers for the chest and wrist engravings, capturing the intricate details seen in the animation.

A dedicated display stand is also included, making it easy to showcase the Dra-C in dynamic, high-speed poses that reflect its combat style in space.

Originally developed by Zeon remnants, including the Delaz Fleet, the MS-21C Dra-C was a high-speed assault mobile suit built out of necessity. With limited resources, engineers repurposed parts from the MS-06F-2 Zaku II F2 Type and components from the Gattle space fighter, often using damaged units or surplus materials. The result is a machine that feels both resourceful and unconventional.

Its design prioritizes straight-line acceleration, allowing it to outperform even some space-use fighter craft in speed. However, this comes at the cost of overall mobility. Lacking traditional legs, the Dra-C relies on large propellant tanks and shoulder-mounted thruster pods for movement, resulting in weaker AMBAC performance compared to standard mobile suits. To compensate, its backpack, derived from the Gattle’s engine units, has been modified with added stabilizers and larger, movable verniers for improved control.

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.