MSJ-04 Fantong

Model number: MSJ-04
Code name: Fantong
Unit type: mass production general purpose mobile suit
Manufacturer: HRL (Human Reform League)
Operator: HRL
Rollout: unknown
First deployment: unknown
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso
Dimensions: head height 17.3 meters
Weight: max gross 134.9 metric tons
Armor materials: E-Carbon
Powerplant: fossil fuel engine, power output rating unknown
Propulsion: unknown
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown
Fixed armaments: 155mm x 50 caliber smoothbore cannon, mounted underneath head
Optional hand armaments: carbon spear; shield

The MSJ-04 Fantong was a mass production ground combat mobile suit created by the Human Reform League. The Fantong’s design philosophy could be traced back to that of the tank, emphasizing heavy armor and high attack power. The Fantong’s heavy armor caused it to weigh twice as much as the mobile suits produced by the AEU and Union. During the Solar Power Wars, the Fantong’s heavy armor made it nearly impossible to destroy with tanks or fighter planes. However, the armor reduced mobility, making the Fantong’s greatest strength also its weakness. The suit’s power source was fossil fuels, which were used to generate electricity to drive the machine. However, some parts of suit like the waist were powered directly by the fossil fuel engine. When the HRL stopped using fossil fuels, it redeveloped the Fantong into the export-friendly MSER-04 Anf.

One advantage of the Fantong’s large size was that its weaponry could be mounted at a higher location. This improved the weapon’s anti-ground attack capabilities as well as its attack distance and area. The Fantong’s main weapon was a smoothbore gun that could use different ammunition depending on the mission’s needs. The Fantong also carried a carbon spear that had a wide attack range and remedied the suit’s lack of mobility. A handheld shield could be used as a weapon in close combat with other mobile suits. The HRL also produced a commander type unit that had enhanced search and communication capabilities, giving it a better grasp of battlefield conditions. Visually, the only difference from the standard unit was the presence of three blade antennae. After years of service as the HRL’s mainstay mobile suit, the Fantong was eventually replaced by the newer MSJ-06II-A Tieren Ground Type.

First appearance: Mobile Suit Gundam 00P
Original mechanical designer: Kenji Teraoka

155mm x 50 caliber smoothbore cannon

Carbon spear

Rear view