YMS-02 Union Blast

Model number: YMS-02
Code name: Union Blast
Unit type: experimental transformable mobile suit
Manufacturer: Bell Factory
Operator: Bell Factory
Rollout: AD 2304
First deployment: AD 2304
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
Armor materials: E-Carbon
Powerplant: unknown
Propulsion: unknown
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown
Fixed armaments: defense rod, mounted on left forearm; 20mm machine gun, mounted on torso
Optional hand armaments: linear rifle

The YMS-02 Union Blast was an experimental mobile suit manufactured by Bell Factory. Compared to the competing YMS-01A Union Flag, which was based on a totally new concept, the Union Blast was a powered-up version of the older VMS-15 Union Realdo. The Blast was intended primarily for aerial combat, which was a feature unchanged from the Realdo. With that in mind, in mobile armor mode, the Blast did exceed the performance of the Flag, but the mobile suit mode of the Blast was relatively inferior. The suit’s development cost was also too high. Realizing that the suit’s overall evaluation was poor, Bell Factory decided to contract legendary pilot Sleg Sletcher to lift up the machine’s status. During a mock battle between the Blast and Flag, Sleg attempted to crash his machine into Graham Aker’s after realizing he was on the losing end. However, Graham transformed the Flag into mobile suit mode using his “Graham Special” and countered Sleg’s attack by slicing off the Blast’s wing with the sonic blade. The Blast then crashed into the ground, killing Sleg and earning Graham the notorious title of “Superior Officer Killer.” Many believed that the highly skilled Sleg should have been able to land the damaged machine safely. At the same time, rumors surfaced about him facing financial problems and that he insured himself for a high price. Ultimately, the Flag was selected as the next mainline mobile suit and entered mass production as the SVMS-01 Union Flag.

Pilot: Sleg Sletcher
First appearance: Mobile Suit Gundam 00N
Original mechanical designer: Hitoshi Fukuchi

N/A