The RX-160S Byarlant Custom is a variant of the introduced RX-160 Byarlant
in the Novel/OVA series Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn. It is piloted by Robin Diez.
Features
The RX-160S Byarlant Custom is a technology testbed created by upgrading surviving units of the RX-160 Byarlant, which was developed by the Titans during the Gryps War. Its thrusters have been upgraded, and a pair of rear-mounted thruster/drive units have been added, to extend autonomous flight time in the atmosphere. Its main weapons have also been upgraded, with other changes to the machine including arm parts taken from the RX-110 Gabthley, a new leg design derived from the NRX-055 Baund Doc, and the replacement of the mono-sensor. eye by a standard EFF visor type sensor. Federation Force HQ specifically requested the sensor change before approving the project.
Development staff referred to this project as a composite "creature" (Chimera) from Mobile Suit Titans. Although the Bylarant Custom did not incorporate the latest technology, it still achieved an improvement in overall performance compared to the original. Two Byarlant Custom units were produced at Torrington Base, with Unit 1 being a validation unit for upgraded thrusters and various modifications. Unit 2 was to be the full version after undergoing further modifications.
- Thrusters/tanks
The booster is a combination of large fuel tanks and rocket boosters. It provides additional fuel for longer deployment times and greatly improves the Byarlant Custom's acceleration and agility during dogfights. A pair is equipped on both sides with the Byarlant Custom's integrated rear thrusters.
Armaments
- Mega Particle Cannon: A fixed armament mounted on the forearms, they are the suit's only ranged weapon and are rated at 4.7 MW. By adjusting the relevant parameters/settings of the particle cannons, such as their output, the weapon can have various firing modes, including a beam machine gun mode which has a high rate of fire at the expense of penetrating power.
- Beam Saber: Unlike the original Byarlant, the Byarlant Custom's beam sabers are generated from the mega particle cannons.
- Claw Arm: While the original Byarlant has small claws for hands, the Byarlant Custom is equipped with two claw arms from the Gabthley to enhance melee combat ability. However, they are even more unfit to wield weapons.
History
The Byarlant Custom was deployed against the Zeon remnants during the assault on Torrington Base. Although Unit 1 was launched during the attack, Unit 2, which had not yet undergone further modifications, was grounded due to an error shortly after activation. Unit 1 destroyed several Zeon Mobile Suits, including two AMS-129M Zee Zulus, and repelled the remaining Zeon forces with the help of Londo Bell's MS Tri-Stars team and other Terran Federation forces. .