Gundam Sandrock Custom

Overview

Gundam Sandrock Custom is a commander-use mobile suit featured in Mobile Suit Gundam Wing and its continuation Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Endless Waltz. Maintained and piloted by Quatre Raberba Winner, the machine is a specialized space-combat upgrade of the original Gundam Sandrock, modified aboard the battleship Peacemillion. Built with exceptional defensive capabilities and high physical power, it serves as the tactical focal point for the Gundam team, balancing devastating melee potential with upgraded spatial maneuverability and supplemental long-range weaponry to counter automated enemy forces.

Appearance

Constructed from Gundanium alloy, the machine retains a front silhouette similar to its base form while adding space-use thrusters to the shoulders, rear skirt, legs, and replaced backpack. Its head houses two vulcan cannons, while two small homing missiles are built into the collar armor. The beam machine gun can be stowed on the rear skirt when not in use. In the Endless Waltz depiction, it features a purple-based color scheme and wears a large heat-resistant cloak that covers the entire unit to protect against atmospheric entry friction and external environmental hazards.

Abilities

Built with heavy Gundanium alloy armor, the machine possesses superior physical defense and power, augmented by added thrusters for enhanced space mobility. Its primary melee weapon consists of twin Heat Shotels capable of cleaving heavy mobile suit armor in a single strike. To counter long-range enemy mobile dolls, it equips a beam machine gun for mid-to-long-range engagements. For defense, it carries a specialized shield, while the Endless Waltz variant's anti-dust cloak provides added armor and heat resistance during atmospheric entry. A temporarily installed copy of the ZERO System also granted advanced battle command capabilities, though the Cross Crusher feature was rendered unusable due to the backpack modifications.

Background

Originating from the ground-combat XXXG-01SR Gundam Sandrock, the unit was refitted aboard the Peacemillion to counter the emerging threat of OZ's automated mobile doll forces in space. During the ongoing conflict, Heero Yuy recommended the installation of a copied ZERO System. Quatre Raberba Winner successfully utilized the system to lead the Gundam team in combat, though the program was permanently removed afterward. The machine continued to serve as the lead commander unit through the EVE WAR late in After Colony 195. Following the end of hostilities, Quatre sealed the suit inside a lunar hangar owned by the Schweipp Corporation.

Relationships

Quatre Raberba Winner serves as the unit's dedicated pilot and tactical commander, utilizing the machine's enhanced capabilities to lead the Gundam team into battle. Heero Yuy directly provided the proposal and copy of the ZERO System for installation into the suit to boost its strategic command function. On the battlefield, the machine was primarily deployed to combat OZ and its automated mobile doll units, such as the Taurus and Virgo, adapting its weaponry and tactics to overcome their high-firepower distance attacks.

Trivia

When the Endless Waltz design was originally released, commercial merchandise and model kits frequently identified the machine under the name "Gundam Sandrock Custom." Its model number was initially registered as XXXG-01SRC before being retroactively standardized to XXXG-01SR2. Additionally, the unit's signature Heat Shotel weaponry draws its design inspiration from the real-world traditional Ethiopian curved sword known as the shotel.