The RX-104FF Penelope is one of the central mobile suits of Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway and is piloted by Lane Aim of the Earth Federation Forces’ Circe Unit.

Developed for combat under gravity, the Penelope combines the RX-104 Odysseus Gundam with the massive FF — Fixed Flight — Unit. This system gives the mobile suit independent atmospheric flight capability and creates the enormous armoured silhouette for which the Penelope is famous.

Its appearance is unlike almost anything else in the Universal Century.

The huge shoulder structures, elongated front armour, large tail stabiliser and aggressive head design give the Penelope an almost monstrous presence. It looks less like a conventional Gundam and more like a fusion between a mobile suit, mobile armour and high-speed atmospheric fighter.

Bandai Spirits has translated this complex design into a huge HGUC model kit packed with layered parts, mechanical detail and impressive display options.

Two Mobile Suit Designs in One Massive Kit

One of the biggest features of the HGUC Penelope is its ability to separate into its major components.

At the heart of the model is the RX-104 Odysseus Gundam, a complete mobile suit that can be displayed independently.

The enormous FF Unit armour can then be attached around the Odysseus Gundam to create the complete RX-104FF Penelope.

This gives builders multiple ways to enjoy the kit:

Display the complete RX-104FF Penelope
Display the Odysseus Gundam separately
Display the FF Unit independently using the included support components
Reconfigure the Penelope into its Flight Form
Create dynamic aerial displays using the included display stand

The FF Unit includes moving elements such as repositionable Mega Particle Cannons and a folding tail section, while landing gear can also be deployed.

Incredible Size for a High Grade Gunpla

Calling the Penelope a “High Grade” can be slightly misleading if you are expecting a normal-sized HGUC kit.

This model is huge.

At approximately 24cm tall when completed, the Penelope stands taller than many 1/100 scale Master Grade Gunpla despite officially being produced in 1/144 scale. Its enormous shoulder armour, wide silhouette and extended rear structure give it even more presence than its height alone suggests.

The model’s size is not simply for show. The Penelope features a dense layered construction with multiple armour components forming the unusual shape of the FF Unit around the Odysseus Gundam.

For builders who enjoy large, complex Gunpla projects but prefer the construction style of the High Grade range, the HGUC Penelope offers a particularly satisfying experience.

Detailed FF Fixed Flight Unit

The enormous FF Unit is the defining feature of the Penelope.

Designed to provide atmospheric flight capability, the system surrounds the Odysseus Gundam with huge aerodynamic armour sections and additional equipment.

Bandai has recreated the complicated structure using a combination of detailed solid-colour components and clear parts. The huge shoulder armour and tail stabiliser dominate the silhouette, while movable components allow different configurations and display options.

The large armour surfaces are particularly well suited to additional modelling work.

Panel lining can dramatically increase the definition of the mechanical detail, while decals, subtle shading and selective detail painting can transform the finished model into a genuine centrepiece.

Impressive Weapon Loadout

The RX-104FF Penelope comes equipped with a selection of weapons suitable for such an advanced and heavily armed mobile suit.

The kit includes a large Beam Rifle, two Shields and Beam Saber effect parts.

The Penelope’s equipment system offers additional display possibilities, with the Beam Saber effects able to interact with multiple weapon locations across the model.

The included weaponry works particularly well with the huge scale of the completed Penelope. Even the Beam Rifle is significantly larger than the weapons included with many standard 1/144 scale Gunpla kits.

Display Stand Included

Due to the enormous size and weight of the Penelope, Bandai Spirits includes a dedicated display stand with the kit.

This allows the model to be displayed in elevated and flight-inspired poses while also providing additional support for the massive FF Unit.

The stand is particularly useful when displaying the Penelope in Flight Form or when creating aerial combat displays inspired by its confrontations with the RX-105 Xi Gundam.

For collectors planning a Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway display, placing the Penelope alongside the separately sold Xi Gundam creates one of the most visually impressive rival mobile suit displays available in the HGUC range.

A Standout Gunpla Building Experience

The HGUC Penelope offers a very different experience from a conventional High Grade model.

The enormous size, layered armour construction and separation gimmicks make this feel more like a major modelling project than a quick weekend HG build.

Newer builders can still enjoy the kit thanks to Bandai’s snap-fit construction system, while experienced builders have an enormous canvas for additional finishing work.

The Penelope is particularly suited to:

Panel lining across the extensive armour surfaces
Additional colour detailing
Water-slide decals
Metallic detailing on mechanical components
Subtle shading
Weathering and battle damage
Custom lighting projects
Diorama displays with the Xi Gundam

The large armour sections make the Penelope an excellent project for builders wanting to practise airbrushing, pre-shading or more advanced finishing techniques.

Kit Features

Manufacturer: Bandai Spirits
Range: HGUC – High Grade Universal Century
Kit Number: #229
Mobile Suit: RX-104FF Penelope
Scale: 1/144
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway
Approximately 24cm tall when completed
Complete RX-104 Odysseus Gundam included
Removable FF Fixed Flight Unit
Penelope configuration
Odysseus Gundam configuration
Flight Form transformation
Independent FF Unit display option
Beam Rifle included
Two Shields included
Two Beam Saber effect parts included
Multiple interchangeable hand options
Deployable landing gear
Movable FF Unit components
Display stand included
20 moulded runners
Foil sticker sheet included
Snap-fit plastic model kit construction

Why Add the HGUC RX-104FF Penelope #229 to Your Collection?

The RX-104FF Penelope HGUC 1/144 #229 is one of those Gunpla kits that has to be seen in person to fully appreciate its scale.

Its enormous size, highly unusual design and layered construction make it completely different from the majority of High Grade Gunpla kits. The ability to display the complete Penelope, the Odysseus Gundam and the FF Unit configurations adds even more value to an already impressive model.

For fans of Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway, Universal Century collectors or builders who simply want a huge and visually striking Gunpla project, the Penelope is an outstanding choice.

This is not a small HG kit that disappears at the back of the shelf. The RX-104FF Penelope demands attention.

Massive size, an incredible Fixed Flight Unit and one of the most unusual Gundam designs of the Universal Century make the HGUC RX-104FF Penelope #229 a true centrepiece Gunpla kit.