Aerial Base

The was one of the large airborne carriers operated by GUARD in Ultraman Gaia. It was the main base of operations for GUARD's elite task force, XIG, before its destruction. It was succeeded by the Aerial Base 2.
Subtitles: 
*Ultra Super Weapons Manual pg 97Ultra Tokusatsu Perfect Mook Vol.14 Ultraman Gaia pg 12TV Magazine Special Editing Ultraman Gaia pg 79
*Laser Disc the version up fighter Ultraman Gaia no.2Expanded and Revised Edition: Earth is Ultraman's Planet - Dyna & Gaia Volume pg 202
*Uchusen Editing Fantastic Collection - Fantastic World of Fictional Special Effects Filming: Ultraman Tiga/Ultraman Dyna/Ultraman Gaia pg 24
*Heisei Ultraman Mecha Chronicle pg 41Ultra Super Weapons Manual pg 96Heisei Ultraman Ride Mecha TOY Collection DX Series & Popynica Pictorial Encyclopedia pg 23Ultraman Official Data File 33 pg 25/Sheet 01
*Pen+ Explore the Fascinations of Tsuburaya Productions. Ultraman Great Research! 2012 4/13 Extra Issue pg 93
*https://web.archive.org/web/20010219010401/http://www.mbs.co.jp/gaia/story/002.html
==Overview==
The Aerial Base, captained by Commander Akio Ishimuro and operations oversaw by GUARD Staff Officer Tatsumi Chiba, was humanity's first line of defense against the Radical Destruction Bringer and other supernatural threats. Although built in full secrecy, it was later recognized as a symbol of Earth's defense.
The carrier was built with the highest level of technology with the cooperation of the Alchemy Stars.https://twitter.com/tsuburayaprod/status/1156488968667463681 It utilized the Repulsor Lift, a levitation device also developed by the Alchemy Stars, to remain geostationary on the equatorial orbit in the stratosphere (6~50 km above surface). Functioning primarily as an aircraft carrier, it was equipped with aircraft handling facilities and launch systems for its fleet of hexagonal transformable vehicles, the Container Mecha.
==Conception==
==History==
===Ultraman Gaia===
====Formation of GUARD and First Deployment of XIG====
The Geocentric Universal Alliance against the Radical Destruction was secretly formed in 1996, shortly after acknowledging the Alchemy Stars supercomputer Crisis’ prediction on the existence of an entity known as the Radical Destruction Bringer as well as their invasion in the near future. Elite members from across the globe were handpicked to create the eXpanded Interceptive Guardians, GUARD's special task force designed to respond directly against the enemy and other anomalies. The Aerial Base and its advanced technologies were developed together with the Alchemy Stars. Gamu Takayama in particular, a member of Alchemy Stars Japan, invented the Repulsor Lift technology and had it implemented into the Aerial Base and XIG’s vehicles.
In 1999, the Radical Destruction Bringer commenced its invasion on Earth by sending in a C.O.V.. The Aerial Base and its satellites were the first to detect and be informed of the threat. Under orders from Commander Ishimuro, XIG was mobilized to confront the invader. The Aerial Base deployed the Peace Carry and Team Lightning into the battlefield. XIG was able to suppress the kaiju in the opening minutes but fell short soon afterwards. XIG’s incorrect usage of its technologies was addressed by Gamu, leading them to realize their unpreparedness despite possessing the most advanced weapons and experienced individuals. 
The appearance of Ultraman Gaia and the subsequent defeat of the C.O.V. caught XIG's attention. Gamu, under special permission, was brought to the Aerial Base. Gamu then became a special member of XIG, an analyst of abnormal activities and monsters, and spent a majority of his time providing analysis support onboard the ship. 
From then on, hostile creatures sent by the Radical Destruction Bringer as well as supernatural activities began to appear on a frequent basis. The existence of the Aerial Base and XIG were officially disclosed to the public, thus allowing them to carry out missions more freely.
====Intruder Incident====
In response to his warnings of humans being the world's end from Crisis, Hiroya Fujimiya, the human host of Ultraman Agul, infiltrated the Aerial Base with Agul's powers. Fujimiya locked all access to the Command Room and the captain's cabin, and proceeded in bringing down the ship by shutting down the Repulsor Lift. Ultraman Gaia teleported into the Command Room and confronted Fujimiya, who then transformed into Agul. Gaia and Agul fought against each other, with Agul attempting to destroy the control systems while the former defended them. 
Meanwhile, XIG devised a plan to reclaim the Command Room. Operators Atsuko and Georgie secured the Aerial Base's systems via the Main Computer's maintenance area, and Team Seagull breached the Command Room from below. At the same time, the ship's security breached the Command Room from the main entrance. During an exchange of attacks, Gaia missed and caused a temporary hull breach. The two Ultras exited the ship and closed off the space behind them before anyone was sucked out. As soon as the crew regained control of the Command Room, Team Crow was sent to search for the two Ultramen but failed. 
====War Continues====
Development and testing of the experimental XIG Adventure took place inside one of the Aerial Base's experiment blocks. Gamu, who was the lead developer of the machine, pushed ahead of the schedule and conducted immediate final testing. Despite lacking crucial information, Commander Ishimuro granted Gamu's permission. Soon after activation, the XIG Adventure successfully vanished from the experiment block and traveled to another world. 
Sometime after the battle against Zoruim, the Aerial Base came under attack by the rogue Crisis Ghost Virus. The virus infected the ship's Main Control System with its main goal to shut down the Repulsor Lift, thus bringing down the ship. The virus activated the ship's Automatic Defense System and locked the ship from all outside contact. One by one, the virus took down the ship's computer systems including lowering onboard oxygen levels, hijacking the mechanisms in the hangar, disabling communications and weapon systems, and others. 
The Operation Crew responded by switching to the separate and isolated Sub-System and used a vaccine program, the Vakzin Program, against it. Gamu later modified the anti-virus software so that it could self-evolve and effectively remove the virus. However, the virus was simply too fast for the crew to fully distribute the vaccines in time with the ship's input devices. During the final minutes before the Repulsor Lift was taken down, Staff Officer Chiba advised Commander Ishimuro to either evacuate the ship or as a worst-case scenario, self-destruct the ship to contain the virus. Fortunately, Atsuko managed to rapidly distribute the vaccine and avert the crisis with her gaming skills and joystick. However, a small part of the virus escaped and relocated itself to the Geo Base. 
During an investigation of a wormhole, the Aerial Base was attacked by the time/dimension-traveling Aeroviper. Team Falcon, albeit sacrificing themselves in the process, successfully defeated it. However, their actions did not prevent Aeroviper from taking down the Aerial Base. As a result, the Aerial Base caused extensive damage to both the ship itself and the unspecified location it crash-landed on. The event was ultimately averted when Gamu and Team Falcon, having traveled to an alternate future, defeated Aeroviper and changed their timeline. 
Fujimiya hijacked the Anti-Airspace Laser System, a GUARD-operated high-power space-to-air laser satellite, in order to further his plan to travel to the Radical Destruction Bringer's homeworld. To do so, he planned to lure out Ultraman Gaia by firing the laser at the Aerial Base, in which Gaia would intercept it with his own attack. Then, the clash between the energy attacks would create a wormhole similar to the one during Gaia and Agul's duel. Having determined that Fujimiya was using the satellite against the Aerial Base, Commander Ishimuro ordered an immediate evasive maneuver. However, bringing up the ship's propulsion systems to maximum power required 65 seconds, while the laser would hit the ship in half the time. The Aerial Base was saved when Ultraman Gaia appeared and, according to Fujimiya's plan, intercepted the laser with his Photon Edge. 
====Controversy====
One day, a base tour was held for a group of aspired children and the media. On their way back to the Geo Base, a problem with the correct number of passengers aboard the Dove-Liner prompted a security search inside the Aerial Base. Chief Tsutsumi found a KCB employee, Kenji Tabata, illegally filming on maintenance operations of several fighters with malicious intent. The chief confronted the man but was questioned about the actions GUARD took to keep its development of technologically advanced weapons in full secrecy. He also speculated on the Aerial Base and its vehicles being used to wage wars with other countries instead had the RDB not come as predicted. With such issues in mind, he intended to use the footage to spark a controversy. Tabata had his video camera confiscated and escorted to the Geo Base via the Peace Carry.
====Destruction====
Sometime after the battle against Shinryoku, XIG was notified of a problem with its two communication satellites. Immediately after, a powerful energy signature was detected above the Aerial Base. Alerted, Fighter Team Falcon was sent out to investigate. When Mokian warped into normal space after destroying the satellites, Team Falcon barely escaped from its electric waves. Realizing the damage Mokian could cause on Earth, Commander Ishimuro issued the Earth Defense Order DEFCON 1. Together with all of the Fighter Teams, the Aerial Base was mobilized to confront the threat.
Upon arrival, XIG commenced their attack on Mokian. The fighters opened fire and expended all of their missiles, while the Aerial Base provided fire support with its deck guns. The fighters then advanced and continued with strafing runs on Mokian. However, XIG's combined firepower was not enough to damage it. Under the instructions of the Deathbringer, Mokian unleashed several purple shock waves and partially disabled the fighters and their pilots. The kaiju took its attention to the Aerial Base, destroying parts of the ship with its energy spears. Most of the Aerial Base's superstructure was obliterated, along with its fighter launch gates. The Fighter Teams were recalled as XIG attempted to regroup and replan their tactics. At the same time, Mokian ended its counterattack by further damaging the ship and its Central Bridge, temporarily leaving the Aerial Base paralyzed.
Shortly after, the plan to use the Aerial Base as a mass weapon was set in motion. The order to abandon the ship was declared, and the survivors evacuated through the use of the Dove-Liners and the Peace Carry. Meanwhile, Gamu and the Commander stayed behind to finalize the flight settings. Ship controls were transferred to PAL, and the Repulsor Lift was reconfigured to generate a magnetic south monopole to attract Mokian's magnetic north monopole, pulling the kaiju away from Earth. Unfortunately, the damage received from Mokian's attack caused the Repulsor Lift to lose power. Once again, the monopole inside Mokian was attracted by the Earth's magnetic pole, thus pulling Mokian back towards the planet. Out of options, Commander Ishimuro ordered PAL to set a collision course for Mokian, even if it meant sacrificing himself and Gamu. Gamu transformed into Ultraman Gaia and attacked Mokian. However, his Quantum Stream was only able to damage parts of it. Mokian opened its mouth to reveal a single demonic orange eye, which alerted Gaia. Gaia prepared for his second attack but was injured, held hostage, and electrically tortured by the kaiju. In an attempt to save Gaia, the Commander ordered PAL to concentrate all remaining firepower on Mokian. The kaiju was bombarded by salvos after salvos fired from the Aerial Base. Even so, it was ineffective and the ship received grave damage in return.
Because of the damage, the Repulsor Lift had reached a critical point. Less than a minute till the ship's destruction, Commander Ishimuro ordered PAL to ram into Mokian. The Aerial Base went head-first into Mokian's mouth and caused a massive explosion, freeing Gaia at the same time. The destruction of the Repulsor Lift and Mokian's monopole was so great that it wiped out everything in the area, sans one of the Aerial Base's engine blocks that had been blasted away. The Commander, Gamu, and PAL were presumed to have gone down with the ship. 
====Aftermath====
Although Mokian was defeated, the loss of the Aerial Base caused great despair among the nations. The unity of GUARD was starting to fall apart, and countries set their priorities on their own security before others. Having lost their headquarters and most of its vehicles, command of the Geo Base was temporarily transferred to XIG. Commander Ishimuro, who had been rescued by Gaia at the last minute before the destruction of the Aerial Base, continued to lead XIG on their battle against the Radical Destruction Bringer together with GUARD's remaining forces.
===Ultraman Gaia: Gaia Again===
One year after the final battle against Zog, the Aerial Base 2 was built to reestablish GUARD's first line of defense. Team Falcon Leader Tatsuhiko Yoneda informed Gamu about the ship and XIG's activities in the future. Upon its commissioning, Ishimuro and the rest of XIG would be transferred to the Aerial Base 2. As the Aerial Base 2 was still under construction at the time, it was not involved in the battle against Gakuzom and the Baiakuhe. 
==Facilities==
===Command and Control===
Serving as a strategic base of operations, the Aerial Base has multiple command and information gathering facilities for various tasks and missions:
*/Main Control Tower:File:AerialBaseFloorGuide.png: A large rectangular command structure with its front slanted. It is situated above the center of the ship, on a platform structure supported by two side tower blocks, forming a flat arch. It contains XIG's operations command center, the ship's main mast and its primary radar systems, some of the officers' living quarters, and other work areas.
**TV Magazine Deluxe 90 Ultraman Gaia Illustrated Ultra Encyclopedia pg 26-27//: Located near the top of the Central Bridge, the Operation Crew controls the entire ship and sends orders to the task force from this room. It is considered the core of the ship by Staff Officer Chiba. It occupies two decks, connected with two pairs of staircases. The room, together with the split level, is octagonal-shaped.
***Main Level: The area where the Operation Crew conducts their daily activities and mission command.
****Access: The main level of the Command Room can be accessed by taking the elevators to the Main Control Tower level, which would bring the person to an octagonal corridor. The double sliding door to the room is protected by a keycard lock but in case the card is not accepted, entry is still possible by inputting the password with a keypad. In extreme circumstances, the door can be forced open by shooting at the control panel with a firearm.
****Layout: Like the exterior of the ship, the room is mostly painted steel gray. It is brightly lit by a combination of panel lighting, light tubes, and adjustable lamps installed on the deckhead. At the back is a row of computers and control panels. A green-yellow-red signal light pillar sits in the center. At the middle is a large U-shaped table with a trench in the center. This table is often used for mission briefings. The table has various computing devices occupying the trench and a pair of adjustable keypad arms near the commanding officer’s seat. There are two chairs positioned at the longer sides of the table and a single captain's chair at the shorter side. Facing the bridge windows, there are two operator stations on the left-hand-corner. Beside the stations is the main display screen that can be folded up onto the deckhead. On the right-hand-side is the double sliding door. Beside it is a wall of control panels. The operator stations, main display screen, and window area are slightly elevated from the rest of the Command Room, separated by two stair steps. Underneath the Command Room is a large number of circuits that can be described as a nervous system. A deck below is a maintenance and server room.
***Upper Split Level: An upper level that has two passageways leading to other parts of the Central Bridge, such as the General Staff Room and the Captain's Cabin.
****Access: The area can be accessed from two staircases located at the back corners of the Command Room, as well as the two passageways.
****TV Magazine Special Editing Ultraman Gaia pg 5: This is the room where Staff Officer Chiba and other officers hold meetings in.
****: The ship’s commanding officer’s private quarters. Commander Ishimuro resides and tends his official work here.
**TV Magazine 1999 February Issue pg 82-83: Information and data gathered are analyzed here before they are sent to the Command Room. It is located one deck under the Command Room.
*TV Magazine 1999 January Issue pg 167/Ultraman Gaia Aerial Carrier Base Aerial Base toy manual: A long, slanted, and rectangular structure located in front of the Peace Carry Launch Deck. Similar to the Central Bridge, it has a large antenna above the bridge. It is a secondary command structure and houses the Sub Control System in case the ship’s Main Control System becomes compromised.
*Laser Disc the version up fighter Ultraman Gaia no.3: A large cube-shaped command structure extending out of the rear-port side of the ship. It has an air search radar on the top. It acts as the control tower for the Peace Carry's take-off operations.Ultraman Stickers Collection Book pg 34
*: A large tower-like computer located inside the heavily protected and shock-resistant dome-shaped structure.
**: A control panel located under the Main Computer. It can be accessed via ladder and a short catwalk. Commands can be directly inputted into it in case the control systems in the Command Room become compromised. Before doing so, the lid covering the panel must be unscrewed and removed.
*Air Traffic Control Tower: Various kinds of control towers that conduct aircraft take-off and landing operations located on the fore flight deck. Two rear-facing control towers are located at the very front of the flight deck, and two forward-facing towers are located behind the former.
*Fighter Launch Gate Control Center: A control center that operates and oversees the launch sequence for the Container Mecha.
*A-1 Lift Control Center: Located near the Peace Carry Launch Deck, personnel at this control center operate and oversee the launch and return sequence of the Peace Carry. They are also in charge of opening and closing the hatch doors to the A-1 Deck.
AerialBaseCentralBridgeComplex.png|Central Bridge
AerialBaseCommandRoom3.png|A view of the Command Room from the front
AerialBaseCommandRoom1.png|A view of the main level from the split level
AerialBaseCommandRoom4.png|Another view, stairs to the upper split level
AerialBaseCommandRoomMainScreen.png|Main display screen
AerialBaseOperatorStations1.png|Operator stations
AerialBaseServerRoom.png|Server and Maintenance Room
AerialBaseSubBridge.png|Sub Bridge
AerialBaseRearSideBridge.png|Rear Side Bridge
AerialBaseMainComputerDome.png|Dome structure housing the Main Computer
AerialBaseMainComMaintenance.png|Main Computer Maintenance-Use Access Panel
AerialBaseRearFacingATC.png|Rear-facing air traffic control tower
AerialBaseForwardFacingATC.png|Forward-facing air traffic control tower
AerialBaseFighterLaunchControlCenter.png|Fighter Launch Gate Control Center
AerialBasePeaceCarryControlCenter.png|A-1 Lift Control Center
===Other Facilities===
*Archives and Record Storage Room: A library of books and files covering a wide range of topics, such as a history book about the Altes Tiger.
*Computer Lab: Public spaces with multiple computer booths for crewmen to use, whether it be viewing archived footage or browsing the internet.
*Medical Area: A center where the ship crew's health is looked after or have their injuries tended.
*: Flight simulation units are available for pilots and others to enhance their flight and endurance skills. The room is located near the midsection of the port side tower block.
*Laboratory: Science labs where scientists and XIG members use for analyzing data, conducting experiments, and research and development.
*: Areas used for conducting various experiments. The XIG Adventure was in one of them when Gamu used it to travel to a parallel universe.
*/: A spacious hangar used for rearming and maintaining the Container Mecha. Once the Container Mecha are made ready for sortie again, they are transformed back into their Container Mode and transferred to the Standby Room. This is also the place where the vehicles would have their special equipment installed depending on the mission. The factory is located midship, above the Repulsor Lift and under the Central Bridge complex. There are also designated areas for certain vehicles such as Team Hercules' GBT-Stinger and Team Seagull's Seagull-Floater.
**: Small multi-function rooms for pilots. These are located on the upper levels of the factory.
*F-7 Hangar: A small hangar located somewhere inside the ship. In the alternate timeline where Team Falcon died fighting against Aeroviper, their bodies were recovered and ceremoniously placed inside the hangar. 
*Elevator: The Aerial Base crew uses a system of elevators to travel to other parts of the ship.
**Known Floors:
***Main Control Tower Floor: The floor where the Command Room is located on.
***Level 3: Gamu's room is located on this floor.
*Area A5 Centaur Promenade: One of the many corridors inside the ship.
*Area B6 Pegasus Promenade: A spacious pathway located next to a wall window. The area is lit by both interior lighting and large windows.
*HB-03-W Passageway: One of the many corridors inside the ship.
*MB-04-E Passageway: One of the many corridors inside the ship.
AerialBaseArchiveRoom.png|Archives and Record Storage Room
AerialBaseComputerLab.png|Computer Lab
AerialBaseMedicalArea.png|Medical Area
AerialBaseTrainingCenter1.png|Training Center
AerialBaseTrainingCenter2.png|Inside the Training Center
AerialBaseLaboratory.png|Laboratory
TDGMovieAerialBaseAdventureHangar.png|XIG Adventure Experiment Block
AerialBaseMechaMaintenanceFactory1.png|An area inside the Mecha Maintenance Factory
AerialBaseMechaMaintenanceFactory2.png|Another area inside the Mecha Maintenance Factory
AerialBaseBriefingRoom1.png|One of the briefing rooms
UnknownXIGAircraft.png|View from outside a briefing room
AerialBaseBriefingRoom2.png|Another briefing room
StingerHangar.png|Stinger's hangar
SeagullFloaterHangar.png|Seagull-Floater's hangar
AerialBaseHangarF7.png|F-7 Hangar
AerialBaseElevator1.png|Main Control Tower Floor
AerialBaseElevator2.png|Three elevators in operation
AerialBaseCentaurPromenade.png|Area A5 Centaur Promenade
AerialBasePegasusPromenade.png|Area B6 Pegasus Promenade
AerialBasePassagewayHB03W.png|HB-03-W passageway
AerialBaseMB04E.png|MB-04-E passageway
===Life Onboard===
The Aerial Base is similar to a small city. The ship and its complement are operated and maintained by hundreds of officers and crewmen. To accommodate its crew, the Aerial Base has a large number of living and recreational facilities. Most of these facilities are located inside the two side tower blocks.
*: Commander Ishimuro’s private quarters. On the rear side of his work desk is a wall shelf storing various files and binders. At the fore side of the desk is a cabinet in which his personal effects such as his family photos are displayed atop. Ishimuro has a traditional tea set and table, and would occasionally hold formal tea sessions with crewmates.
*Ultraman Official Data File 33 pg 26/Sheet 01: Crew members have their own private rooms. Each room has an automatic sliding door, a single bed that can be stored away, a rectangular window with an automatic shutter, bookshelves, closets and other drawers for personal effects, a desk, and a computer. Additionally, pets such as cats are free to roam around the ship.
**Area C3 XIG Quarters: One of the living areas for XIG members.
*: There are hair cutting and hairdressing services for the ship's crew members.
*: Crew members share laundry centers for washing and drying their clothing.
*: The ship has large physical training centers where its crew can keep fit and improve their body build. The centers are equipped with a full range of equipment and training devices.
**Shower/Changing Room: Facilities for users to clean themselves after exercising or change their clothes.
*/Ultraman Age Vol.5 pg 113: There are several dining areas for the crew. Many of them are situated near the windows of the side superstructures and thus provide clear views of the sky. Their menu varies from sandwiches to ramen to curry rice. There are also buffet coupons for the crew onboard.
**Diner LT-03: One of the dining areas located inside the left tower block.
*: There are shops onboard to satisfy the crew members' essential needs and pastime activities.
*Common Area: The ship has places where fellow crewmen and visitors can socialize at or work on their own. One such area has steel tables and chairs in a brightly-lit space with escalators and elevators nearby.
Captain'sCabin1.png|Captain's Cabin
Captain'sCabin3.png|Traditional tea session with Staff Officer Chiba
CaptainCabin2.png|Traditional tea session with Gamu
Captain'sCabin4.png|The Commander's "Mu" (naught, nothingness) calligraphy
AerialBaseGamu'sRoom1.png|Gamu's room
AerialBaseAtsukoRoom.png|Atsuko's room
AerialBaseXIGQuarters.png|Area C3 XIG Quarters
AerialBaseLaundry1.png|Self-Service Laundry
AerialBaseBodyTrainingCenter.png|Sports Gym
AerialBaseShowerChangingRoom.png|Shower/Changing Room
Cafe2.png|Port side cafeteria
Cafe3.png|Diner LT-03
Cafe1.png|One of the dining areas
AerialBasePublicSpace.png|One of the common areas
==Functions==
The Aerial Base is built with the finest technologies of its time. The complex levitation system developed by the Alchemy Stars enables it to permanently stay in the air. Its detection systems are linked with orbital satellites and ground forces, allowing it to constantly receive alerts and monitor activities concerning the planet's safety. It is armed with conventional weaponry to properly defend itself. Most importantly, it is the home base to its advanced Container Mecha.
===Power and Propulsion===
*: Installed on both front and back end sides of the Aerial Base are four yellow and silver cylindrical energy generators. They generate electricity for the entire ship.
*Engine and Power Generator Room: A system of engines and power generators line across the lower decks of the Aerial Base. They are responsible for keeping the Repulsor Lift and other propulsion systems in operation. They are maintained and operated by numerous crew members.
*: By applying antiproton physics, the Repulsor Lift enables the Aerial Base to remain geostationary on the equatorial orbit. The levitation system is one of the advanced technologies developed by the Alchemy Stars (invented by Gamu). It is installed directly under the center of the ship, its base resembling a rocket engine nozzle. The Repulsor Lift is considered the heart of the ship, if it is disabled or undergoes an unplanned shutdown the ship would lose altitude and risk crashing onto the surface. If the ship de-orbits from the equator line, the ship could suffer from a gravity imbalance.
**/: A component within the system that generates the necessary magnetic energy for the Repulsor Lift to create its levitating effect. It is located atop the nozzle part.
***Magnetic Poles
****Magnetic North Pole: The Repulsor Wheel generates a Magnetic North Pole to counter the Earth's magnetic pole, allowing the Aerial Base to stay afloat in the air.
****Magnetic South Pole/Magnetic South Monopole: The Repulsor Wheel can theoretically generate a Magnetic South Monopole if its rotation is pushed to the limit. However, doing so may risk the destruction of the ship. The monopole was created to attract Mokian, which had a Magnetic N Monopole, back to space.
*: For most of the time, the Aerial Base remains fixed on a certain altitude above the equator and the clouds. To shift to another location, the Aerial Base uses an array of jet engine thrusters that are located on various places of the ship. The propulsion system can start up and reach maximum power in 65 seconds. 
**Triple Jet Engine Block: Three box-shaped structures hang under the ship on both sides (six in total), each supported by an angled arm and two tube-shaped structures. Each block holds three rear-facing jet engines that are horizontally placed apart from each other. The front of the engine blocks contains the air intake components. The engine blocks are primarily painted blue with some gray.
**Single Jet Engine Block: Two smaller structures, each containing a single large jet engine, sit on the rear sides. These structures are also primarily painted blue with red for the air intake sections.
AerialBaseForePortEnergyTank.png|Fore port energy tank
AerialBaseEngineRoom1.png|One of the engine rooms
AerialBaseEngineRoom2.png|Another view of an engine room
AerialBaseDamagedEngineRoom.png|Damaged engine room
AerialBaseEngineRoom3.png|Operators at their station
RepulsorLift1.png|Repulsor Lift at normal output (Magnetic North Pole)
RepulsorLift2.png|Repulsor Lift at maximum output (Magnetic North Pole)
RepulsorLift3.png|Repulsor Lift at maximum output (Magnetic South Pole/Magnetic South Monopole)
RepulsorLift4.png|Repulsor Lift's location
RepulsorLift5.png|Repulsor Lift
RepulsorLift6.png|Repulsor Wheel/Flywheel. Crack caused by Mokian's attacks
AerialBaseEngineBlock.png|Cross section of a triple engine block
AerialBaseThrusters.png|Rear view of the triple engine blocks
AerialBaseThrusters2.png|Single engine block
===Computer, Communications, and Radar Systems===
The radar is the eyes and ears of the Aerial Base. Various information and data are gathered by the ship's advanced radar systems, mostly concentrated on the top of the ship. The ship’s information gathering systems also cooperate with GUARD’s surveillance satellites to enhance its capabilities.
*Central Bridge
**: The radar complex and antenna on top of the Central Bridge. It is comprised of numerous types of radar equipment, including two dish-shaped radar and two differently-shaped radar panels near the middle of the antenna. They are top class radar that collect information from all over the world. 
**: A structure with a dish-shaped 360-degree parabolic radar antenna.
**: A structure with a 360-degree surveillance radar antenna.
*Main Computer
**/: The Aerial Base’s mainframe system in charge of the entire ship’s controls, including but not limited to the Repulsor Lift, fire control, air traffic control, and life support systems. A1- through A10-Blocks are the security and weapon control systems. B-Blocks are the weapon systems and other shipboard systems, such as aircraft handling mechanisms.
*Sub Bridge
**/: Housed inside the Sub Bridge, it is the Aerial Base’s secondary computer system. In case the Main Control System becomes compromised, the Operation Crew can switch over to this system and resume ship operations from there. It is a completely separated system, thus lessening the risk of being affected by the same computer virus that has infected another.
*Air-to-Ground Communications Array: A cluster of ground-aiming antennas and communication dishes located on the bottom of the ship.
AerialBaseCentralRadarMast.png|High Performance Radar
AerialBaseCentralLeftRadar.png|Central Bridge Radar (Left)
AerialBaseCentralRightRadar.png|Central Bridge Radar (Right)
AerialBaseMainControlSystemMainframe.png|Computer visualization of the Main Control System's mainframe
AerialBaseMainControlSystem.png|Aerial Base Control System: Main System
AerialBaseSubControlSystem.png|Aerial Base Control System: Sub-System
AerialBaseSubBridge-SubControlSystem.png|Location of the Sub Control System
AerialBaseAirToGroundCommunicationsArray.png|Air-to-Ground Communications Array
===Vehicle Launch and Recovery Facilities===
*: Two special hangars where mission-ready Container Mecha are stored in. Vehicles transformed into their Container Mode rest on semi-hexagonal carts and are lined up on one of the three lanes. On both sides of the hangar are three-storey walled platforms where crew members can walk on and monitor operations. 
**One of the hangars runs approximately from under the triple close range launchers to the fore-end of the mecha maintenance factory. The Container Mecha in this hangar face forward and are launched via a specialized system.
***: The Chamber Gate is the partition between the forward hangar and the launch area. A cart carrying a Container Mecha would lower from the Standby Room and transfer it to another cart. The second cart would then slide down to the launch area.
**The other hangar, with the Container Mecha facing backward, runs from the rear-end of the maintenance factory to the A-1 Lift. By using its landing gear, the Peace Carry can traverse over the lanes via a rail system and load up to three Container Mecha before taking off.
*: Once a Container Mecha is transferred to the launch area, a shaft containing the pilot would lower from the deckhead and connect with the mecha. From there, the pilot would move to the cockpit and prepare for launch.
**: These are the three hexagonal tubes Container Mecha use to sortie. The pilot would activate the mecha's engines and relying on the moving cart, "shoot" through the tube at high speed.
**: Container Mecha "shoot" out of the launch tubes, transform into their vehicle mode, and fly off.
*STOL Runway: On the fore flight deck are two straight and two angled short take-off and landing runways. Transformed Container Mecha aircraft and normal aircraft use them to take off from and/or land on the Aerial Base.
*: One of the many aircraft launch systems. Its location and technical details are unknown. The EX was supposed to use it to escape from the damaged Aerial Base, however the catapult was destroyed during Mokian's second wave of bombardment.
*VTOL Pad: On both fore and rear sides of the Aerial Base are two large vertical take-off and landing pads (totaling four). Two rectangular aircraft gates provide access to and exit from the hangars. The pads are mainly used by the Floaters that periodically patrol around the ship.
*: A vertical shaft located inside the rear of the Aerial Base. This shaft provides access to decks, such as the aircraft hangars and the Peace Carry’s take-off and landing deck, via the A-1 Lift.
**A-1 Lift: A rotating lift platform shaped after the Peace Carry. During take-off procedures, the aircraft would be towed from its hangar to the lift. The lift would reorient the aircraft's position while ascending to the take-off area. Once the aircraft arrives at the area, the lift serves as the take-off and landing pad.
**/A-1 Deck: A double sliding hatch that protects the Peace Carry's take-off and landing area.
*Dove-Liner Bay: There are several drop bays located behind the Repulsor Lift that are dedicated for Dove-Liner transport planes.
AerialBaseCMSR4.png|Fore Container Mecha Standby Room
AerialBaseCMSR2.png|Rear Container Mecha Standby Room
AerialBaseChamberGateLowerLaunchAreaUpper.png|Slanted section connecting the Chamber Gate partition to the launch area
AerialBasePilotStandbySystem.png|Pilot Standby System
AerialBaseFighterLaunchGates.png|Fighter Launch Gates
XIGFighterLaunchPortInterior.png|Inside one of the launch tubes, facing the exit
AerialBaseFighterLaunchExits.png|Fighter Launch Ports
FighterEXHangar.png|Fighter EX standing by in the hangar for launch with the No.4 Catapult
AerialBaseRearPortVTOLPad.png|Rear port VTOL pad
AerialBaseCMSR3.png|Peace Carry moving to A-1 Lift from the rear Container Mecha Standby Room
PeaceCarryLaunchDeck1.png|Peace Carry Launch Deck
PeaceCarryLaunchDeck2.png|Take-off and landing area (early version)
PeaceCarryLaunchDeck3.png|Take-off and landing area (later version)
PeaceCarryLandingOnAerialBase.png|The Peace Carry approaching the landing area
AerialBaseDoveLinerBay.png|Dove-Liners departing from the ship
===Arsenal===
While the Aerial Base's primary weapon is its fleet of Container Mecha, the ship is essentially a warship and is thus appropriately armed with large caliber weaponry. Under extreme circumstances, the Aerial Base could function as an aerial battleship.Ultraman Tiga, Dyna, Gaia Perfect Guide pg 84
====Weapon Systems====
Fire control is operated by the Aerial Base's combat system and weapon control systems are handled by A1- through A10-Blocks in the Main and/or Sub Control Systems. The B-Blocks are the weapon systems. Fire control and weapon control can also be transferred to Gamu's artificial intelligence, PAL.
The Aerial Base is armed with the following weapon systems:
*: One of the Aerial Base's primary weapon system. It is comprised of a wide variety of projectile weaponry, ranging from autocannons to large-caliber guns. The system was activated to engage Mokian, but half of the B-4 Block Battery and many other weapons were wiped out during the kaiju's first counterattack. The entire system was put out of action by the kaiju’s second counterattack.
**Main Cannon: The primary weapons of the Aerial Base. There is no information on what they are and how many the Aerial Base is armed with.
**: The Aerial Base’s large-caliber armament. They have a high rate of fire and use high-explosive shells.
***: Housed in two triple-barrel turrets, they are located side by side above the forward runway deck, in front of the Main Computer dome. They saw extensive action when XIG attacked Mokian. They were destroyed shortly before the Aerial Base rammed into the kaiju.
***: The Aerial Base is armed with several other close range launchers. There is little to no information on what they are, how many and where they are located. After Mokian's first wave of attacks, Chief Tsutsumi requested a status report on the ship's Interceptor System, in which Operator Atsuko responded that four remained intact in the midship area.
**: The Aerial Base's rapid-firing armament. Also specified in Operator Atsuko's status report after Mokian's initial attack, two remained operational around the starboard area. Two types can be seen on the flight deck:
***Large Single-Barrel Autocannon: Two are visible on the fore flight deck, in front of the triple-barrel launchers. The exact number the ship is equipped with is unknown.
***Small Single-Barrel Autocannon: Several are seen on the flight deck, though the exact number is unknown. Their appearance is similar to the larger autocannons, but can be distinguished by their shorter barrel and size difference.
**: One of the Aerial Base’s gun batteries. When the Aerial Base came under bombardment by Mokian, half of the guns were destroyed in the first wave.
*Close-in Weapon System (CIWS): Although not shown in action, the Aerial Base is armed with a close-in weapon system to defend itself from incoming missiles or small craft.
AerialBaseMainCannonNo.2.png|Main Cannon No.2
AerialBaseMortarLaunchers1.png|Triple-barrel close range launchers
AerialBaseLargeAutocannon.png|Large single-barrel autocannons
AerialBaseLargeAutocannon2.png|Two large single-barrel autocannons visible on the deck
AerialBaseSmallAutocannon.png|Small single-barrel autocannon
AerialBaseSmallAutocannonDestroyed.png|A small autocannon destroyed by one of Mokian's attacks
AerialBaseMainControlSystem.png|The CIWS block is one of the primary systems in the Aerial Base Control System
====Protection and Defense====
=====Structural Protection=====
The Main Computer, located behind the triple-barrel close range launchers, is protected by a dome-shaped structure and behind layers of shock-resistant walls. Because the designers prioritized protection against outside attacks, the interior is somewhat a safety hazard.
=====Energy-Based Protection=====
In case of a hull breach, the Aerial Base has an energy-based that would automatically activate to maintain atmospheric pressure. The shield is able to keep the crew alive in space, but provides no protection against high powered attacks such as those launched by Mokian.
=====Security Systems=====
The Aerial Base has multiple kinds of security systems to protect its crew and fend off intruders.
*Keycard Lock: Access to the Command Room and other key areas is protected by a keycard lock terminal located beside the door. In case the card is not accepted, entry to the room is still possible by inputting the password onto the keypad.
*: Once the system is triggered, blast shutters would slide out and cover the windows. The system would alert the crew with the use of red-yellow-green light signal lights as well as alarm systems.
*Light Signal Pillar: Three-color light signal pillars are installed in various areas of the ship, including the Command Room. They are essential in providing quick indications of a situation to the crew via the simple color code.
**Green: Indicates normal operations.
**Yellow: Warns the crew of an issue.
**Red: Puts the ship on high alert.
AerialBaseKeycardLock.png|Chief Tsutsumi swiping his ID card into the keycard lock
AerialBaseWindowShutters.png|Blast shutters activated
AerialBaseSignalPillars.png|Signal pillars
AerialBaseConditionSignalLights.png|Signal lights
=====Computer Security=====
The Aerial Base fully relies on its electronic and computer systems for day-to-day operations. Hence, it has computer protection measures implemented to defend against threats such as viruses.
*Vakzin Program/: An antivirus software that detects, prevents, and neutralizes viruses and other malicious software. The program can be set to self-evolve when certain commands are inputted. On screen, it has an appearance of a syringe with a green solution being injected into the infected area. A label would appear under the syringe displaying the program's name and its status. When the program starts up, a reticle would appear and home into a targeted area. The program was used against the Crisis Ghost Virus. Initially, the program was countered and defeated by the virus. The program was then reconfigured to self evolve by Gamu. Although it could now kill the virus, the program could not distribute itself to the areas fast enough. Its distribution speed was ultimately aided by Operator Atsuko's gaming skill with a joystick. 
==Complement==
===Combat Vehicles===
The Aerial Base has aircraft hangars and maintenance facilities running from one end to the other. The ship carries one Peace Carry transport and AWACS aircraft and numerous XIG Fighters, including Exciter command fighters, Sky Surfer main fighters, Sky Gainer heavy fighters, and their trainer variants. Additionally, there are hangars for MLRS-Bison and GBT-Stinger ground combat vehicles. These would be transported by the Peace Carry from the ship and then air dropped to the mission area.
Peace Carry.png|Peace Carry
XIG Fighter EX.png|Exciter
XIG Fighter SS.png|Sky Surfer
XIG Fighter SG.png|Sky Gainer
MLRS-Bison.png|MLRS-Bison
GBT-Stinger.png|GBT-Stinger
===Support and Other Vehicles===
For logistical transport, the Aerial Base has Dove-Liner shuttles that would ferry people and supplies to and from the ship and ground facilities. The ship also has Seagull Floaters operated by XIG and GUARD pilots, often seen patrolling around the ship. There are hangars for Seagull-Fantop rescue vehicles as well as the submarine Siren 7500. Ground and naval vehicles would be transported by the Peace Carry from the ship and then air dropped to the mission area. There is at least one experiment block for testing new vehicles such as the XIG Adventure.
Dove-Linner.png|Dove-Liner
Seagull-Floater.png|Seagull-Floater
Seagull-Fantop.png|Seagull-Fantop
Siren 7500.png|Siren 7500
Adventure.png|Adventure
AerialBaseTug1.png|The Peace Carry being guided by a tug
Buggy2.jpg|Two buggies passing by each other
AerialBaseRoboticLoader.png|Robotic munitions loader
==Crew==
Although the exact number is unknown, the Aerial Base is crewed with numerous personnel and has visitors on a frequent basis. In addition to XIG members, the ship's crew is responsible for day-to-day tasks, maintaining connections with both the onboard personnel and other GUARD branches, maintaining the ship itself and its vehicles, among others.
===GUARD===
As a ship owned by XIG's parent organization, GUARD, the Aerial Base is staffed with GUARD-affiliated personnel and officers.
====Known Members====
* - Ship's staff officer, advisor, and negotiator between GUARD and XIG 
====XIG====
=====Main Force=====
XIG is mainly comprised of the Ultraman Tiga, Ultraman Dyna, Ultraman Gaia Hikari no Kyojin Korinroku pg 76 and the Ultraman Tiga, Ultraman Dyna, Ultraman Gaia Hikari no Kyojin Korinroku pg 78. In addition to the six primary teams, there are also unnamed members belonging to other teams.Ultraman Age Vol.12 pg 24
======Known Members======
XIG Aerial Base.png|Operation Crew
OperatorSaika.png|Support Operator Saika
TeamLightning.png|Team Lightning
TeamFalcon.png|Team Falcon
TeamCrow.png|Team Crow
TeamHercules.png|Team Hercules
TeamSeagull.png|Team Seagull
TeamMarlin.png|Team Marlin
XIGReg1.jpg
XIGReg2.jpg
XIGReg4.jpg
XIGReg8.jpg
XIGReg17.jpg
=====Standard Personnel=====
The Aerial Base has crew members in different uniforms and roles. The majority of the crew is part of XIG, in charge of supporting roles including but not limited to bureaucracy, science, intelligence, air traffic control, security, maintenance, medical, and engineering.
XIGReg3.jpg
XIGReg12.jpg
XIGReg21.jpg
XIGReg9.jpg
XIGReg11.jpg
XIGReg24.jpg
XIGReg18.jpg
XIGReg19.jpg
XIGReg14.jpg
XIGReg23.jpg
XIGReg25.jpg
=====Intelligence=====
The Aerial Base has intelligence personnel mainly stationed in the Information Processing Center. They process and analyze information and data before they are sent to the Command Room.
=====Air Wing=====
The Aerial Base has normal pilots who conduct regular air patrols and logistical support. Non-combat aircraft such as Floaters and Dove-Liners are frequently seen in operation near the ship.
AerialBaseRearPortVTOLPad.png|Floaters piloted by regular pilots
DoveLinersDepartingFromDamagedAerialBase.png|Dove-Liners leaving the damaged Aerial Base
=====Security=====
The Aerial Base has its own TV Magazine Special Editing Ultraman Gaia pg 102. They wear navy blue uniform, black tactical gear and vest, black laced tactical boots, and a black number-labeled helmet with a wide dark blue stripe painted vertically along the center. On the top left pocket of the tactical vest is a XIG badge, and on their lower left shoulder is a GUARD badge. Their primary firearms are GUARD-issued Jector Guns and submachine guns resembling the Mossberg 500 Bullpup.
Three security members were present with Staff Officer Chiba and Commander Ishimuro, during Fujimiya's infiltration into the base. With the cooperation of Team Seagull, they breached into the Command Room to reclaim it. The temporary space warp made by Gaia's Holing Hoop almost sucked the members out of the ship. Once the Gaia and Agul left the premise, the security members recovered and secured the Command Room. 
Security personnel were also present when the abandon ship order was in effect. They guided and helped the injured get to the Dove-Liner shuttle bays. 
======Known Members======
*0263GT: Shown leading in front of the other two members. He is the only member out of the three to not carry a shotgun. Under the orders of Commander Ishimuro, he shot at the control panel of the Command Room's doors, releasing the lock and led the breach.
*0521GT: One of the three members during the operation to retake the Command Room.
*Ultraman AGE Vol.12 pg 26/052_GT (remaining number unreadable): One of the three members during the operation to retake the Command Room.
*___5GT (first half of numbers unreadable): One of the many members shown guiding the ship's crew to the Dove-Liner bays when the order to abandon the ship was issued.
AerialBaseSecurity1.png|Three security members accompanying Ishimuro, Tsutsumi, and Chiba
AerialBaseSecurity2.png|Security uniform and gear
AerialBaseSecurity3.png|Security member with a submachine gun
AerialBaseSecurity4.png|Security breaching the Command Room with a GUARD-issued Jector Gun
AerialBaseSecurity5.png|A security member guiding the injured to the shuttle bays
AerialBaseSecurity6.png|A security member helping an injured person.
=====Medical=====
The Aerial Base has a sizable onboard medical staff who looks after the crew's well-being and tend their injuries. 
XIGReg22.jpg|A nurse in the Medical Area
=====Air Traffic Control, Hangar, and Engineering=====
*: A maintenance personnel working in the Maintenance Factory. He received requests from Team Lightning Leader for fine tuning his fighter.
*: An aircraft mechanic. He was inside the rear Container Mecha Standby Room when he reported problems to the Operation Crew via a video call.
XIGReg13.jpg|A mechanic receiving fighter tuning requests from the Team Lightning Leader
XIGReg5.jpg|A mechanic on a video call with the Operation Crew from the hangar
XIGReg6.jpg|A mechanic operating on machinery
XIGReg7.jpg|Mechanics in two types of uniform
XIGReg15.png|Two mechanics inside the rear Container Mecha Standby Room
XIGReg16a.png|Hangar personnel guiding the Peace Carry to the launch area
XIGReg20.jpg|A mechanic on a lunch break at the cafeteria
AerialBaseEngineRoom3.png|Two engine room personnel operating at a control station
AerialBaseFighterLaunchControlCenter.png|Operators conducting Container Mecha launch operations
AerialBasePeaceCarryControlCenter.png|Operators conducting Peace Carry launch operations
==Trivia==
*The Central Bridge's arch design was made with the intent of functioning as a handle for the toys.Ultraman Gaia Memorial Box, Commentary Book pg 21
**The Candy Toy versions fulfill this design's intention because of their lightness. However, the super big-scale toy is too heavy that if one holds onto the area, the bridge platform would disconnect from the main body.
*In a magazine image of the Aerial Base, a GUTS Eagle can be seen on one of the VTOL pads.:File:AerialBaseGUTSEagle.pngUchusen 1998 Vol.86 pg 12
*In the show's opening and in some episodes, there is a brief scene shot from above where the Central Bridge is located and facing the bow. The scene shows XIG Fighters and/or the Peace Carry flying overhead. In this scene, the platform structure is missing thus revealing the connector ports atop the side tower blocks. The two radar structures that are supposed to be beside the Central Bridge are on the main hull, with the main computer dome in between them. The original area for the computer dome is replaced with what appears to be the air-to-surface communications array. It is unknown if this scene was shot before the miniature prop was finished.:File:AerialBaseGoof1.png
**In episode 1, the same shot is used but with the Command Room digitally keyed onto it to simulate the crew watching from behind the windows. However, the tracking shot was done poorly and thus made the Command Room shake in unpredictable directions. The shot was also done at the wrong height, making the Command Room appear unusually high from the hull.:File:AerialBaseCommandRoom2.png
*In episode 5, a TPC Passion Red fighter jet can be seen inside the hangar.:File:AerialBaseTPCRedPassion.png
**In the same shot but cropped out in the episode, a variant of the TPC Garowa or Cosmo Attacker can be seen at the top left corner.:File:AerialBaseGarowa CosmoAttacker.pngUltraman Tiga, Ultraman Dyna, Ultraman Gaia Hikari no Kyojin Korinroku pg 81
*For episode 18, the producers requested for a duel between Gaia and Agul on the weather deck. However, due to technological limitations the idea was scrapped. The two Ultramen fought inside the Command Room instead.TV Magazine Special Editing Ultraman Gaia pg 84Expanded and Revised Edition: Earth is Ultraman's Planet - Tiga Volume pg 109
*The Aerial Base's autocannon props in episode 47 seem to bear a strong resemblance to the MS-06 Zaku II's ZIM/M·T-K175C 175mm Recoilless Rifle.:File:Aerial Base Autocannon Zaku Comparison.png
*The Aerial Base was misspelled as "Airal Base" on a display screen.:File:AerialBase47Display.png
**The Repulsor Lift was misspelled as "Repalser Lift" on a diagram in Gamu's computer.:File:RepulsorLift6.png
*The original reason for destroying the Aerial Base was to deliver the message that "weapons do not save people".Expanded and Revised Edition: Earth is Ultraman's Planet - Dyna & Gaia Volume pg 209 and 243
*The plan to have the Dive Hangar destroyed was scrapped and reused on the Aerial Base.
*The Pilot Standby System resembles the take-off procedure used for Spectrum's Angel Interceptors.:File:SpectrumXIGAircraftBoarding.png
*As the opening song sequence to the original video Ultraman Gaia: Gaia Again uses stock footage from the tv series opening sequences and scenes from various episodes, there is no evidence to support the fact that the Aerial Base shown in the OV opening is the Aerial Base 2. Furthermore, the OV's opening sequence shows the Commander in the uniform he used from episodes 1 to 19, and not the uniform from episode 20 and onward.
*Despite having an elaborate flight deck with runways and control towers, it was never shown in use on-screen.
*The landing and/or recovery sequences of the aircraft are never shown in detail.
==See Also==
*GUARD (Geocentric Universal Alliance against the Radical Destruction)
*XIG (eXpanded Interceptive Guardians)
*Container Mecha
*Peace Carry
==References==
Category:Ultraman Gaia
Category:Mechas
Category:Battleships
Category:Ultraman Gaia Mecha
Category:Headquarters
Category:XIG
Category:Vehicles