The ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam (aka Strike Freedom, Freedom) is the successor of the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam introduced in the anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny. It is piloted by Kira Yamato.
Technology & Combat Characteristics[]
A mobile suit tuned to meet Kira Yamato's needs, the Strike Freedom has Variable Phase Shift Armor, and like its predecessor, ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam, is primarily armed with powerful ranged weapons.[1] Its armaments include head-mounted CIWS, an abdomen-mounted multi-phase beam cannon, hip-mounted railguns, combinable beam sabers and beam rifles, Super DRAGOON pods controlled by an improved DRAGOON system, and beam shields. It is powered by the new Hyper-Deuterion Engine, and is also equipped with the Neutron Jammer Canceller and the Voiture Lumiere propulsion system.
Due to Kira's stellar piloting, his mobile suit is rarely hit during combat and thus Strike Freedom's design emphasizes maneuverability over its armor's defensive capabilities, though beam shields were installed as a compensatory defensive measure. As a result, its armor is split into smaller pieces to improve the movement range of the joints (a similar armor-splitting system was also implemented in ZGMF-X42S Destiny Gundam). To compensate for exposing more of its internal parts, the suit's internal skeleton and joints adopted Phase Shift Armor materials. When these parts phase-shift, they gain strength and near human flexibility. Additionally, excess residual energy within the body can be discharged through the joints' glowing effects.
The internal PS Armor materials also helps to withstand the massive output and Gs caused by the Hyper Deuterion engine and the new propulsion system, playing a role in increasing Strike Freedom's mobility. However, the main contributor to the MS's superior mobility are the mobile weapon wings, which can be deployed in the "High Mobility Aerial Tactics (HiMAT)" Mode to enhance the suit's mobility in the atmosphere or in space.[2] The wings also features a variant of the "Voiture Lumiere" propulsion system, which can generate a visual effect called the "Wings of the Skies" similar to Destiny Gundam's "Wings of Light" and is used as a means of high speed movement.
The Strike Freedom's Super DRAGOONs are based on ZAFT's second-generation DRAGOON system, with additional unique modifications. Designed specifically for Kira, they allow him to hit more targets at once using the Multi Lock-on System and Full Burst Mode as compared to when he was piloting the original Freedom. They also grant Kira the ability to hit the enemy from multiple directions remotely.[1] Like the Freedom, the Strike Freedom is designed to operate alongside another mobile suit, in this case, the ZGMF-X19A ∞ Justice Gundam, and is stationed on board the warship FFMH-Y101 Eternal. It also has full flight capabilities in the atmosphere and can dock with the METEOR support unit in space to further augment its firepower.
Armaments[]
- MMI-GAU27D 31mm CIWS
- Mounted in the head, the pair of CIWS guns are close-range weapons for intercepting incoming missiles and enemy units. Originally, the CIWS is supposed to be omitted due to a lack of space in the head unit. However, they are installed in the end due to their effectiveness and reliability.
- MGX-2235 "Calidus" Multi-Phase Beam Cannon
- Mounted on the abdomen, this is the same type of large-caliber beam cannon as used by the ZGMF-X31S Abyss Gundam. However, as it is now powered by the Strike Freedom's Hyper-Deuterion Engine, it has higher firepower and rapid-fire capability. The cannon's muzzle is protected by Phase Shift Armor. The beam fired from this cannon is the strongest among the suit's beam weaponry, capable of cancelling out the ZGMF-X42S Destiny Gundam's long-range beam cannon shot.
- MA-M02G "Super Lacerta" Beam Saber
- The suit's main close combat weapon, a pair are stored on the "Xiphias 3" railguns. They are also used by the ∞ Justice, and are enhanced versions of the ones used by the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam and ZGMF-X09A Justice Gundam. The two beam sabers can be combined into a twin-edged beam saber, and this form is known as 'Ambidextrous Halberd'. Kira, however, prefers to dual wield the sabers, given his forte in executing high-speed attacks.[3]
- MMI-M15E "Xiphias 3" Railgun
- The two "Xiphias 3" railguns mounted on the suit's waist are upgraded version of the "Xiphias" railguns of the original Freedom, they are more powerful and have a simplified structure. Like their predecessor, the "Xiphias 3" can also be used to attack enemy units in the water, which gives the Strike Freedom a quite efficient way to fight underwater enemy units. However, the railguns cannot be used when they are swapped to the back of the waist to make room for storing the MA-M21KF high energy beam rifles.
- MA-M21KF High Energy Beam Rifle
- Developed based on the original Freedom's MA-M20 "Lupus" high-energy beam rifle, the two MA-M21KF high-energy beam rifles can combine to form one long-range beam rifle, in a manner similar to that of the GAT-X103 Buster Gundam's main weapons. As such, the rifles can be used to hit enemy units in various ranges and Kira's habit of taking out multiple targets at once is enhanced with the use of two beam rifles instead of one. The rifles are stored on the sides of the waist and can be swiveled to the back when the "Xiphias 3" railguns are used.
- MX2200 Beam Shield
- Generated from the forearms' beam shield generators, the pair of beam shields can effectively block most beam and physical attacks. They are an improved version of the Hyperion Gundam's mono-phase lightwave shield, and their strong defensive power comes at a cost of high energy consumption. However, the Strike Freedom can use them without any issue thanks to the massive output of its Hyper-Deuterion Engine.
- EQFU-3X Super DRAGOON Mobile Weapon Wing & MA-80V Beam Assault Cannon
- The EQFU-3X Super DRAGOON mobile weapon wing is a compound equipment that functions as both an armament platform and a high-thrust thruster that produce a blue wing-like effect during high-speed maneuvers due to the installation of the "Voiture Lumiere" propulsion system. Each of the eight wings stores one Super DRAGOON, a wireless guided weapon pod armed with a beam assault cannon that can fire beams for range combat or emit a beam blade for close combat. These eight Super DRAGOONs are based on the ZAFT's second-generation DRAGOON System, which does not require pilots to have high spatial awareness to effectively control them due to the use of an improved quantum communication system among other enhancements. Other unique modifications were also added, and due to the huge amount of data processing required, the Super DRAGOONs can only function at its maximum potential when used by the Ultimate Coordinator, Kira Yamato.[1] The Super DRAGOONs can be used in group formations for multiple barrages or used with other of the suit's weaponry to shoot down enemy ships or mobile suits.
Special Equipment & Features[]
- High-Mobility Aerial Tactics (HiMAT) Mode
- A configuration in which the Strike Freedom's eight wings are unfolded for higher maneuverability during aerial combat. In space, the deployment of the wings enhances the Strike Freedom's Active Mass Balance Auto-Control (AMBAC) capabilities.[4]
- Like the original Freedom, the Strike Freedom is equipped with this system to target multiple enemies and attack them at once. To use this system effectively, the pilot must have high spatial awareness capability, which is rare even among Coordinators.[4] This system can also be used when the Strike Freedom docks with the METEOR support unit.
- Full Burst Mode
- The name of the attack mode in which the Strike Freedom uses its two beam rifles, two railguns, multi-phase beam cannon, and eight Super DRAGOONs all at once.[4] This mode is also present in the original Freedom and is often used together with the Multi Lock-on System to destroy a large number of enemy units simultaneously. Thanks to the Super DRAGOONs, the Strike Freedom's Full Burst Mode has a larger firing range than the Freedom's, granting it a full 360-degree range of attack capability. However, on Earth, the Super DRAGOONs are not usable, making Strike Freedom's Full Burst Mode similar to the Freedom's.
- "Voiture Lumiere" Propulsion System
- A combat variant of the "Voiture Lumiere" propulsion system is mounted in the Strike Freedom's mobile weapon wings. Unlike the Voiture Lumiere used by GSX-401FW Stargazer Gundam, this combat variant uses an internal laser, instead of solar winds or an external power beam, and converts its energy into a strong light pressure which is then used as thrust. This system operates at full power when all the Super DRAGOONs are launched.[1] It can still operate even when the Super DRAGOONs are still attached to the wings by slightly separating the DRAGOONs from the main wings. When activated, the system allows the suit to accelerate at incredible rates and to quickly dodge the most intense enemy beam barrages. Like the ZGMF-X42S Destiny Gundam's Voiture Lumiere, the Strike Freedom's system also produced a light effect known as the "Wings of Light". However, the Strike Freedom's light effect is in the form of blue wings, and is also called "Wings of the Skies".
- Like the other new Gundams, the Strike Freedom is powered by a Hyper-Deuterion engine, a hybrid of the nuclear reactor with the Deuterion Beam Energy Transfer System. This meant that the suit is nuclear-powered and has sufficient power to use the METEOR support unit.
- A device built into the mobile suit to counter the effects of ZAFT's Neutron Jammers. This gives the Strike Freedom the ability to use its Hyper-Deuterion Engine without the risk of being shut down.
- Operating System
- The Strike Freedom uses the Generation Unsubdued Nuclear Drive Assault Module Complex operating system.
- An improved version of Phase Shift Armor, VPS armor is capable of automatically changing its strength, as well as color and power consumption in the field, although this must be programmed beforehand.
- Like its predecessor Freedom, the Strike Freedom can dock with the METEOR unit, a large mobile weapons platform with powerful thrusters and an even more powerful armament of battleship-caliber beam cannons, large beam swords, and dozens of heavy missile launchers.
History[]
Development[]
The direct successor of the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam, the Strike Freedom was originally developed by ZAFT as a prototype machine for eventual mass-production.[1] The development itself, which had started in the same time period as its predecessor, was behind schedule and could not be completed in time due to technical limitations in developing the DRAGOON System. Furthermore, its development was influenced by the Junius Treaty and data regarding the unit's existing development was to be sealed. However, the incomplete unit, or perhaps the design data, was stolen by the Clyne Faction, or some said its Terminal ally, who also deleted the data from the servers of ZAFT's Integrated Design Bureau.[1][2][5][6] Redevelopment of the Strike Freedom was then carried out by Terminal/Clyne Faction, based on the operational data of the Freedom and incorporated the latest MS technology from ZAFT's Second Stage Series units.[6] In fact, the Strike Freedom was redesigned and modified on the basis that it would become Kira's personal mobile suit.
Second Alliance-PLANT War[]
Defending the Eternal[]
The Strike Freedom debuted during the later parts of the Second Alliance-PLANT War, when Kira boarded the FFMH-Y101 Eternal in a damaged MBF-02+AQM/E-X01 Aile Strike Rouge (MBF-02+EW454F Strike Rouge Ootori in the HD Remaster) after coming to the aid of Andrew Waltfeld's custom-colored ZGMF-X88S Gaia Gundam. He then launched in the Strike Freedom to defend the ship from a pursuing ZAFT attack force. With the Strike Freedom, Kira successfully disabled 25 ZGMF-1000 ZAKU Warrior and ZGMF-2000 GOUF Ignited units within two minutes and then proceeded to disable three Nazca-class warships.[7]
Second Battle of Orb[]
When it descended to Earth along with the ZGMF-X19A ∞ Justice Gundam (piloted by Lacus Clyne, delivered for Athrun Zala's use), it immediately confronted the ZGMF-X42S Destiny Gundam, piloted by Shinn Asuka, breaking up its battle with the ORB-01 Oowashi Akatsuki Gundam (piloted by Kira's twin sister, Cagalli Yula Athha). The initial clash between the two suits resulted in the Strike Freedom gaining the upper hand, as the Destiny's beam boomerangs and beam sword were destroyed and its energy supply was nearly depleted. Shinn was forced to retreat when Rey Za Burrel ordered him to return to the LHM-BB01 Minerva to resupply. Afterwards, Kira used the Strike Freedom to disable several attacking ZAFT mobile suits in and around Onogoro Island.[8]
The Destiny later returned to the battlefield, accompanied by Rey's ZGMF-X666S Legend Gundam, to re-engage the Strike Freedom. Together, both Destiny and Legend managed to put Strike Freedom on the defensive, and an opening soon appeared for Destiny to shoot it down. However, Athrun in the ∞ Justice arrived at that moment and stopped the attack. For the remainder of this battle, the ∞ Justice fought the Destiny, while the Strike Freedom engaged the Legend in a skirmish. Neither Strike Freedom or Legend gained an advantage nor damaged the other because Kira was in a daze after finding out Rey's "true" identity.[9]
Attack on Requiem Station One and the Battle of Messiah[]
At the climax of the Second Alliance-PLANT War, the Strike Freedom and the ∞ Justice, both equipped with the METEOR support units, destroyed Station One, an important relay station, which was to be used by the Earth Alliance's Requiem tactical cannon, now under ZAFT control. They then realized that the relay station could be replaced, and decided to launch a direct attack on Requiem itself. The Strike Freedom then engaged the Legend and, after a short exchange of fire, crippled it with its Full Burst Mode. Kira docked the Strike Freedom with its METEOR unit again and headed to the mobile space fortress Messiah, heavily damaging it single-handedly, before allowing the remainder of the Three Ships Alliance vessels and mobile suits to destroy the space fortress completely. The destruction of Messiah led to the subsequent end of the war, with Kira using the Strike Freedom to escape the fortress.[10]
Post War[]
Sometime after the end of the Second Alliance-PLANT War, the Strike Freedom was hijacked by an unknown party and later recovered by Orb with help from the Kingdom of Foundation. The Strike Freedom was then used as a technology testbed by Erica Simmons and upgraded into the ZGMF/A-262B Strike Freedom Gundam Type II.[11]
Gallery[]
Lineart[]
Anime[]
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny[]
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom[]
Gundam Build Divers Battlogue[]
Illustrations & Artwork[]
Games[]
Fan Art[]
Gunpla[]
Action Figures[]
Other Merchandises[]
Notes & Trivia[]
- The Strike Freedom Gundam was originally called "Super Freedom Gundam".
- When Strike Freedom was shown in the 3rd opening animation, its head crest displayed the words "Liberta Modifica", which is "Modified Freedom" in Italian. Starting with episode 39, the words were changed to "X-20A VENTI", which is "Twenty" in Italian, a reference to the Strike Freedom's model number.
- In episode 39, when the Strike Freedom activated Full Burst Mode for the first time, the scene showing the attack hitting the multiple enemy units only depicted green beams from the Strike Freedom's Super DRAGOONs and beam rifles. The HD Remaster corrected the issue by including the shots from the multi-phase beam cannon and railguns.
- In the anime, the two beam rifles change their colors after the VPS armor is switched on, indicating that they may have been equipped with VPS armor. However, this feature has not been documented in any data books or model kit manuals.
- Some early sources described the Strike Freedom's power plant as "laser fusion engine". However, all later sources used "Hyper-Deuterion Engine".
- The Super DRAGOON's beam blade function is animated for the first time in Gundam Build Divers Battlogue.
Appearances[]
- Television Series
- Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny
- PHASE-39, Kira of the Skies
- First Appearance
- PHASE-42, Freedom and Justice
- PHASE-43, A Call for Counterattack
- PHASE-45, Prelude to Revolution
- PHASE-49, Rey
- PHASE-50, The Final Power
- PHASE-39, Kira of the Skies
- OVAs and ONAs
- Gundam Build Metaverse
- Episode 2, Rerise
- Movies
- Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom
- Flashback(s) Only
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "1/100 MG Strike Freedom Gundam" Model Kit Manual
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "1/60 PG Strike Freedom Gundam" Model Kit Manual
- ↑ "1/144 HGCE Strike Freedom Gundam" model kit manual
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "1/144 RG Strike Freedom Gundam" Model Kit Manual
- ↑ "Dengeki Hobby Magazine" February, 2007 issue.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Gundam Seed Destiny MS Encyclopedia
- ↑ Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny PHASE-39, Kira of the Skies
- ↑ Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny PHASE-42, Freedom and Justice
- ↑ Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny PHASE-43, A Call for Counterattack
- ↑ Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny PHASE-50, The Final Power
- ↑ Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom
External links[]
Strike Freedom Gundam on MAHQ.net