Striker Pack
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This article is about a fictional weapon from the Cosmic Era timeline of the anime Gundam metaseries.
Striker Packs are specially designed backpack units containing a specific set of equipment, intended for the Earth Alliance's mass-production Mobile Suit line. By fitting a mobile suit with a specific pack, it can be outfitted for a specific role quickly and easily.
Initially three Striker Packs were developed, specifically for the multi-purpose Mobile Suit GAT-X105 Strike and the indended mass-production line, the GAT-01A1 105 Dagger. The FX-550 Skygrasper is also able to use the initial three Striker Packs. By the end of the second war in C.E. 73, the Earth Alliance built several more units compatible with the Striker Pack system; the GAT-02L2 Dagger L, GAT-04 Windam, and GAT-X105E Strike Noir, as well as additional Striker Packs. In addition, other organisations fielded their own Striker Packs and compatible mobile suits, and similar but non-compatible systems:
ZAFT built the ZGMF-X12A Testament, but with no Striker Pack.
The Junk Guild built the ZGMF-X12 Astray Out Frame (which was built from a stolen incomplete ZGMF-X12A Testament frame), and a pair of Striker Packs for it.
Orb built the MBF-02 Strike Rouge (a duplicate of GAT-X105 Strike) and three Striker Packs (one of which was a duplicate of an original) and two new packs. Later they built the ORB-01 Akatsuki, with two Striker Packs.
ZAFT also develops the similar Silhouette system for ZGMF-X56S Impulse and the Wizard system for the ZGMF-1000/1001 Zaku Warrior/Phantom mass-production line and the cancelled mass-production ZGMF-XX09T DOM Trooper.
The GAT-X105 Strike was intended to be able to change weapon systems "on the fly" and several schemes were attempted to enable this, from launching the desired Striker Pack from Archangel's catapult to developing a specially designed support fighter (the FX-550 Skygrasper) to deliver the Striker Packs to the mobile suit, but none of them ever worked out quite the way the Alliance desired, not the least reason for which being that switching packs in a fight left Strike exposed during the change: Phase Shift armor had to be down while switching packs and the Striker Packs themselves lacked any indepenant maneuvering capability, making the mobile suit very vulnerable while switching. Additionally, some Striker Packs had additional components separate from the pack, that attach to the shoulder or arm - often requiring a much more complex docking operation and making these packs near-impossible to dock with in combat conditions. However, since the Strikers each contained a smaller back-up battery, in a few instances this technique was used successfully to extend the Strike's combat endurance.
ZAFT later used this concept for their Silhouette System, which utilized unmanned "Silhouette Flyer" vehicles to deliver Silhouettes for mid-battle changeovers. In addition, each Silhouette mounts all of its equipment on the pack, requiring only a single docking operation to mount the pack.
[edit] Striker Packs
[edit] Earth Alliance
[edit] Cosmic Era 71
- AQM/E-X01 Aile Striker: This Striker Pack was designed for mobility and flight, allowing the GAT-X105 Strike an enhanced mobility and maneuverability, as well as atmosheric flight. Later, the MBF-02 Strike Rouge's Aile Striker Pack was upgraded by the Orb Union to allow it to hover. Aile was the most commonly used of the Striker Packs (especially by the first Strike pilot Kira Yamato), and generally the one that Strike would sortie with. Aile Striker was equipped with the traditional Mobile Suit armament of twin beam sabers, a shield and a beam rifle, as well as high-powered thrusters. Since the Aile Striker's weapons fit has the least additional weaponry over the base GAT-X105/GAT-01A1, it has the highest endurance.
- AQM/E-X02 Sword Striker: This Striker Pack was designed for close combat, with a very large (15.75 meter long) anti-ship beam sword (Schwert Gewehr), a "rocket anchor" (Panzer Eisen) and a beam boomerang (Midas Messer). Of the Striker Packs, being equipped solely for close combat, Sword Striker was seldom used by either Kira Yamato or Mu La Flaga, usually relegating the weapon package to Archangel's Skygrasper No. 2 (whether that was piloted by Cagalli Yula Athha or Tolle Koenig at the moment), and probably contributing to the bad-luck reputation that unit possessed.
- AQM/E-X03 Launcher Striker: This Striker Pack was designed for long-range assault, primarily equipped with a 380mm Super-High Impulse Cannon (Agni), also carrying a 120mm anti-ship Vulcan and two 350mm gun launchers (unlike the GAT-X103 Buster's gun launchers, the Strike's launchers appeared to fire rocket propelled grenades). The "Agni" Impulse Cannon had enough firepower to punch through a colony wall, or slag an enemy mobile suit with a single hit. Due to its incredibly heavy firepower, Launcher Striker was the preferred weapons package of Skygrasper No. 1 pilot Mu La Flaga, though when he became the Strike's pilot he, like predecessor Kira Yamato, switched to favor the Aile Striker. The final use of the Launcher by the Strike occurred during Archangel's escape from Mendel Colony during late CE October 71. GAT-01A1 105 Dagger and GAT-02L2 Dagger L units continued to use the AQM/E-X03 Launcher Striker into the late Second Bloody Valentine War in late CE 74, to good effect.
- AQM/E-X04 Gunbarrel Striker: The Gunbarrel Striker was specifically designed for use by Mu La Flaga, but as he defected with Archangel to the Orb Union, it was instead used for GAT-01A1 105 Dagger mobile suits. The AQM/E-X04 Gunbarrel Striker was based heavily on the TS-MA2mod.00 Moebius Zero Mobile Armor. The unit is armed with a four-barrel gatling cannon as well as four wire-guided gunbarrels (each mounting two missiles and a railgun).
At least two units were deployed with Morgan Chevalier's GAT-01A1 105 Dagger. It's possible that more units were built, but since the level of spatial awareness needed to use them is so rare it is unknown if any other Earth Alliance pilot could effectively use them.
[edit] Cosmic Era 73
- AQM/E-A4E1 Jet Striker: Designed for the GAT-02L2 Dagger L and used in CE 73. The Jet Striker is derived from the original AQM/E-X01, and is used to grant atmospheric flight capability. It also includes four hardpoints for missiles and rocket pods, additional propellant tanks, and other mission-specific equipment. It is also is used by the GAT-01A1 105 Dagger and GAT-04 Windam.
- AQM/E-M11 Doppelhorn Striker: Designed for the GAT-02L2 Dagger L used in CE 73. Doppelhorn Striker is a vastly simplified version of the Launcher Striker, equipped with a pair of recoilless cannons mounted on a backpack. So far, the Doppelhorn Striker seems to be only available for space combat. It is also is used by the GAT-04 Windam.
- AQM/E-X05 Divine Striker: This Striker Pack was specifically designed for the ZGMF-X12A Testament, which the Earth Alliance stole from ZAFT. The Divine Striker serves a similar role to the Aile Striker, but also stores a multi-purpose shield weapon that wraps around Testament's right arm in use, and can reconfigure itself into a very large grappling claw. Unlike other Striker Pack, Divine Striker also has VPS armor apply on it.
- AQM/E-X09S Noir Striker: Designed for the GAT-X105E Strike Noir. The Noir Striker is conceptually similar to the IWSP in that it combines the primary capabilities of the Aile, Sword and Launcher strikers. It is a flight pack mounting two anti-ship beam swords, two railguns, and a rocket anchor.
- Nuclear Striker: Designed for the GAT-04 Windam used in CE 73. Nuclear Striker carries two nuclear missiles and thrusters to properly balance the Windam against the additional weight. First deployed and to date only deployment in the Battle of Aprilius One.
[edit] Orb Union (CE 71)
- P202-QX IWSP Integrated Weapons Striker Pack: The IWSP was a PMP (Propulsion and Machinery Progess) design to combine the primary characteristics of the Aile, Sword and Launcher Striker Packs into a single unit. As such it was very heavy, very powerful and very, very expensive. It included two 9.1m anti-ship swords, similar to (and possibly inspired by) the "Gerbera Straight" katana used by the MBF-P02 Astray Red Frame, two 115mm rail guns, two 105mm cannons, one Midas Messer beam boomerang and a shield mounting a 30mm six-barrel Gatling cannon. It was never used because Cagalli Yula Athha was unable to master the complicated weapon controls in the short time between its completion and the war's end. After the war, the still incomplete IWSP was installed on the Strike Rouge for show - however, this led to some confusion and even resulted in some believing that the IWSP was actually used at Jachin Due. In CE 72, a second IWSP was built as a collaboration between PMP and Actaeon Industries, which was handed over to Phantom Pain and designated AQM/E-M1. This version included minor alterations, but the armament was unchanged. The original IWSP was installed on a GAT-01A2R Slaughter Dagger in CE 73 for use by an joint Phantom Pain/Orb force intended to hunt down the Martian crew of the Acidalium.
- P204-QX Lightning Striker: A Striker Pack whose primary purpose is to increase the operating time of the battery-powered GAT-X105 Strike and MBF-02 Strike Rouge (piloted by Mu La Flaga and Cagalli Yula Athha respectively), as well as to improve its firepower to compete with the vastly more powerful ZGMF-X10A Freedom piloted by Kira Yamato. The Lightning Striker's primary armament is the Type 70-31 Electromagnetic Cannon, capable of accurately firing hyper-velocity projectiles at extreme ranges, which it carries split in two pieces on its forearms when not in use. The Lightning Striker pack is assembled in late C.E. 71 on the Kusanagi after the fall of the Orb Union. The Lightning Striker was deployed once with the Strike for a test, but was heavily damaged in battle and never used again. However, in CE 73 a Lightning Striker was installed on a GAT-01A2R Slaughter Dagger for use by an joint Phantom Pain/Orb force intended to hunt down the Martian crew of the Acidalium. While it is unclear whether the original Lightning Striker was repaired or a new one was built, a modification was made to allow it to recharge the batteries of allied mobile suits during battle. Whether this process requires a physical connection or can transfer energy remotely like ZAFT's Deuterion Beam technology is also unclear.
- Akatsuki Packs: While the ORB-01 Akatsuki is closely related to the Strike and utilizes similar back hardpoints, it is currently unknown whether these are actually considered Striker Packs, and whether they are compatible with standard Striker hardpoints. It is likewise unclear whether the Akatsuki can mount standard Strikers. As the development cycle of the Akatsuki remains something of a mystery, it is also uncertain when these packs were built. While the design work on the Akatsuki was begun in CE 71, is very unlikely that Orb had access to DRAGOON technology at that time.
- "Oowashi" Sky Pack: The "Oowashi" Sky Pack is one of two Striker Packs developed by Orb specifically for the ORB-01 Akatsuki. It is a flight pack armed with two high energy beam cannons, and can detach and fly on its own. It is similar in function to the backpack/subflight lifter of the ZGMF-X09A Justice. In addition, it may be equipped with the same "Yata no Kagami" mirror coating as Atatsuki - which can reflect beam energy back to its source.
- "Shiranui" Space Pack: The "Shiranui" Space Pack is the second Striker Pack built for the ORB-01 Akatsuki. It contains a guided mobile beam turret system similar to ZAFT's DRAGOON system, with seven beam turrets. Each unit has one beam cannon, two beam guns and a beam shield emitter - the beam turrets together are capable of forming a complete beam shield around something as large as a battleship. In addition, it may be equipped with the same "Yata no Kagami" mirror coating as Atatsuki - which can reflect beam energy back to its source.
[edit] ZAFT (CE 71)
While ZAFT did not develop Striker Pack technology during the Bloody Valentine War, its ZGMF-X09A Justice possessed a heavily-armed detachable backpack, the Fatum-00, which could convert into a "subflight lifter" (essentially a flying platform upon which the Justice Gundam could ride).
[edit] Junk Guild (CE 71-73)
The ZGFMF-X12 Astray Out Frame, built by Lowe Guele from the frame of an incomplete ZAFT mobile suit, has a back hardpoint identical to that of the Strike, allowing it to use Earth Alliance Striker Packs. Alternately, it can use some custom-built packs designed by the artificial intelligence unit 8.
- Manipulator Arms: A pair of heavy-duty manipulator arms, and a pair of "Armor Schneider" folding knives.
- Back Home: A large storage backpack that contains a camouflage "Shooting Cloak" and living quarters for the pilot, and mounts a shield on the back. Mounts on top of the manipulator arm pack.
- G-Flight: A very large Striker Pack that allows the Out Frame to transform into a high-speed mobile armor flight mode.
- Multi-Pack: An adaptor that allows Out Frame to mount ZAFT's Silhouette and Wizard Packs.
In addition, Lowe Guele's MBF-P02 Astray Red Frame possessed a Striker-like detachable flight pack. This pack was built from an extensively modified MBF-M1 Astray backpack, which in turn was based on the Aile Striker.
[edit] Silhouettes/Wizards (CE 73)
[edit] ZGMF-X56S Impulse
After the end of the Bloody Valentine War, ZAFT designed its own Mobile Suits based on the principles of the GAT-X105 Strike, called the ZGMF-X56S Impulse. The Impulse's mission packs are called "Silhouettes". A total of 8 exist, but only 7 have been revealed to date. Differing from Striker Packs, the Silhouettes do not contain their own batteries. Also, unlike the Earth Alliance's Striker Packs, the Silhouettes have a dedicated delivery system. Launched using the specialised catapult installed on the Minerva, the Silhouette Packs use a small flight unit to reach the Impulse and attach to the mobile suit using a laser guide. This way, different packs can be exchanged very quickly in battle. To date, the ZGMF-X56S Impulse is the only Silhouette-compatible mobile suit built (with the exception of the ZGMF-X12 Astray Out Frame, who's Multi-Pack adapter allows its Striker Pack hardpoint to mount Silhouette and Wizard Packs).
- α Force Silhouette: (analogous to the AQM/E-X01 Aile Striker) The Force Silhouette, as well as granting atmospheric flight and improved mobility to the Impulse, mounts an additional pair of beam sabers as added weaponry. The Force Silhouette was the most commonly used Silhouette Pack.
- β Sword Silhouette: (analogous to the AQM/E-X02 Sword Striker) The Sword Silhouette carries a pair of beam boomerangs and two anti ship swords which can be combined to form a large double edge sword. It retains the beam rifle for added long range fire.
- γ Blast Silhouette: (analogous to the AQM/E-X03 Launcher Striker) The Blast Silhouette features two long range beam cannons, two railguns and a set of missile launchers on the back. It also carries a pair of combinable beam javelins for close range combat.
- δ Chaos Silhouette: (used in conjunction with a specialized Leg Flyer) Duplicates the abilities of the ZGMF-X24S Chaos.
- ε Abyss Silhouette: (used in conjunction with a specialized Leg Flyer) Duplicates the abilities of the ZGMF-X31S Abyss.
- ζ Gaia Silhouette: (used in conjunction with a specialized Leg Flyer) Duplicates the abilities of the ZGMF-X88S Gaia.
- θ Destiny Silhouette: (includes extra forearm pieces mounted on the shield hardpoints) serves as a testbed for some of the weapons and systems of the ZGMF-X42S Destiny, including the beam wing propulsion system and beam shields. While the Destiny Silhouette effectively duplicates the functions all three original Silhouettes, its very high power consumption makes it unsuitable for combat use on a battery-powered mobile suit. In terms of functionality, it is analogous to the P202QX IWSP.
- DRAGOON Flyer: Not truly a Silhouette, it is a modified DRAGOON unit that was designed to work along with the Impulse, and can be controlled by it. The DRAGOON itself is mounted with 2 railcannon and 4 beamgun, and can also carry Silhouette packs for the Unit, acting as both the silhouette flyer and a DRAGOON unit.
[edit] ZAFT Armed Keeper of Unity Wizard Packs
ZAFT's new standard mobile suit, the ZGMF-1000 ZAKU Warrior/ZGMF-1001 ZAKU Phantom, uses interchangeable packs known as "Wizards". The short-lived competing design to the ZAKU, the ZGMF-XX09T DOM Trooper (now in use by Terminal) is also Wizard-compatible, as is ZAFT's TMF/A-802W2 Kerberos BuCUE Hound. In addition, ZGFMF-X12 Astray Out Frame's Striker Pack hardpoint can be made to equip Wizard Packs, by means of a 'Multi-Pack' Striker Pack that serves as an adapter.
- EX-A1 Gunner Wizard: Long-range assault Wizard. Consists of the large and very powerful but slow-firing "Orthros" beam cannon. Commonly used by ZAKU Warrior pilots Dearka Elsman (before he upgraded from the ZAKU Warrior to the ZAKU Phantom) and Lunamaria Hawke.
- EX-K Slash Wizard: Close-range combat Wizard. Consists of two beam Gatling cannons and a large beam axe. Commonly used by ZAKU Phantom pilot Yzak Joule.
- EX-M Blaze Wizard: High-mobility Wizard. Consists of two large thruster pods, which each contain a 14-round missile launcher. Commonly used by ZAKU Phantom pilots Rey Za Burrel, Heine Westenfluss, and Dearka Elsman (after he upgraded to the ZAKU Phantom), and is the most common Wizard.
- EX-AAL Noctiluca Wizard: Amphibious assault landing Wizard. Consists of two large propulsion fans and "skid plate" foot attachments, which contain torpedoes, depth charges, and sonar arrays. Used on the Noctiluca ZAKU Warrior, which has specialized head and shoulder fins.
- EX-R4 Command Wizard: Command, Control, and Communication (C3) Wizard. Consists of a large antenna-laden backpack. Used on the Command ZAKU CCI, which mounts a large parabolic dish antenna on the right shoulder and carries an antenna rifle.
- EX-G1 Knight Wizard: Designed by ZAFT as a weapon carrying Wizard Pack for the DOM Trooper Original Spec Type. Contains two pods, each of which either carries belt-fed ammo for the DOM Trooper's "Gigalauncher" bazooka/beam cannon, or 4 close combat drill bits. Due to ZAFT's cancellation of the DOM Trooper project, the Knight Wizard was never used in combat.
- EX-EZ1200 EZ Wizard: Designed by Terminal as the standard equipment of the upgraded DOM Trooper. Consists of a small backpack mounting a strengthened beam sabre and a pair of thrusters. Can be removed to mount ZAKU Wizards.
- Kerberos Wizard: An odd-looking Wizard Pack designed for the BuCUE Hound, consisting of two additional BuCUE heads mounted on long, flexible "necks". Each head mounts a beam cannon in its "mouth" and a double-bladed beam fangs. Though designed specifically for the BuCUE Hound, the Kerberos Wizard can still be used by other Wizard-combatible mobile suits.
[edit] Similar technologies
[edit] Assault Shroud (CE 70-71) - ZGMF-1017 GINN/ZGMF-515 CGUE/GAT-X102 Duel
During the war, ZAFT developed a heavy armor system equipped with additional weapons for their standard ZGMF-1017 GINN and commander-type ZGMF-515 CGUE mobile suits. This system was called the Assault Shroud, and mounted a pair of shoulder-mounted Gatling cannons and wrist-mounted dual grenade launchers. In addition, it could equip the GINN's optional leg-mounted triple missile launchers. While the GINN and CGUE Assault Shrouds saw only limited use, the concept achieved greater prominence when the stolen GAT-X102 Duel was fitted with its own the Assault Shroud. This version was substantially redesigned to fit the Duel's thinner frame, and the armament was altered to a shoulder-mounted railgun and missile launcher. The Duel's Assault Shroud saw service from 13 February CE 71 until the last day of the way (26 September CE 71), when the armor was destroyed by the GAT-X252 Forbidden.
Both versions of the Assault Shroud, while increasing the equipped mobile suit's armor and firepower, the increased mass resulted in reduced mobility, especially in terrestrial combat.
[edit] Fortresta Mode (CE 71) - GAT-01D Long Dagger/GAT-01D1 Duel Dagger
A similar system was deployed by the Earth Alliance for the mass-production versions of the GAT-X102 Duel, the GAT-01D Long Dagger and GAT-01D1 Duel Dagger - called "Fortresta Mode." The Fortresta configuration mounted a clip-fed shell-firing cannon rather than Assault Shroud's railgun, and carried a slightly larger number of slightly smaller missiles.
[edit] Blue Frame Packs (CE 71) - MBF-P03 Astray Blue Frame
Serpent Tail leader Gai Murakumo's MBF-P03 Astray Blue Frame was fitted with numerous optional equipment backpacks. These included a giant booster rocket, a set of ZGMF-1017 GINN missiles and bazookas, and a scale system for underwater combat. After being upgraded to the Blue Frame Second, the mobile suit was given additional equipment options. In "Second L" mode, it mounted the multi-purpose "Tactical Arms" sword/Gatling cannon. As "Second G", its options included a long-range beam cannon and a "Full Armor Phase Shift" backpack which could either cover the mobile suit for added protection or fold up for use as a high-mobility thruster pack. Both modes could also carry a portable "Lohengrin" positron blaster cannon, which was stored in two parts on the hips when not in use, and included a dedicated nuclear fission reactor on the rear waist.
[edit] Astray Red Frame Flight Pack (CE 71)
In addition, the MBF-P02 Astray Red Frame is equipped with a removeable flight pack, though it is unclear if this flight pack is compatible with the Striker Pack system. It was based on the backpacks of the MBF-M1 and MBF-M1A Astray
[edit] METEOR (CE 71)
The METEOR (Mobile suit Embedded Tactical EnfORcer) support system is a large, unmanned vehicle created by ZAFT for use by the ZGMF-X09A Justice and ZGMF-X10A Freedom. The METEOR unit is propelled by powerful laser pulse thrusters, counteracting the considerable mass of the nearly 100 meter long vehicles. Designed to assist the Freedom and Justice during heavy assaults, the METEOR is extremely well-armed, sporting two battleship-grade beam cannons, two smaller beam cannons, two heavy beam swords, and 77 heavy missile launchers. Though the METEOR has its own internal battery, this only provides power for its thrusters; the weapons are powered by a direct connection to the embedded mobile suit's nuclear reactor. The support ship Eternal was designed to carry the two METEOR units externally. Only two METEOR units were built during the Bloody Valentine War. One was destroyed by ZAFT commander Rau Le Creuset in battle against Freedom.
ZAFT also created a variant of the METEOR system, the Verne 35A/MPFM Multipurpose Flight Module, which lacks the METEOR's heavy armament but can be used as a booster for a variety of mobile suits and shuttles. In CE 73, Jean Carry piloted his MBF-M1 Astray with a modified Verne 35A unit, which was equipped with missile launchers and METEOR-style large beam swords, to drive off the ZGMF-YX21R Proto-Saviour.
In CE 73, it is shown that the Eternal had two new METEOR units (presumably new METEORs constructed by the Clyne Faction, as they identified as "METEOR 07 and 08" by radar). This new units were used by the ZGMF-X19A Infinite Justice and ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom.When not in use by the above mobile suits,the METEORs can be used by the Eternal as gun turrets.
In Gundam SEED Destiny Astray, METEOR 05 and 06 are found inside GENESIS Alpha by Lowe Guele, who refits them with nuclear reactors and N-Jammer Cancellers. These METEORs were given to the Serpent Tail mercenaries and were used by Gai Murakumo and Elijah Kiel, docked with Gai's Astray Blue Frame and Elijah's custom ZAKU.
[edit] Technical data
Manufacturer: Integrated Design Bureau
User: ZAFT, Clyne Faction/Three Ship Alliance
First Deployment: Cosmic Era 71
Dimensions: overall length 99.46 meters; overall width 60.12 meters
Weight: 552.42 metric tons (not including mobile suit)
Armaments: 2 x 120cm high-energy beam cannon, 2 x 93.7cm high-energy beam cannon, 2 x MA-X200 beam sword, 77 x 60 cm "Erinaceus" anti-ship missile launchers (22 per pod, 12 per arm unit, 9 on tail fin)
[edit] ZGMF-X11A Regenerate backpack (CE 71)
The ZGMF-X11A Regenerate's backpack, which contained the mobile suit's cockpit and laser pulse engines, was mounted like a Striker and was the only permanent part of the mobile suit. All other components were modular and would be ejected and quickly replaced if damaged. In an emergency, the backpack could be detached as an emergency escape pod. In addition, it could mount on the backs of other mobile suits and seize control of their computer systems, allowing the Regenerate pilot to use enemy mobile suits to his own advantage.
After Ash Gray, the pilot of Regenerate was captured by Earth Alliance, the Regenrate's backpack eventually was modified to be used by ZGMF-YX21R (RGX-04) Proto-Saviour as +11. Since the backpack contained Regenerate's nuclear reactor and Neutron Jammer Canceller, it gave the Proto Saviour an almost unlimited operational time.
[edit] EF-24R Flight Rotor Shrike (CE 73) - MBF-M1 Astray
In CE 73, the Orb Union upgraded some of its MBF-M1 Astray mobile suits with the 11.8 metric ton EF-24R Flight Rotor Shrike, which consisted of a pair of wings, each mounting a large helicopter-like rotor. This pack attaches the Astray's existing backpack and provides considerably enhanced aerial capability.
[edit] Similar technologies from other timelines
[edit] Full Armor - Various Unit
Several of Universal Century mobile suit can equipped with external armor. While all share aspect of increase the mobile suit's defensive and can be ejected, some of these armor also feature addition built-in weapon. The term Full Armor Type often used to called mobile suit equipped with these armor. The first Full Armor concept developed during the One Year War, a bolt-on system of armor and weaponry was designed for the prototype RX-78-2 Gundam, called the Full Armor Gundam. The Full Armor Gundam included a heavy cannon over the right shoulder, a 2-barrel beam gun on the right arm and several missile launchers in the shoulders and knees. However, the Full Armor Gundam was never built - due to the added weight, its mobility was greatly reduced. The design was eventually modified into the FA-78-2 Heavy Gundam, with the extra armour and weaponry designed as part of the mobile suit rather than an attached configuration.
The first complete Full Armor is Chobham Armor used by RX-78NT-1 Gundam Alex. Unlike Full Armor Gundam, Full Armor Gundam Alex doesn't has any addition weapon installed in its Chobham Armor. There are also plan for RX-78-7 7th Gundam, which could equipped with improved Full Armor that won't reduce its performance. This is accomplished with the addition of sub generators and propellant tanks in the Full Armor components. However, since the One Year War ends with only the 7th Gundam's basic frame being completed, the Full Armor components are never built.
The idea of Full Armor continue use throughout Universal Century timeline. Most notable in FA-010S Full Armor Enhanced ZZ Gundam and FA-100S Full Armor Hyaku Shiki Kai, the last mobile suit known to use the Full Armor is XM-X1 Crossbone Gundam Kai.
[edit] G-Fighter (UC 0079) - RX-78-2 Gundam
The G-Fighter is a large fighter developed by the Earth Federation during the One Year War as a support fighter for the RX-78-2 Gundam. The G-Fighter can separate into two parts. The front half is equipped with powerful beam cannons and missile launchers, while the back part contains powerful thrusters. The front part can dock with the Gundam's upper body to become the "G-Bull" tank, while the back part can dock with the FF-X7 Core Fighter and the Gundam's legs to become "G-Sky". The last mode is "G-Armor" where the G-Fighter's parts cover most of the Gundam's body. This form can work as both a tank and as a fighter. An addition mode, the "Gundam Sky" was improvised by combining the full body fo the Gundam with the G-Fighter's rear half. This allowed the Gundam to function with its usual weapons, but with increased acceleration due to the additional thrusters. In practice, the utility of the G-Bull and G-Sky were minimal, but the G-Armor proved useful as a means to rapidly deploy the Gundam over long distances.
The G-Fighter is only seen in the TV series. Its role was replaced by the FF-X7-Bst Core Booster (a simple heavy fighter, with no ability to combine with the Gundam) in the movie edition of Mobile Suit Gundam.
[edit] G-Defenser (UC 0087) - RX-178 Gundam Mk-II
With the RX-178 Gundam Mk-II being outperformed by the Titans' many mobile suit designs, Anaheim Electronics developed a space fighter called the FXA-05D G-Defenser, which can dock with the Gundam Mk-II to become the RX-178+FXA-05D Super Gundam. In this form, the Gundam Mk-II can control the G-Defenser's weapons, including an extra long beam rifle capable of punching through a battleship in one shot. The Super Gundam also has added Gundarium armor and extra thrusters to offset the added weight. The G-Defenser can detach its cockpit from the Super Gundam, but its only armaments are a small pair of mini laser guns. The G-Defenser was destroyed at the end of the Gryps War, although the Gundam Mk-II would continue to serve in the First Neo-Zeon War.
[edit] Mission Pack (UC 0120) - F90 Gundam F90/F90II Gundam F90II
Built by the Earth Federation's Strategic Naval Research Institute (SNRI), the prototype Gundam F90 was equipped with a set of hardpoints for mounting mission specific equipment such as extra thrusters, weaponry or recon devices. A later revamp of the design called the Gundam F90II had two extra packs designed specifically for it. In addition, it was possible to create new configurations by mixing and matching components of the different mission packs.
[edit] SD-VB03A Overhang Pack (UC 0153) - LM312V04 Victory Gundam/LM312V06 Victory Gundam Hexa
During the Zanscare War, the League Militaire developed an option pack for their LM312V04 Victory Gundam to improve its performance. Known as the Overhang pack, Victory Gundams equipped with the pack were referred to as "V-Dash Gundam". The backpack mounted two powerful beam cannons called "overhang cannons", and featured additional verniers and thrusters to counterbalance the added weight. A hand-carried mega beam rifle replaced the standard beam rifle, allowing the V-Dash Gundam to act as a fire-support unit. If needs be, the Overhang pack can be ejected and the mobile suit can continue operate as a standard Victory Gundam. The Overhang pack can also be used by the commander-type LM312V06 Victory Gundam Hexa.
[edit] V23 Buster Pack/V24 Assault Pack (UC 0153) - LM314V21 Victory 2 Gundam
Along with the overhang pack for the mass produced Victory Gundams, the League Militaire also produced a pair of option packs for their "flagship" mobile suit, the LM314V21 Victory 2 Gundam, allowing it to be configured in Buster and Assault modes. The Buster equipment added a mega beam cannon, a beam spray pod, and six missile launchers, while the Assault equipment gave it anti-beam coated armor, two VSBRs (variable speed beam rifles), a mega beam rifle, and a mega beam shield. In addition, the Victory 2 Gundam could simultaneously equip all the components of both packs to form the immensely powerful LM314V25 V2 Assault-Buster Gundam.
[edit] GS-9900 G-Falcon (pre-AW 0001) - 7th Space War Gundam
During the Seventh Space War, the Old Earth Federation developed the GS-9900 G-Falcon, a support unit for the Gundam type mobile suits. Armed with vulcan guns, homing missiles and a scattering beam cannon, the G-Falcon can work just as well on its own. The G-Falcon has the ability to dock with the GT-9600 Gundam Leopard, GW-9800 Gundam Airmaster and GX-9900 Gundam X, adding extra mobility and extended atmospheric flight. Only one G-Falcon is known to have survived the Seventh Space War, piloted by Paula Shisu in AW 0015. Later Gundam models such as the GX-9901-DX Gundam Double X, GT-9600-D Gundam Leopard Destroy and GW-9800-B Gundam Airmaster Burst retained the set of hardpoints necessary to dock with G-Falcon.
