Model number(s): ZGMF-X31S (ZAFT); RGX-02 (Earth Alliance)
Code name: Abyss Gundam
Unit type: prototype transformable amphibious mobile suit
Manufacturer: Integrated Design Bureau
Operator(s): ZAFT (Zodiac Alliance of Freedom Treaty); Earth Alliance
First deployment: 2 October C.E. 73
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso
Dimensions: overall height 17.84 meters
Weight: max gross weight 92.39 metric tons
Armor materials: unknown
Powerplant: ultracompact energy battery, power output rating unknown
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown; Variable Phase Shift (VPS) armor; deuterion beam energy supply system, allows for remote recharging of energy with battleship
Fixed armaments: MMI-GAU1717 12.5mm CIWS; 2 x MMI-GAU25A 20mm CIWS, fire-linked, mounted in head; MGX-2235 "Callidus" multi-phase beam cannon, mounted in chest; M107 "Balaena Kai" dual beam cannon, mounted on backpack, forward facing in mobile armor mode; 4 x MMI-TT101 Mk9 high-speed guided torpedo; 2 x M68 dual cannon, mounted on fins; 2 x MA-X223E triple beam cannon, mounted inside fins
Optional hand armaments: MX-RQB516 beam lance

Technical and Historical Notes

In the postwar era, ZAFT unveils its "Second Stage" of advanced new Gundam mobile suits. Unlike the other Second Stage suits, ZGMF-X31S Abyss Gundam is a transformable amphibious unit. As with other Gundam designs, the Abyss Gundam is equipped with Phase Shift armor that blocks conventional weapon attacks. Because the Junius Treaty bans the use of N-Jammer Cancelers, ZAFT develops the deuterion beam energy supply system to recharge batteries on the battlefield. When energy reserves are low, the Abyss Gundam can receive an incoming energy beam from its mothership and recharge its batteries.

Although the Abyss Gundam's mobile suit mode is operable in Earth and space, its mobile armor mode can only be used underwater. In its mobile armor mode, the Abyss Gundam is faster and more maneuverable than any of ZAFT's previous amphibious designs. Unlike other amphibious designs, the Abyss Gundam lacks phonon maser weaponry. Instead, it is armed with various types of beam weaponry. These armaments include the "Balaena Kai" dual beam cannon, an improved version of the "Balaena" plasma cannon used by the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam. The Abyss Gundam also includes several other beam cannons mounted in its chest and fins, along with several CIWS guns. In addition, it is also armed with a beam lance for melee combat. For its intial testing, the Abyss Gundam is assigned to ZAFT test pilot Mare Strode. On October 2, C.E. 73, the Abyss Gundam is stolen from ZAFT's Armory One PLANT by Earth Alliance operative Auel Neider, and Mare is shot by Stella Loussier. The Abyss Gundam is later destroyed by Shinn Asuka's ZGMF-X56S/γ Blast Impulse Gundam in a naval battle near the Greek island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea.

Miscellaneous Information

Pilot(s): Auel Nieder, Mare Strode
Appearances: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY; Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY ASTRAY; Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY ASTRAY (photonovel)
Original mechanical designer: Kunio Okawara

Lineart

MX-RQB516 beam lance