GAT-X303 Aegis Gundam

Model number: GAT-X303
Code name: Aegis Gundam
Unit type: prototype attack use transformable mobile suit
Manufacturer: Morgenroete, Inc
Operator(s): Earth Alliance; ZAFT (Zodiac Alliance of Freedom Treaty)
First deployment: 25 January C.E. 71
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso
Dimensions: head height 18.86 meters
Weight: max gross weight 79.6 metric tons
Armor materials: unknown
Powerplant: ultracompact energy battery, power output rating unknown
Propulsion: unknown
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown; PS (Phase Shift) armor
Fixed armaments: 2 x “Igelstellung” 75mm multi-barrel CIWS, mounted in head; 4 x beam saber, 1 mounted on each arm and leg; “Scylla” 580mm energy cannon, power rating unknown, operable only in mobile armor attack mode
Optional hand armaments: 60mm beam rifle; shield, mounted on left arm

With the outbreak of the Bloody Valentine War, the Earth Alliance’s Atlantic Federation began a secret project to develop mobile suits to counter ZAFT’s mass produced ZGMF-1017 GINN as well as operate free of interference from the N-Jammers. The GAT-X303 Aegis Gundam was one of five initial designs that the Alliance secretly constructed with Orb. Unlike the other four Gundams, the Aegis Gundam was constructed with a different frame and could transform into a mobile armor mode. The Aegis Gundam was also equipped with the new Phase Shift (PS) armor system. When using Phase Shift mode, the Aegis Gundam was nearly impervious to attacks from shell-firing artillery or melee weapons. However, use of Phase Shift for extended periods of time was a massive drain on the battery. In mobile suit mode, the Aegis Gundam’s armament consisted of head-mounted “Igelstellung” vulcan guns, four beam sabers and a beam rifle. However, in mobile armor mode it could use the powerful “Scylla” 580mm energy cannon. This powerful cannon was capable of destroying TS-MA2 Moebius units with one shot, and it could severely damage battleships as well. 

The Aegis Gundam first entered combat on January 25, C.E. 71, when it was stolen by ZAFT pilot Athrun Zala during the attack on Heliopolis. Athrun was shocked to meet his old friend Kira Yamato and see him end up as the pilot the GAT-X105 Strike Gundam on the battleship Archangel. Though Athrun continued to fight against the Archangel, he always did so reluctantly and offered Kira several opportunities to join ZAFT. When Kira refused, Athrun vowed no mercy for his former friend. As the Archangel continued to travel across Earth towards Alliance headquarters in Alaska, Athrun was sent down to Earth by Rau Le Creuset to pursue the ship. In a fierce battle on April 17, the Aegis Gundam was destroyed when Athrun self-destructed the suit in a failed attempt to kill Kira. Afterward, Athrun upgraded to the ZGMF-X09A Justice Gundam to pursue Kira and the stolen ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam. After the war, the Alliance created an upgraded version, the GAT-X303AA Rosso Aegis Gundam.

Pilot: Athrun Zala
First appearance: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
Original mechanical designer(s): Junichi Akutsu (principal design), Kunio Okawara (cleanup)

60mm beam rifle

Binder

Head

Rear view (Mobile suit mode)

Rear view (Mobile armor mode)

Shield