ORB-01 Akatsuki Gundam

Model number: ORB-01
Code name: Akatsuki Gundam
Unit type: prototype attack use mobile suit
Manufacturer: Morgenroete, Inc.
Operator(s): Orb Union; Three Ships Alliance
First deployment: C.E. 73
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso
Dimensions: overall height 18.74 meters (standard version)
Weight: empty 69.6 metric tons (standard version); 87.82 metric tons (“Owashi” sky pack); 90.00 metric tons (“Shiranui” space pack)
Armor materials: unknown
Powerplant: unknown
Propulsion: unknown
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown; “Yata-no-Kagami” anti-beam defensive reflection system (armor coating)
Fixed armaments: Type 73J2 prototype twin beam saber, stored on main body, hand-carried in use; 2 x MSM5D 12.5mm CIWS, mounted in head
Optional fixed armaments: “Owashi” sky pack, mounts 2 x Type 73F modified high-energy beam cannon; “Shiranui” space pack, 7 x guided mobile beam turret system: M531R remote control unit (beam cannon; 2 x beam gun; beam shield emitter)
Optional hand armaments: Type 72D5 “Hyakurai” beam rifle; Model 71 defense shield, mounted on left arm

Before his death in C.E. 71, Orb Union leader Uzumi Nara Athha commissioned the construction of the ORB-01 Akatsuki Gundam to serve as the final defense of Orb, should the need arise. Developed in secret, the Akatsuki Gundam was hidden underneath the Orb mainland until late C.E. 73. The Akatsuki’s design was similar to the GAT-X105 Strike Gundam that Orb assisted the Earth Alliance in developing. Aside from visual similarities, the Akatsuki Gundam was capable of using several packs similar to the Strike Gundam’s Striker packs. Perhaps the most unique feature of the Akatsuki Gundam was its “Yata-no-Kagami” anti-beam defensive reflection system, which was coated on the armor. Comprised of many tiny mirrors, the armor coating of the Akatsuki Gundam allowed it to reflect any beam energy fired at it. The armaments of the Akatsuki Gundam’s main body included a pair of vulcan guns, a twin beam saber, a beam rifle and shield. When equipped with the “Owashi” sky pack, the Akatsuki Gundam could also use a pair of high-energy beam cannons. In addition, the “Owashi” pack could separate and function as a separate fighter.

In space, the Akatsuki Gundam could equip the “Shiranui” pack, which was armed with a guided mobile beam turret system similar to ZAFT’s DRAGOON (Disconnected Rapid Armament Group Overlook Operation Network) system. In addition to functioning as beam cannons, the units could be used to create a defensive shield. The Akatsuki Gundam was first used in by Cagalli Yula Athha to defend Orb from a ZAFT attack during Operation Fury. During the battle, the Akatsuki Gundam engaged Shinn Asuka’s ZGMF-X42S Destiny Gundam and received minor damage. Soon after, the battleship Archangel headed to space, and Cagalli gave the Akatsuki Gundam to ace pilot Neo Roanoke (aka Mu La Flaga). In a battle between ZAFT and the Orb space fleet, Neo and Athrun Zala destroyed the Requiem cannon that ZAFT captured from the Alliance. Soon after, the death of PLANT Supreme Council Chairman Gilbert Durandal and the destruction of the mobile space fortress Messiah marked the end of the war. After the war, Mu continued to pilot the Akatsuki Gundam as a member of the peacekeeping organization Compass.

Pilot(s): Cagalli Yula Athha, Neo Roanoke (aka Mu La Flaga)
First appearance: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY
Original mechanical designer: Kunio Okawara

Head

Model 71 defense shield

“Owashi” sky pack

“Shiranui” space pack

Rear view (Equipped with “Shiranui” space pack)

Type 72D5 “Hyakurai” beam rifle

Type 73J2 prototype twin beam saber