ZGMF-56E2 Impulse Gundam Spec II

General and Technical Data

Model number: ZGMF-56E2
Code name: Impulse Gundam Spec II
Unit type: multi-mode mobile suit
Manufacturer: Morgenroete, Inc. (based on a design by the Integrated Design Bureau)
Operator: Compass
First deployment: C.E. 75
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso using YFX-M56E Core Splendor
Dimensions: overall height 17.76 meters
Weight: max gross weight 63.54 metric tons
Armor materials: unknown
Powerplant: ultracompact energy battery, power output rating unknown
Propulsion: unknown
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown; VPS (Variable Phase Shift) armor; deuterion beam energy supply system, allows for remote recharging of energy by ZGMF/A-42S2 Destiny Gundam Spec II; hardpoints for mounting Silhouette packs
Fixed armaments: 2 x MMI-GAU25A 20mm CIWS, mounted in chest; 2 x M71-AAK “Folding Razor” anti-armor knife, stored in hip armor, hand-carried in use
Optional fixed armaments: see ZGMF-56E2/α Force Impulse Gundam Spec II; ZGMF-56E2/β Sword Impulse Gundam Spec II; ZGMF-56E2/γ Blast Impulse Gundam Spec II
Optional hand armaments: MA-BAR72 high-energy beam rifle; MMI-RG59V mobile shield, mounted on left arm

Technical and Historical Notes

The ZGMF-56E2 Impulse Gundam Spec II was a mobile suit used by the global peacekeeping agency Compass in C.E. 75. It was an upgraded version of the ZGMF-X56S Impulse Gundam used by ZAFT during the Second Bloody Valentine War. Initially assigned to Shinn Asuka, the Impulse Gundam was later passed on to Lunamaria Hawke. The Impulse Gundam suffered damage at the end of the war in C.E. 74 and was transferred to Morgenroete, Inc., where engineer Erica Simmons upgraded it to the Spec II version. The Spec II implemented an updated battery that improved heat and bullet resistance, and the change in voltage resulted in a more subdued color scheme when its Variable Phase Shift (VPS) armor was activated. The Impulse Gundam’s deuterion beam energy supply system, originally designed to work in conjunction with the battleship Minerva, was modified to receive energy from the ZGMF/A-42S2 Destiny Gundam Spec II. The Spec II retained the original’s ability to dock with Silhouette packs, although the entire color scheme was now changed when docking with the Blast and Sword packs. The Spec II’s armaments were the same as the original version and included CIWS guns, anti-armor knives, a high-energy beam rifle and a mobile shield. In C.E. 75, the Kingdom of Foundation initiated a plot to reimpose Gilbert Durandal’s Destiny Plan on the entire world. Reeling from an earlier loss at the hands of Foundation’s elite Black Knight Squad, Lunamaria and other Compass pilots regrouped at Orb to acquire new mobile suits and take the fight to space. Lunamaria reclaimed her former suit and used all its available packs during the subsequent battle with Foundation and its ZAFT allies who initiated a coup d’etat.