ZGMF-X31S Abyss Gundam

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
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 with battleship
Fixed armaments: MMI-GAU1717 12.5mm CIWS; 2 x MMI-GAU25A 20mm CIWS, 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 3-barrel beam cannon, mounted inside fins
Optional hand armaments: MX-RQB516 beam lance

Following the Bloody Valentine War, ZAFT unveiled its Second Stage of advanced new Gundam mobile suits. Unlike the other Second Stage suits, ZGMF-X31S Abyss Gundam was a transformable amphibious unit. Originally designed as a Silhouette pack used by the ZGMF-X56S/ε Abyss Impulse Gundam, ZAFT decided to produce the Abyss Gundam as a separate mobile suit. As with new other Gundam designs, the Abyss Gundam was equipped with Variable Phase Shift armor that blocked conventional weapon attacks. Because the Junius Treaty banned the use of N-Jammer Cancelers, ZAFT developed the deuterion beam energy supply system to recharge batteries on the battlefield. When energy reserves were low, the Abyss Gundam could receive an incoming energy beam from its mothership and recharge its batteries. Although the Abyss Gundam’s mobile suit mode was operable in Earth and space, its mobile armor mode could only be used underwater. In its mobile armor mode, the Abyss Gundam was faster and more maneuverable than any of ZAFT’s previous amphibious units.

Unlike other amphibious suits, the Abyss Gundam lacked phonon maser weaponry. Instead, it was armed with various types of beam weaponry. These armaments included 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 included several other beam cannons mounted in its chest and fins, along with several CIWS guns. In addition, it was also armed with a beam lance for melee combat. For its initial testing, the Abyss Gundam was assigned to ZAFT test pilot Mare Strode. On October 2, C.E. 73, the Abyss Gundam was stolen from ZAFT’s Armory One PLANT by Earth Alliance Extended pilot Auel Neider, and Mare was shot by Stella Loussier. Redesignated by the Alliance as the RGX-02, the Abyss Gundam was 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.

Pilot(s): Auel Neider, Mare Strode
First appearance: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY
Original mechanical designer: Kunio Okawara

Head

MX-RQB516 beam lance

Rear view (Mobile suit mode)

Rear view (Mobile armor mode)