Model number: ZGMF-X56S/β
Code name: Sword Impulse Gundam
Unit type: prototype multi-mode mobile suit
Manufacturer: Integrated Design Bureau
Operator: ZAFT (Zodiac Alliance of Freedom Treaty)
First deployment: 2 October C.E. 73
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso using YFX-M56 Core Splendor
Dimensions: overall height 19.37 meters
Weight: max gross weight 78.93 metric tons
Armor materials: unknown
Powerplant: ultracompact energy battery, power output rating unknown
Propulsion: 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 Minerva; 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; MMI-RG59V mobile shield, mounted on left arm; 2 x RQM60 “Flash-Edge” beam boomerang, stored on Sword Silhouette pack, hand-carried in use; 2 x MMI-710 “Excalibur” anti-ship sword, stored on Sword Silhouette pack, can be combined into one sword, hand-carried in use
Optional hand armaments: none
The ZGMF-X56S/β Sword Impulse Gundam was the ZAFT equivalent to the Earth Alliance’s GAT-X105+AQM/E-X02 Sword Strike Gundam. The Sword Silhouette pack was stored on the Minerva‘s dedicated hangar for the Impulse Gundam and was deployed via a computer-controlled Silhouette Flyer craft. The Flyer delivered the pack to the Impulse Gundam and automatically returned to the Minerva. When equipped with the Sword pack, the Impulse Gundam’s VPS armor shifted to a predominantly red color scheme. The Sword Silhouette pack’s armaments included two beam boomerangs similar to the ZGMF-X09A Justice Gundam, as well as a pair of anti-ship swords similar to the GAT-X133 Sword Calamity. The “Excalibur” swords could be combined into one large sword to attack several mobile suits or a battleship.
Pilot(s): Shinn Asuka, Lunamaria Hawke
First appearance: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY
Original mechanical designer: Kunio Okawara
N/A
Director:
Mitsuo Fukuda
Writer(s):
Chiaki Morosawa
Hiroyuki Yoshino
Hiroshi Ohnogi
Kazuho Hyodo
Shigeru Morita
Natsuko Takahashi
Yuuichi Nomura
Mechanical Designer(s):
Kunio Okawara
Kimitoshi Yamane
Character Designer:
Hisashi Hirai
Musical Composer:
Toshihiko Sahashi
Format:
50 episodes; 1 TV special; 4 compilation movies
Airdates (Original):
Japan 10.09.2004 – 12.25.2005
Airdates (HD Remaster):
Japan 04.xx.2013 – 03.xx.2014
Video Release (SE):
Japan 05.26.2006 – 02.23.2007
U.S. 06.17.2008 – 01.13.2009
MAHQ is now officially on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mahqdotnet.bsky.social.
Our future on this cursed app is unclear, but expect more posts over there.
Cutaway diagram of the VF-1J Valkyrie Fighter Mode from “This is Animation Special: Macross Plus”(1995). Larger versions on my DA profile:
https://www.deviantart.com/marchly/art/Macross-VF-1J-Valkyrie-Cutaway-Diagram-detailed-973372931
https://www.deviantart.com/marchly/art/Macross-VF-1J-Valkyrie-Cutaway-Diagram-clean-973371729
Art by Kiyomi Tanaka. Original concept by unknown Macross fan. Image built by me
#Gundamn278; Next Episode! With our special guest, Sophia, we finally tackle the second half of the latest chapter of the #Gundam Franchise; #WitchFromMercury! Join us live on 07/20/2023 @ 10:15 p EDT! #MAHQ #Mecha #Anime #Podcast #G_Witch
Live Stream: https://youtube.com/live/fqw4pnuOYF4?feature=share
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