Gundam

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Gundam
Alias(es)	Gao Da
Classification	High-performance mobile suit (MS); includes specialized, prototype, and mass-produced models
Developer	Long Fei; Skywing Arms Manufacturing Company
Affiliation	Skywing Mercenary Group; later also the Skywing Empire
Occupation/Role	Frontline combat, breakthrough, fire support, interception, and strategic deterrence
Status	Active; continually developed, upgraded, stored, and redeployed
First Appearance	Original Gundam RX78 2

Background & History

Long Fei named the first unit Gundam, also called Gao Da, with model number RX78 and the codename Original. Piloted by Long Fei, the RX78 passed shooting, evasion, and maneuverability tests; it traversed a dense meteoroid field at full speed without being hit. Its performance was considered capable of surpassing known mobile suits, though its expected cost made large-scale purchases unlikely. 2

The Original Gundam established the Gundam line as an advancement beyond Skywing's GM mobile suits. Subsequent Proto Gundams included Units 4 and 5, operated by Zhou Ya and Zhou Na; their Gatling gun and beam-rifle coordination proved decisive against enemy MS and fighter craft. 11

Early Gundams and GMs relied on available power technologies because the Minovsky-type thermonuclear reactor could not initially be manufactured. Once the Minovsky Super Energy Thermonuclear Reactor was installed, Gundam performance and pilot combat efficiency rose significantly; its emitted particles could also disrupt enemy radar, search, and lock-on systems. 9 29

Long Fei later expanded development beyond the original Universal Century-derived designs, researching Gundams based on the SEED, Wing, 00, Iron-Blooded Orphans, and other series. Designs were altered to suit available technology, pilot skill, power sources, and battlefield conditions. 33

The original Proto Gundam RX series was eventually mothballed, while newer units, mass-produced Gundams, and specialized variants assumed frontline roles. 111 Gundam development continued into the Skywing Empire era, including the F90, Mk V, Mk V Kai, Oberon, G-First, and giant Gundam projects. 923 931

Systems & Capabilities

Capabilities vary substantially by model; not every Gundam possesses every listed system or weapon.

Mobility and Maneuverability

Gundams are generally built around superior reaction speed, evasion, thrust, and agility compared with contemporary MS.

• The RX78's baseline testing included shooting, evasion, and full-speed maneuvering through meteoroids. 2
• Gundam GP04 Gerbera used extreme speed, reaction time, and detachable additional propellant tanks to break through an enemy fleet alone. 36
• Several later Gundams can transform for specialized mobility; Long Fei considered transformation technology a major advantage because contemporary MS generally lacked it. 33
• The G-First-DX Gundam retains and improves speed, thrust, maneuverability, and firepower after combining with the GF Tank. 958

Minovsky Reactor and Electronic Warfare

The Minovsky Super Energy Thermonuclear Reactor improved Gundam endurance and battlefield efficiency while releasing particles that interfere with enemy detection and targeting systems. 29

• The ZZ Gundam's Type 2 Minovsky reactor increased engine output from 7,340 KW to 8,450 KW, raising thrust and acceleration by roughly 10%. 96
• Later TR-6 Kijaral II units used a third-generation Minovsky reactor, improving endurance, speed, reaction time, and maneuverability. 701
• Minovsky particle interference can disrupt communications, receivers, and infiltration forces operating within Skywing territory. 957

Newtype and Psycommu Systems

Several Gundams are designed to capitalize on Newtype abilities, including brainwave control, danger sensing, and remote-weapon operation.

• The Moon Gundam's eight Psycho-Plates can form shields, reflect attacks, pierce MS, and combine into a Super Psycho Greatsword under Long Fei's mental control. 360 443
• The GX-9900 X Gundam's Flash System enables Newtypes to control twelve MS GX Bits; its Satellite Cannon is powered by microwave energy transmitted from a modified La Kai Ram. 429 708
• The Rebirth Gundam carries eight small GN Fangs, controlled by Pan Zhenhua's brain quantum waves for all-angle ranged and melee attacks. 616
• The G-First Gundam can direct its GF Tank and Cannon Steel through Psycommu control when operated by a Newtype. 931
• The Advanced Gihal II's Bio-Computer links directly to a Newtype pilot's brainwaves, allowing the machine to respond with limb-like agility and automate many functions. 783

Pilot-Enhancement Systems

Some Gundam lines employ systems that raise pilot performance beyond ordinary limits.

• The PX System temporarily enhances a pilot and machine beyond their limits for approximately two minutes; exceeding that duration risks the collapse of both pilot and MS. 33
• Sonic Gundam and Phantom Gundam used PX Mode to establish mental synchronization between the Zhou sisters and their machines, improving their reaction speed and ability to anticipate enemy movements. 857
• The Type-0 System can predict enemy actions through extremely rapid calculation, but Long Fei initially judged it too dangerous for himself and his pilots to handle. 33
• The EXAM System, installed in Knight-series units, can allow ordinary pilots to approach Newtype combat performance while avoiding the memory-loss risks associated with the replaced HADES System. 221

Armor and Defensive Systems

• Gundanium Alloy was developed for Proto Gundam armor after Skywing expanded its production capabilities. 8
• Strike Gundam's Phase Shift Armor resists solid ammunition, while its anti-beam coating can prevent damage from some beam attacks. 147 318
• Justice Gundam's VPS Armor withstood missile impacts that followed its interception of most of an incoming barrage. 524
• The Moon Gundam's Psycho-Plates can form a full-moon-shaped defensive screen capable of reflecting beam cannon fire. 360

Selected Models

Model	Known pilot(s)	Distinguishing role or capability
Original Gundam RX78	Long Fei	First named Gundam; passed shooting, evasion, and maneuverability testing without being hit. 2
Proto Gundam Unit 4 / Unit 5	Zhou Ya / Zhou Na	Coordinated beam-rifle and Gatling-gun fire against enemy MS and fighter craft. 11
GP01 Gundam Zephyranthes	Yue Yangchun	Used a shield, beam saber, and head-mounted 60 mm Vulcan cannon to counter Oni Yasha's high-speed attacks. 16
GP04 Gundam Gerbera	Long Fei	High-speed breakthrough unit capable of outrunning enemy MS, fighters, and warship targeting systems. 36
Gundam Chrysanthemum	Tested by Zhou Ya, Li Xiucheng, and Long Fei	Its exceptional speed and agility overwhelmed multiple skilled pilots physically, leading to software adjustments. 24 27
Justice Goddess Gundam Type-F	Taoxiang	Used a GN launcher, GN beam cannon, and rocket launcher to break enemy defensive lines and destroy battleships. 138
Moon Gundam	Long Fei	Newtype-operated Psycho-Plates provide offense, defense, remote attacks, and greatsword formation. 443
00 Gundam 00 Raiser	Yue Yangchun	Uses Trans-Am; generated a Giant Slash Particle Sword several thousand meters long against the Dion Army. 601
Pirate Gundam X1 / X2	Zhou Ya / Zhou Na	Newtype-operated pair using coordinated melee, ranged fire, and anchor tactics. 291
Gundam TR-6 Kunlin	Newtype pilots	Large, heavily armed Gundam with Psycommu-controlled detached arms, Funnels, and Hyper Impulse Electromagnetic Cannon. 783
Gundam AGE-1 Phoenix Type	Trifer	Equipped with Phoenix Sword, Phoenix Shield, wing cannons, Destroyer Sword Form, and Star Slash F. 839
G-First Gundam / G-First-DX	Newtypes, Coordinators, and ordinary humans	Can combine with the GF Tank; uses Haro-supported coordinated combat and can disrupt enemy Funnel control. 931 956 958

Operational Record and Limitations

Gundams repeatedly established major advantages against conventional MS and warships. During the Metadeng conflict, Justice Goddess Gundam Type-F, ZZ Gundam, Gundam Gusion, and other units destroyed large numbers of enemy MS and battleships, forcing mercenary groups to withdraw. 138

Their superiority is not absolute. Specialized Gundams including Duel, Storm, Azure Duel, Z, and Aegis were destroyed by Dion Empire custom Saint Machines. 443 Across recorded Gundam–Saint Machine engagements, Gundams generally hold a better win rate of roughly 60%, but both sides have destroyed the other in combat. 601

Documented operational constraints include:

• Pilot burden — Even skilled pilots such as Zhou Ya and Li Xiucheng struggled to sustain the Gundam Chrysanthemum's speed and physical demands. 24
• Energy consumption — The ZZ Gundam's mega particle cannon, twin beam guns, and high-output beam saber consume energy heavily; its reactor upgrade was necessary to improve combat duration. 96
• System risk — PX System use beyond its short operating window can cause pilot and machine collapse. 33
• Specialized weapon drain — A TR-6 Kunlin using its Hyper Impulse Electromagnetic Cannon cannot operate most energy weapons simultaneously and requires escorting units for protection. 783
• Model obsolescence — Older Gundams are stored, dismantled for spare parts, upgraded, or redeployed after refitting as newer designs enter service. 111 317 390 625

Symbolism and Doctrine

Long Fei initially regarded Gundams as weapons to protect himself, build Skywing's strength, and deter threats. He used the Justice Goddess Gundam's power while declaring that its anti-war and peace symbolism conflicted with his decision to begin a punitive war. 109

After witnessing the human cost of prolonged conflict, including child soldiers and separated families, Long Fei reconsidered that view. 706 He later publicly defined Gundams as symbols of protection, anti-war, and ceasefire rather than instruments of personal military power. 901

“Gundams are the Skywing Empire's symbol of protection, not weapons of aggression.” 901

“They were meant to use their immense power to stop war with war, to deter evil and selfish individuals who wished to initiate war with their formidable strength.” 901

Trivia

• Gundam and Gao Da are both names given to the original RX78 by Long Fei. 2
• Piloting a Gundam is described as a dream among Skywing Mercenary Group MS pilots, including those who would accept even a mass-produced Gundam. 200
• Gundanium Alloy alone does not define a Gundam: Taurus and G-Bouncer use third-generation Gundanium Alloy and perform on a Gundam level, but Long Fei explicitly states that G-Bouncer is not a Gundam. 457