Akatsuki Gundam

Overview

The ORB-01 Akatsuki Gundam is a mobile suit appearing in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM. Embodying the defense-oriented ideals of the Orb Union, it was left to Cagalli Yula Athha as part of her father Uzumi Nara Athha's legacy. Defined by its gleaming gold armor, the unit serves as Orb's flagship machine and is piloted in battle by both Cagalli and Mu La Flaga.

Appearance

The Akatsuki Gundam is equipped with twin eyes displaying both blue and green elements, alongside a distinctive V-fin on its head. Its body armor, physically pointed shield, and external equipment modules are coated in a reflective, mirror-like gold anti-beam armor plating. Depending on the mission environment, it fits distinct back packs such as the flight-capable Oowashi or the space-use Shiranui module.

Abilities

The machine's signature feature is its Yata-no-Kagami armor, which refracts and reflects beam attacks, enabling it to withstand and deflect even strategic-level energy weapons. Its fixed complement includes head-mounted 12.5mm close-in defense guns, a twin-blade beam saber that can be split or attached to its beam rifle Hyakurai, and a solid shield. When utilizing the Oowashi pack, it fires high-energy beam cannons, while the Shiranui pack operates seven remote beam turret units for all-range attacks and powerful defensive field generation. It is also compatible with the heavy artillery Zeus Silhouette pack.

Background

Designed based on the GAT-X105 Strike's frame data, the project was frozen due to high production costs and incomplete control programming, remaining hidden in an underground facility. During Zaft's invasion of Orb, its seal was broken for Cagalli to pilot using the Oowashi pack. It was later transferred to the Archangel, where Mu La Flaga utilized the Shiranui equipment in space operations to destroy the Requiem. During the conflict with the Foundation forces, Mu again piloted the suit equipped with the Zeus Silhouette to shield Orb from a devastating satellite artillery strike.

Relationships

Commissioned according to the final wishes of Uzumi Nara Athha, the unit was willed to his daughter, Cagalli Yula Athha. After Cagalli piloted it during the defense of Orb, the suit was entrusted to Mu La Flaga, who used its space pack capabilities to full effect. Technicians and officers such as Erica Simmons and Ledonir Kisaka were responsible for unsealing and maintaining the mobile suit.

Trivia

The manufacturing cost of the Yata-no-Kagami armor for this single mobile suit is equivalent to producing more than 20 units of the standard M1 Astray. The names of the machine and its pack loadouts draw heavily from Japanese mythology and traditional Japanese terminology.