Atlas Gundam

Overview

The RX-78AL Atlas Gundam is a prototype mobile suit appearing in Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt. Built by the Earth Federation using extensive funding from the Moore Brotherhood, it was stationed aboard the assault carrier Spartan. Prepared under Colonel Monica Humphrey for a secret operation against the South Seas Alliance, it has been piloted by Io Fleming and Bianca Carlyle.

Appearance

The suit features green eyes and a central V-fin on its head. While maintaining a slim and basic humanoid profile, it is distinctively equipped with large movable auxiliary leg units called Sub-legs attached to the waist via articulated arms. Its joints incorporate spherical multi-joint structural elements modeled after Zeon amphibious machines, alongside a spinal-like torso framework. When configured with its heavy blade shield and specialized armaments on the Sub-legs, its overall silhouette assumes a complex, irregular shape.

Abilities

Equipped with spherical joints and water-jet propulsion, the unit achieves high-speed underwater maneuvering and all-terrain adaptability across land, sea, and air without dedicated conversion packs. The waist-mounted Sub-legs provide extreme thrust for unassisted atmospheric flight. Its arsenal includes a long-range, high-output prototype railgun, prolonged high-energy beam sabers capable of slicing large craft, an assault rifle, and a beam rifle usable underwater. The heavily heat-resistant Blade Shield mounts a unique restraint weapon, the Velos Medusa, which fires gel-deploying darts that solidify to immobilize enemy machines. Underwater, the railgun's electrical discharge creates a temporary electromagnetic barrier. It features an omnidirectional monitor cockpit with a spherical escape pod system.

Background

Following the One Year War, the Atlas Gundam was deployed in Operation Thunderbolt to prevent the South Seas Alliance from rebuilding the Psycho Zaku using data from J.J. Sexton. Piloted initially by Io Fleming, it collected experimental weapon combat data during operations against enemy forces. To compensate for limits in ammunition capacity and operation time, Bianca Carlyle introduced a cooperative logistics method using the Trust Squad. Later, when modified for space combat under Bianca's control, it gained additional attitude thrusters, a high-thrust backpack, and twin-layer protective shielding.

Relationships

Io Fleming was appointed as the initial test pilot due to his prior combat history against the Psycho Zaku. Colonel Monica Humphrey directed the covert operation and orchestrated the unit's deployment. Bianca Carlyle, an accompanying mobile suit pilot, devised tactical re-arm strategies for the suit and subsequently took over as its pilot for its space-combat assignment.

Trivia

The designation Atlas originates from the Titan in Greek mythology who holds up the sky. The specific name for the Medusa's Arrow armament was suggested during the animated adaptation's production by voice actor Yuichi Nakamura. Additionally, the Sub-leg thruster units possess standardized attachment interfaces, allowing them to be equipped directly onto other Federation machines like the Guncannon Aqua during emergency situations.