STH-20 Hekija

The STH-20 Hekija (辟邪) is a mobile suit featured in the Mobile Suit Gundam IRON-BLOODED ORPHANS television series. Known pilots include Lafter Frankland.

Design & Development
Using the development data from the STH-05 Hyakuren and STH-14s Hyakuri, Teiwaz is currently developing the Hekija as their successor. A new mass production model with high performance, Hekija requires more time to develop compared to the STH-16 Shiden, for which the mass production system is already set up. Currently, they are the stage of collecting data through limited test machines, and development is progressing smoothly. The Hekija's concept is based on balancing the high mobility of the Hyakuri with the high output level of the Hyakuren. Like the Shiden, the Hekija's frame is purely Teiwaz-made, from the crafting of the component metals to design and assembly, except for the Ahab Reactor. However, it is still possible to see the influence of the Hyakuren and Hyakuri in the suit's design.

The Hekija can change into 'Assault Form' by deploying the thrusters on the back of the shoulder and rear waist, as well as flipping the feet up to reveal concealed feet thrusters. By freely manipulating the direction of the propulsion, it is possible to maintain high turning performance and high mobility. In outer space, the suit can instantaneously shorten the distance to the targets, making it possible to flexibly choose the combat style, from hit-and-run tactics to super close combat in which the suit constantly stays engaged with the target. Carefully consideration was also given for Hekija's operability, and the specifications were adjusted to reduce strains on the pilot. The focus on ease of operation is influenced by the increasing use of human debris, necessitating a counter to the Alaya-Vijnana system.

Armaments

 * Blade
 * A pair of foldable blades are mounted in the Hekija's forearms, they can flip forward to assault opponents or to further secure the suit's bayonet rifle. When stored, they can be used to shield against slashing attacks.


 * Bayonet Rifle
 * A rife with a blade at the bottom, it is made for Hekija's use and is manufactured at the same time as the suit's development. When precision fire is needed, the blades on the suit's forearms are deployed to further secure the rifle. When moving, the rifle can be stored on the suit's rear waist armor.


 * Tobiguchi Blade
 * Created as a result of research on Hekija's equipment, it is currently undergoing trials. The tobiguchi blade has a special shape in order to realize a combat style that take full advantage of Hekija's mobility. It can be stored on the suit's rear waist armor when not in use.