ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam

The ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom is a mobile suit secretly built by ZAFT's rogue faction, the Clyne Faction, based on the earlier ZGMF-X10A Freedom. It utilizes a new engine design and advanced weaponry that give it several times the combat ability of the original Freedom. Strike Freedom has the same HiMAT (High Maneuver Aerial Tactical) mode of its predecessor, and is armed with 2 head-mounted CIWS, 2 beam sabers, 2 railguns, an abdomen-mounted multi-phase beam cannon, and 2 beam rifles that can be combined into a longer, more powerful rifle (similar to the guns of the older GAT-X103 Buster). In addition, parts of its 8 wing components can detach and operate as remote DRAGOON units, similar to those used by the ZGMF-X13A Providence and ZGMF-X666S Legend. For defensive purposes, Strike Freedom has beam shields mounted on its forearms. Strike Freedom's joints and hands are gold colored, which appears to be a purely cosmetic feature. Its companion unit ZGMF-X19A Infinite Justice has silver joints and hands. Like its predecessor, the Strike Freedom can be docked with a METEOR unit.

The ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom uses an updated version of the operating system Generation Unsubdued Nuclear Drive Assault Module complex.

The Strike Freedom is piloted by Kira Yamato. It makes its debut in Cosmic Era 74, when Kira boards the Eternal in the MBF-P02+AQM/E-X01 Aile Strike Rouge, and launches in the Strike Freedom to defend the ship from a ZAFT attack force. When it arrives on Earth, it confronts the ZGMF-X42S Destiny, piloted by Shinn Asuka, breaking up its battle with the ORB-01 Akatsuki (piloted by Kira's twin sister, Cagalli Yula Athha). The initial battle proved inconclusive, with neither unit causing any major damage to the other and their weapons seeming to be equal in power. However, the Strike Freedom's endurance appears to be greater, as the Destiny's weapons and speed can draw down its power faster than its reactor can replenish it. The Strike Freedom plays a pivotal role in ending the Second Bloody Valentine War in the final battle, severely damaging Rey Za Burrel's ZGMF-X666S Legend and using the METEOR to inflict damage that led to the destruction of the mobile fortress Messiah.

ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom
Manufacturer: Terminal User: Terminal, Orb Union Unit type: Prototype Assault Mobile Suit First Deployment: Cosmic Era 74 Head height: 18.88 meters Weight: 80.09 metric tons Special equipment: Phase Shift armor, Neutron Jammer Canceller, Super DRAGOON (Disconnected Rapid Armament Group Overlook Operation Network) system, hardpoint for docking with METEOR (Mobile suit Embedded Tactical EnfORcer) mobile weapons platform. Powerplant: Ultracompact nuclear fission reactor, power output unknown Armament: MMI-GAU27D 31 mm CIWS x2, MGX-2235 "Callidus" multi-phase beam cannon x1, MA-M02G "Super Lacerta" beam saber x2, MMI-M15E "Xiphias 3" railgun x2, MX2200 beam shield x2, MA-M21KF combinable high-energy beam rifle x2, EQFU-3X Super DRAGOON mobile weapon wings x8 (MA-80V beam assault cannon x1) Pilot: Kira Yamato

Trivia

 * The mobile suit was originally to be called the "Super Freedom", but the name was later changed to Strike Freedom in honor of Kira's first Gundam, the GAT-X105 Strike. Earlier rumors suggested the suit would be called "Nu-Freedom", a tribute to Amuro Ray's Nu Gundam, famous for using its distinct Fin Funnel weapon pods which the DRAGOON pods are highly reminicent of.
 * When Strike Freedom was shown in the 3rd opening animation, its head crest displayed the words "Liberta Modifica", which literally means "Modified Freedom" in Latin. Starting from Phase-39, the words now read "X-20A VENTI", which means "Twenty" in Italian and is a reference to the Strike Freedom's model number.