MBF-P02 Gundam Astray Red Dragon

The MBF-P02 Gundam Astray Red Frame Red Dragon is a variant of the MBF-P02 Gundam Astray Red Frame appearing in the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny Astray R photonovel. It is operated by Junk Guild member Lowe Guele.

Technology and Combat Characteristics
The MBF-P02 Gundam Astray Red Frame Red Dragon is a modification of the Astray Red Frame after he return from Mars. Lowe himself developed two special equipment system to be installed in the Red Frame to increase its combat and versatility potential. With that, he developed the Caletvwlch and the Ddraig Head, the former is a multifunctional handheld equipment, while the latter is a special head unit designed to complement the former. When equipped into the Red Frame, the unit's combat potential is increased.

The Red Dragon mounts three Caletvwlch units into the Red Frame's flight pack, making it resemble more like a Dragon's wings and tail and allowing the Red Frame to utilize a Mirage Colloid scattering device that can be used to control the air around Red Frame, helping the MS to maintain its balance while moving in the air and allowing it to remain stationary in the air with ease. The Ddraig Head also helps the Caletvwlch control the Mirage Colloid particles around it. Like the former unit however, it also retains its Gerbera Straight Katana.

Like other mobile suits that use beam weapons, the Red Frame is equipped with hand plugs to exchange energy with weapons the suit carries. However, it can also manipulate this energy into an energy ball that is discharged from the hand plug. This is often used as a emergency weapon, for example to temporarily blind enemies.

Armaments

 * CIWS
 * As with the other Orb Astray prototypes, the Red Frame is equipped with head-mounted "Igelstellung" 75mm multi-barrel CIWS.


 * "Gerbera Straight" Katana
 * While Red Frame had the same basic armament of the other two Gundam Astray units, Lowe dislikes the high energy requirements of the beam weapons. Therefore, he favors using the "Gerbera Straight", a mobile suit-sized katana given to him by the eccentric old swordsman Un No after Lowe repaired the damaged sword. Unlike the swords used by ZAFT suits like the ZGMF-1017 GINN, the Gerbera Straight is extremely sharp, and does not rely on the kinetic energy of a high-speed swing to cut through its targets.


 * Caletvwlch
 * The Caletvwlch is an original multipurpose equipment in the form of a large sword that combines a blade and welding torch and is powered by an internal battery. It takes its name from the legendary sword "Excalibur" and can be used for combat. Although its combat functions are sealed by a limiter in consideration of the "prohibition of armed private MS" provisions, the fact remains that this limiter can be easily released through a voice command.


 * In addition to the basic G Mode, the equipment features removable parts that allow for multiple modes. It also incorporates a Mirage Colloid scattering device that can be used to control the air around Red Frame, helping the MS to maintain its balance while moving in the air and allowing it to remain stationary in the air with ease. Furthermore, it can also be used to create an air current, propelling the MS foward. An unintended side effect is that the scattered Mirage Colloid particles can disrupt the Mirage Colloid functions of other MS nearby. Junk Guild has decided to put this equipment into mass production and Lowe Guele continues to further improve the Caletvwlch equipment with future additional functions.

Special Equipments

 * External connector
 * A connector for attaching additional equipment to the back of the suit. It is similar in function to the hardpoint on the back of the Strike Gundam. The connector is exposed when the backpack is lowered to the back skirt armor.


 * Flight unit
 * While staying in Orb, Lowe acquired an MBF-M1 M1 Astray flight pack, and modified it for use with Red Frame. The detachable backpack now features fuel tanks in its left and right wings, which give the modified flight unit greater cruising range than the original version. The flight unit seems to be attached to the external connector on Red Frame's back and serves only as a supplemental booster as Red Frame's backpack is still present. The Flight Unit itself is modified further, allowing it to store three Caletvwlch units.


 * Ddraig Head
 * An optional head unit designed by Lowe Guele, it is designed to be used in conjunction with the Caletvwlch. It has enhanced sensors, Mirage Colloid control functions and can emit a beam antenna under the V-fin. In addition to the saber function, it is also possible to draw letters and figures using the beam.

Trivia

 * Both of the names, "Caletvwlch" and "Ddraig", have an Welsh connection. "Caletvwlch" is taken from the Welsh "Caledfwlch", which is the Welsh name for the sword known in Latin as "Caliburnus" - or more commonly as "Caliburn" or "Excalibur". "Ddraig" is taken from the name of a Welsh red dragon, "Y Ddraig Goch", which appears on the flag of Wales.