The Rud-ro.A, also known as the "Roa", is an advanced high-performance mobile suit developed by the Kingdom of Foundation using ZAFT technology, built in small numbers as the mainstay unit of the Black Knight Squad. It utilizes many advanced technologies, such as the new Femto Technology Armor to defend against beam weaponry.
Each Rud-ro.A unit can be accompanied by multiple ZGMF-1017Q GINN-R or AMF-101Q/4 DINN-R unmanned drone mobile suits, which are controlled from the Rud-ro.As to act as wingmen. To facilitate this, each Rud-ro.A unit can emit a targeting laser from their eyes which can "paint" a target for their drone companions to attack.
Armaments[]
OWC-M1R1/F High-Energy Beam Rifle
The Rud.ro-A's main ranged armament, the beam fired can easily destroy a battleship's beam cannon with one shot. It is stored at the back skirt when not in use.
OWC-QZ200 AMS Heavy Blade
An Anti Mobile Suit Heavy Blade is a solid blade with laser cutting edge, it can easily slice through a mobile suit with ease. Stored at the backpack when not in use.
OTS-M26 Shield
A simple solid shield attached to the forearm for defense.
Beam Mantle
A unique feature of the Black Knight Squad mobile suits, the beam mantle projected from the back can not only defend against attacks, but also be used in an offensive capacity.
A special armor technology developed by the Kingdom of Foundation, Femto Technology Armor is able to neutralize beam attacks and absorb their energy to recharge the mobile suit's batteries.
Using technology based off the ZGMF-X42S Destiny Gundam, the Rud-ro.A is capable of using Mirage Colloid particles in combination with its Beam Mantle to generate after-images capable of visually confusing opponents in battle.
At least four Rud-ro.A units were built, and while each have their own model number and nickname, the only noticeable difference between units is their accent color scheme.
The Black Knights' Rud-ro.As would sortie again to defend Requiem against the forces of the LHM-BB03S Millennium. All four Rud-ro.A units would be intercepted by Shinn Asuka's ZGMF/A-42S2 Destiny Gundam Spec II and Hilda Harken's GELGOOG Menace. After an extended battle where neither side had the upper hand, Shinn unleashed the Destiny Spec II's unique capability to create a swarm of afterimages, which Hilda took advantage of to destroy Redelard Tradoll's Black Knight Squad Rud-ro.A "Garnet". This caused the remaining three Black Knights to fall into disarray, giving Shinn the opportunity to destroy all three remaining Rud-ro.A units in rapid succession.[1]
HGCE 1/144 NOG-M4F2 Black Knight Squad Rud-ro.A (Griffin Arbalest Custom) (2024) Box Art
HGCE 1/144 NOG-M4F2 Black Knight Squad Rud-ro.A (Griffin Arbalest Custom)
HG 1/144 Black Knight Squad Rud-ro.A Redelard Custom & Daniel Custom & Liu Custom SET (P-Bandai exclusive; 2024)
HG 1/144 Black Knight Squad Rud-ro.A "Garnet"
HG 1/144 Black Knight Squad Rud-ro.A "Sapphire"
HG 1/144 Black Knight Squad Rud-ro.A "Spinel"
Notes & Trivia[]
The name "Rud-ro.A" could be derived from Rudra (रुद्र), a Rigvedic deity associated with Shiva. Rudra also means "who eradicates problems from their roots".
According to director Mitsuo Fukuda, the Beam Mantle equipped on the Rud-ro.A and Shi-ve.A was based on the cape worn by Tokai Teio from Uma Musume: Pretty Derby.[2]
Each of the Black Knights Rud-ro.A units is named after mineral stones used in jewelry: The orange Garnet, green Emerald, magenta Spinel, and blue Sapphire.
Black Knight Squad Rud-ro.A "Garnet" in wrong color
In a scene in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom, Redelard's Black Knight Squad Rud-ro.A is wrongly depicted with the color of Daniel's Black Knight Squad Rud-ro.A, resulting in a blue color rather than orange.
On the HGCE 1/144 model kit, the Rud-ro.A's Heavy Blade is erroneously stored with the cutting edge facing inward toward the suit rather than outward like in the SEED Freedom movie.
