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This article is about the mobile suit. For the anime series this unit is named after, see ∀ Gundam.

The System-∀99 ∀ Gundam (pronounced "Turn A Gundam," aka "∀," "White Doll" or "Mustache") is the titular mobile suit of ∀ Gundam. It is piloted primarily by Loran Cehack.

Technology & Combat Characteristics[]

The ∀ Gundam was originally created for interstellar warfare in anticipation of an invasion from powers outside the solar system. It represents the culmination of super-advanced technologies from eons past, though the specifics of these technologies remain largely unknown.[2] Despite historical lessons that most weapons are built for specialized purposes and that excessively multifunctional weapons are impractical, the ∀ was designed with a thorough emphasis on "single machine operations" (単機による作戦行動 Tanki niyoru sakusen koudou?), disregarding this principle.[2] It is said that the fear of extrasolar threats eliminated all restrictions on its development. Constructed without limitations, the ∀ transcended the concept of a mere weapon. This unique origin has led to speculation that the ∀ might be the legendary mobile suit "Gundam."[2]

Unlike other mobile suits, including those that predate the ∀ itself, the ∀ is powered by a DHGCP (Discontinuous Hyperoscillation Gauge Collapsing Pile)-type generator, which is essentially an artificial black hole. Like the MRC-F20 SUMO, the ∀ is driven by the IFBD (I-Field Beam Drive) system, which covers the unit with I-Field beams generated internally, and controls them to move the suit. This drive system leaves the inside of the suit mostly empty, as space is not taken up by anything other than the power reactor and generator.[3][4] The ∀ can therefore equip various weapons inside its chest, such as missiles or beam cannons.[5][6] The legs of the ∀ feature an array of thruster vanes with a fractal structure, where large panels subdivide into self-similar vanes resembling bird feathers, each a collection of two-dimensional nozzles equipped with ultra-small propulsion units containing micro-engines.[2][7] The powerful thrust generated by these ultra-small thrusters allows the ∀ to push a spaceship backward, as well as pull and drag mobile suits while flying in midair. The exact performance limits of the ∀'s thrusters, including their maximum speed and operational environment, are not known.[7]

The head of the ∀ serves both as a collection of sensors and the central core for the mobile suit's control. While the mobile suit is operated by the pilot, its movements are controlled by picking up the pilot's thoughts through the "Spine Pulse Sensor" installed in the pilot's seat.[7] Its head is roughly spherical in structure, with the beard-like parts serving as armor known as "cheek guards," designed to protect the cheeks.[8] The surface of the ∀ is covered with self-repairing nanomachines, known as Nanoskin (Nano-Surface Kinetic Improvement Nervation), which protect the unit at the molecular level.[9][10] The ∀'s armaments consist of a beam rifle, two beam cannons, two beam sabers, and a shield. As the demonstration unit of "System ∀," maintenance and support facilities are essential for the ∀. This system operates as a powerful tactical system in cooperation with the DOC (Device Operation Control) base.[1] However, the DOC base stops functioning in C.C. 2345, preventing it from demonstrating its full capabilities.[11] Most of the weapons stored inside the DOC, discovered underground in Vicinity, crumble upon exposure to air, except for the Gundam Hammer (Hyper Hammer), likely due to a malfunction of the nanomachines.[12]

The ∀ is capable of a devastating attack known as the "Moonlight Butterfly," which releases countless nanomachines that spread out like butterflies from its back. These nanomachines can disintegrate all matter, including artificial objects and organic materials.[13][14][15][16] They can also be used defensively, such as absorbing beam attacks and explosions.[17] The back weapon pallet of the ∀ was originally intended to be equipped with weapons based on the Seventh Generation Minovsky Physical Theory (7th-GMPT), a nondestructive MS-incapacitating technology, during the conceptual phase of the "System ∀." However, the development of such weapons was not completed in time for the demonstration test of "System ∀," and thus beam sabers were provisionally installed for melee combat.[18]

Armaments[]

  • Abdominal Beam Cannon[1]
A pair of beam cannons are the default equipment housed in the ∀'s abdomen, but they can be replaced with other equipment.[10] The beam cannons have a wide attack range and their beams cannot be counteracted by an I-Field, forcing the Turn X to sacrifice its "Carapace" weapon platform to protect itself.
The ∀'s beam saber is a melee weapon that fixes plasma into a sword shape using an electromagnetic barrier. The beam saber itself is designed to be smaller than those featured in previous Gundam series. It is stored in the rack at the rear of the shoulder cover, which can be raised from horizontal up to an angle of 45° to make it easier for the manipulator to grasp the saber body.[18] When combined, the beam sabers' output and range can be adjusted. The two beam sabers can also be held side by side to generate a longer saber blade. Additionally, they can function as defensive armament when the ∀ spins its manipulators in a 360° motion while holding them, creating makeshift beam shields. Upon excavation, the saber body was covered by a shell of nanomachines. In the original "System ∀" concept, the ∀ was intended to be equipped with a non-destructive MS incapacitating weapon based on the Seventh Generation Minovsky Physical Theory (7th-GMPT). However, due to delays in the development of the 7th-GMPT weapon, the beam saber racks were hastily assembled.[18]
  • Chest Multi-Purpose Silo[1]
The six multi-purpose silos located in ∀'s chest can be equipped with missile pods, beam drive units, and other weapons.[1] They are often loaded with Militia-made missiles of an unknown type following some research with defected Moonrace engineer, Niven Horace. Two of these silos are used to store ancient nuclear warheads for later disposal in space, until Loran uses them to destroy a fragment of the Mistletoe artificial satellite that is falling towards Von City of the Moon. Apart from warheads, the silos can also be used to store other things, such as livestock.[1]
  • Beam Rifle
Since the ∀ was designed not only to fight mobile suits but also massive space battleships, it is equipped with high-output directed energy weaponry.[2] The Beam Rifle is ∀'s primary weapon for medium and long-range combat,[10] capable of firing high energy beams at sublight speed.[19] A round dial on the stock is used to adjust the rifle's output. Firing at maximum output without adjusting the dial first can damage the rifle's beam condenser and, in the worst case, cause the barrel to explode.[7] The beam rifle can be stored on the back or on the rear skirt when not in use. The original rifle found with the ∀ on Mount Ark melts after firing just two shots, after that a new rifle is excavated from Vicinity's Mountain Cycle and is brought to the Gallop for the ∀'s use.
  • Shield
A defensive armament that can block both beams and physical attacks, including solid projectiles and even blast wave from a nuclear blast. A built-in mechanism allows the shield to slide forward when mounted on the forearm. The shield can be stored on the back or on the rear skirt when not in use. It is not part of the ∀'s initial armaments found on Mount Ark and is later excavated at Vicinity's Mountain Cycle. The shield is able to generate an I-Field that can deflect a JMA-0530 (Model U) Wodom's enhanced Mega Particle Cannon, which possesses the power to destroy an entire mountain in a single hit.[10][20] However, because the ∀'s defense ultimately depends on the "Moonlight Butterfly," the strength of the shield is not very high.[10] It is destroyed during the ∀'s first battle with the Turn X, but a new one is supplied to the ∀ after it is captured by the Ghingham Fleet and used during the decisive battles on Earth.
  • Gundam Hammer
The Gundam Hammer is a large spiked ball attached to a chain with four rockets built into the spherical body, similar to a flail in use. The ∀ could either throw or swing the hammer around itself to impact and damage its target through the sheer mass of the hammer. It can also be used as a chain to restrict enemy movement or spun quickly to create an impromptu shield. The rockets aid in increasing the hammer's speed, allowing for destructive drilling attacks on the enemy with the ball. Additionally, the hammer can deploy an I-Field to interfere with the enemy's drive system.[2] The Gundam Hammer that is found in the DOC Base located underground in Vicinity crumbles to dust moments after being used to ward off an attacking Wodom, but three more are later excavated from Vicinity's Mountain Cycle and is brought to the Gallop for the ∀'s use, although two of them are later lost in combat. The remaining one is briefly used by Sochie Heim's AMX-109 Kapool. It is also known as the "Hyper Hammer."
  • Minchi Drill
The Minchi Drill is a unique mace-like drill that the ∀ salvaged from the destroyed TAF-M9 Eagail. It is based on a shield machine (tunnel boring machine) used for excavations. This weapon can pulverize or even cut through mobile suits.

Special Equipment & Features[]

  • Core Fighter
The ∀'s cockpit block is located at the front of the pelvis. During an emergency, the cockpit block can detach together with the left and right front skirt armor to form a small, flight-capable escape pod known as "Core Fighter."[10] The inside of the cockpit is fitted with a full panoramic monitor and a virtual reality helmet known as "VR Met," which allows the pilot to accurately capture the information and location of enemy mobile suits.[21] The cockpit seat attachment has a function that secures the pilot to the seat instead of using a harness. Because of this attachment, Loran, who is naked during his first flight, ends up with stigmata on his back.[8]
  • IFBD (I-Field Beam Drive)
The ∀ employs the IFBD propulsion system, identical to the one used by the SUMO. The IFBD generates an I-Field Beam internally and extends it across the unit's surface, enabling movement by manipulating the energy field.[3][4] Unlike conventional mobile suits, the generator and drive equipment occupy minimal space, allowing the unit's frame to double as both armor and structural material.[1]
  • Moonlight Butterfly (月光蝶 Gekkouchou?)
Both the ∀ and Turn X are capable of a devastating attack called the "Moonlight Butterfly," which is performed by releasing countless nanomachines from the back section of the Turn-types.[16] This attack was responsible for turning civilizations on Earth into sand in the ancient past. The nanomachines can be used for both defensive and offensive purposes, such as disintegrating matter, absorbing energy from beam attacks and explosions, and slicing through a mobile suit's armor like a beam saber.[13][17] In sufficient quantities, the nanomachines can change the landscape of an entire region, which led to the formation of Mountain Cycles on both Earth and the Moon. In fact, the majority of Earth's landscapes were created by these nanomachines, as past destruction caused by them covered the planet with a new layer of topsoil. These mountainous terrains have a unique sandy texture, composed of remnants of apoptosed nanomachines.[22]
  • Nanoskin (Nano-Surface Kinetic Improvement Nervation)
The surface of the ∀ is covered with a nanomachine armor called "Nanoskin," which constantly repairs itself at the molecular level and regenerates damaged areas of the mobile suit.[10][23] In theory, as long as the unit's body and nanomachines remain, complete regeneration of the ∀ and even its pilot is possible.[10] Considered an intelligent or smart armor, the Nanoskin forms an incredibly strong chitinous multilayered structure composed of amino sugar-like polymers, which mitigates, offsets, disperses, and absorbs external impact. In the event of damage, the Nanoskin can repair and reinforce the surrounding areas immediately, thereby minimizing the damage.[9] The Wodom's armor is also equipped with Nanoskin; however, unlike that of the Turn-types, its Nanoskin cannot repair the unit's internal machinery.[24] The Nanoskin also has the ability to protect an object from deterioration over time, maintaining it in pristine and operable condition for thousands of years. It was used to cover technology buried in the Mountain Cycles, but it disintegrates upon exposure to air.[22]
  • Teleportation
The Turn-types, namely the ∀ and Turn X, were the culmination of super-advanced technologies from the Dark History era and are known for their ability to equip diverse weaponry as well as teleport.[16][25] The ∀ demonstrates the ability to teleport during a brief battle with G-M1F Bandit piloted by Merrybell Gadget, after it spins its beam sabers in front of the G-M1F Bandit, and once again in the midst of a battle between Sochie Heim and Sweatson Stero.[26]
  • System ∀
The ∀ was the demonstration unit of this system, which fundamentally overturned the conventional operational philosophy of mobile suits.[1][19] The model code, System-∀99, indicates it is the 99th iteration of the System ∀.[19] Originally, it functioned as a tactical system in cooperation with the DOC.[1] It is also said to be an operational system centered on a multi-purpose silo and its support systems, but the details are unknown. Additionally, the extent to which various systems, such as the IFBD or Moonlight Butterfly, were integrated into it remains unclear.[26][27]

History[]

The ∀ Gundam was originally developed in anticipation of armed conflict with hostile forces outside of Earth.[1] These extrasolar forces are said to have originally been humans who expanded beyond the solar system following the near-collapse of their civilization in an earlier era. Having lost contact with Earth, they eventually developed their own independent civilization.[2] The Concept-X 6-1-2 Turn X, which is believed to have been created by this civilization, drifted to the Earth sphere for unknown reasons prior to the beginning of the Correct Century. In response to the perceived threat posed by the Turn X's advanced technology and the specter of an invasion from powers outside the solar system, the people in the Earth sphere constructed the ∀ based on its system and technology.[28]

In the end, there was no invasion from outer space, but the recurring conflicts within the Earth sphere culminated in a final battle between two factions. The Earthlings, who possessed the ∀, believed that civilization should be reset and rebuilt, while the Moonrace, with their Turn X, sought to resolve all conflicts with the power of technology. In the climactic stage of the battle known as the “Final War” which involved all of humanity, both Turn-types were deployed. The Turn X was defeated in this decisive conflict, and Earth's civilization was destroyed by the ∀. In the aftermath of the war, the Earth's surface was covered by a new layer of topsoil and the Moonrace were forced to retreat from the Earth. Both Turn-types were then buried in the Mountain Cycles created at their respective final destinations.[28] These events are assumed to have led to the beginning of C.C. 0001.

In C.C 2345, the ∀ was found by Loran Cehack and Sochie Heim outside the city of Nocis, the capital city of Inglessa. At that time, the ∀ was known as the "White Doll" (referred to as such by most characters) and appeared to be a statue used in the coming-of-age ritual by teenagers. However, when the forces of Dianna Counter attacked Nocis, the ∀ became active and revealed itself to be an operational mobile suit. The ∀, primarily piloted by Loran, then allied with the Inglessa Militia in their struggle against the invading Moonrace, serving as their trump card against the Moonrace's more advanced mobile suit forces. Eventually, after accompanying the Willgem to the Moon, Loran learned the shocking truth about the ∀'s past from the data of the "Dark History," which contained records of ancient space wars leading up to the destruction of civilizations by the ∀.

The ∀ was later captured by the Ghingham Fleet on the Moon's surface after it was paralyzed by the Turn X's All-Range Attack, forcing Loran to escape in the Core Fighter. It was then fitted with a cockpit from a MRC-F20 SUMO and sent to Earth as part of Gym Ghingham's invading army, where Merrybell Gadget used the ∀'s Moonlight Butterfly to inflict damage on several Amerian towns. After the Militia reclaimed the ∀ by infiltrating the Willgem, Joseph Yaht piloted the ∀ in an attempt to defeat the Turn X but was overpowered and almost killed if not for his teammates' intervention. Loran then had the cockpits swapped and once again used the ∀ for the final showdown.

During their final battle at Lost Mountain, both Turn-types unleashed their Moonlight Butterflies and fought until they heavily damaged each other in close combat. Both Loran and Gym escaped unharmed and subsequently engaged in a short sword duel. Gym was then engulfed by the nanomachines, which formed a cocoon, as the Moonlight Butterflies from both Turn-types were unable to destroy each other. At the end of the battle, both Turn-types were enveloped in a nanomachine cocoon, sealing the menaces of Dark History once again.

Variants[]

  • System-∀98 ∀ Gundam, Prototype. Performance Demonstration Test Bed Unit (Test Bed ∀)
A test machine for the ∀ Gundam used for the demonstration of teleportation and relevant data collection. The unit's chest is hollow, serving as an armament platform intended for transferring weapons and ammunition from external sources through teleportation.[29]
  • System-∀99 ∀ Gundam, Full Equipment Type
The ∀ Gundam that is said to have been deployed prior to the Dark History. Little is known about this unit, but it differs from the one operated in CC in aspects such as coloring and design. Notably, a cross-shaped emblem can be seen on its chest.[29]

Gallery[]

Lineart[]

Animation[]

∀ Gundam[]

Mobile Suit Gundam Light of Life Chronicle U.C.[]

30th Gundam Perfect Mission[]

Manga[]

Illustration & Artwork[]

Games[]

Gunpla[]

Action Figures[]

Gashapon[]

Notes & Trivia[]

  • The chest of the ∀ Gundam has sometimes been depicted as bearing a white cross instead of being completely blue.
    • The Master Grade model kit of the ∀ Gundam includes the option to swap the blue cross-shaped piece on the chest with a white one.
  • Hajime Katoki redesigned the ∀ Gundam with a different mouthpiece that more closely resembles a standard Gundam. However, the Master Grade model kit, which he designed, retains the same design as the anime version.
  • The ∀ Gundam was chosen as the 100th Master Grade Gunpla model kit, and at around the same time, the first release of the ∀ Gundam DVD box set was announced.[27][32]
  • A Dark History version of the ∀ Gundam appears in various novels and games and was originally created for Harutoshi Fukui's novelization. A Newtype pilot is required to unlock the full powers of this ∀, which include several abilities not seen in the show, such as teleportation from Earth to the Moon.[33] Additionally, it can teleport its weapons and even beams by creating "Cocoons,"[34] it is also revealed to have a Psycommu System capable of channeling the Earth's "life force."[33]
  • A number of mass-produced ∀, featuring a visor and a grey color scheme are shown in the ∀ Gundam's prequel manga Wind of the Moon. At least four are known to have existed, operating alongside the ∀ during the Dark History.[30]
  • According to Akira Yasuda, writer and illustrator of Wind of the Moon, the mass-produced ∀ depicted in the story is called "ターンBジム."[35] This name can be translated as "Turn B GM" or "Turn B Jim."
    • Yasuda also noted the shoulder-mounted equipment of the Dark History ∀ in Wind of the Moon is a prototype non-destructive device that disables MS using the Seventh Generation Minovsky Physical Theory (7th-GMPT).[36]
  • Although SD Gundam did not appear in the series, Akira Yasuda has stated that the original concept for ∀ Gundam included SD Gundam as part of the "Dark History."[37]
  • The origins of ∀ Gundam's nanomachines have remained unknown; however, Akira Yasuda has mentioned that the nanomachines in ∀'s Nanoskin and Moonlight Butterfly were derived from the Devil Gundam's DG Cells.[38]

References[]

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 Official ∀ Gundam Website
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 ∀ Gundam - The Memory of Second Wind, p. 27
  3. 3.0 3.1 ∀ Gundam - The Memory of First Wind, p. 22
  4. 4.0 4.1 Dengeki Data Collection ∀ Gundam, p. 4
  5. ∀ Gundam - The Memory of First Wind, p. 23
  6. ∀ Gundam - The Memory of First Wind, p. 109
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 1/100 Master Grade ∀ Gundam model kit manual
  8. 8.0 8.1 ∀ Gundam - The Memory of First Wind, p. 102
  9. 9.0 9.1 ∀ Gundam - The Memory of First Wind, p. 74
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 1/144 High Grade ∀ Gundam Model Kit manual
  11. The Official Gundam Perfect File, Volume 99, p. 23
  12. Dengeki Data Collection ∀ Gundam, p. 7
  13. 13.0 13.1 The Official Gundam Fact File, Volume 76, p. 3
  14. The Official Gundam Fact File, Volume 88, p. 6
  15. The Official Gundam Perfect File, Volume 46, p. 8
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 The Official Gundam Perfect File, Volume 99, p. 24
  17. 17.0 17.1 The Official Weekly Gundam Mobile Suit Bible, Volume 86, p. 9
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 ∀ Gundam - The Memory of First Wind, p. 115.
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 ∀ Gundam Newtype 100% Collection Volume 1, p. 24
  20. ∀ Gundam - The Memory of Second Wind, p. 68
  21. The Official Gundam Perfect File, Volume 99, p. 4
  22. 22.0 22.1 The Official Gundam Perfect File, Volume 145, p. 24
  23. Syd Mead: Progressions TYO 2019 Official Website
  24. The Official Weekly Gundam Mobile Suit Bible, Volume 129, p. 33
  25. The Official Weekly Gundam Mobile Suit Bible, Volume 86, p. 32
  26. 26.0 26.1 ∀ Gundam Newtype 100% Collection Volume 2
  27. 27.0 27.1 Dengeki Hobby, May, 2007 issue, 20th anniversary of ∀ Gundam
  28. 28.0 28.1 1/100 Master Grade Concept-X 6-1-2 Turn X model kit manual
  29. 29.0 29.1 The Official Weekly Gundam Mobile Suit Bible, Volume 129, p. 27
  30. 30.0 30.1 30.2 ∀ Gundam: Wind of the Moon Chapter 1, Awakening
  31. https://twitter.com/gakky1967/status/1680455687930007553
  32. Hobby Japan, June, 2007 issue, Gunpla LOVE
  33. 33.0 33.1 Harutoshi Fukui, ∀ Gundam Cocoon on the Moon
  34. SD Gundam G Generation Genesis
  35. https://twitter.com/akiman7/status/462226183434690560
  36. https://twitter.com/akiman7/status/1260266804233908225
  37. https://x.com/akiman7/status/1577446025999966209
  38. https://x.com/akiman7/status/1716441377163424248

External links[]


∀ Gundam Mechanics
edit
Earth Militia
Mobile Weapon
Mobile Suit
AMX-109 Kapool | AMX-109 Kapool Corin Nander Custom | Armadillo | High Heel | MS-05 Borjarnon Gavane Goonny Custom | MS-06 Borjarnon | NRS-P701R Godwin | OZ-10VMSX Gundam Aesculapius | System-∀99 ∀ Gundam
Mobile Armor
Black Doll
Mobile Worker
MR-SPI05Ω"Jet Stream"

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Support Weapon
Anti-aircraft Cannon
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Mobile Worker
MR-SPI05Ω"Jet Stream" | MRC-C03 Bellona

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Magogame
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Almaiya class | Aspite | Gendarme | Soleil
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