XVX-016 Gundam Aerial

XVX-016 Gundam Aerial
XVX-016 Gundam Aerial (XVX-016 ガンダム・エアリアル)
Unit Type
General-Purpose Space Mobile Suit
Profile
Other Names	S011-0093 (Permet Code)
Modes	Bit on Form
Developed from	XGF-02 Gundam Lfrith
Developed Into	MDX-0003 Gundam Schwarzette XVX-016RN Gundam Aerial Rebuild
Manufacturer	Shin Sei Development Corporation
Operator	Earth House
Developed by	Prospera Mercury
Known Pilots	Suletta Mercury Miorine Rembran Elan Ceres
Known Passengers	Miorine Rembran Elan Ceres
General Characteristics
Head Height	18.0 meters59.055 ft <br />708.661 in <br />
Weight	43.9 metric tons
Pilot Accommodations	1 x in chest cockpit
Man Machine Interface	GUND FORMAT
Operating System	SYS ver. ES (Ericht Samaya)
Movement
Propulsion	Fin Thruster
Equipment
Standard	8 x Shell Unit PPA
Optional	Mirasoul Flight Unit
Standard Armaments
Fixed	2 x Head Beam Vulcan Escutcheon
Handheld	2 x Beam Saber Beam Rifle (Beam Blade/Long Barrel Beam Rifle)
Remote	11 x Bit Stave
Real World
Mechanical Designer	JNTHED
Debut	The Witch and the Bride

The XVX-016 Gundam Aerial (ガンダム・エアリアル, Gandamu Eariaru^?) is a mobile suit introduced in Mobile Suit Gundam the Witch from Mercury. It is the main mobile suit of the 1st Season and is piloted by Suletta Mercury.

Technology & Combat Characteristics

This is an MS that Sulette Mercury brought to Asticassia School of Technology. Its basic structure, with joints imitating the human body moved using EMTs (electric motors), is the same as the standards of existing mobile suits manufactured by other companies. Although it can be operated by ordinary pilots, its performance is greatly enhanced compared to conventional units when Suletta is its pilot. Its powers are channeled through a new mineral called Permet, and its features are reminiscent of the characteristics of the forbidden machine known as GUND-ARMs, or "Gundams", which adopt a "GUND FORMAT" MS System intended to expand the capabilities of the human body.

Armaments

• Beam Vulcans

A pair of Beam Vulcans are mounted in the head. These are weak rapid-firing beam weapons used for dealing with lightly-armored vehicles, intercepting missiles, and damaging mobile suits at close ranges.

• Escutcheon

This is a multi-purpose offensive and defensive platform employing GUND-BIT, a next-generation remote-controlled swarm weapon system popularly, that uses the GUND FORMAT to organically link humans and mobile suits. It is composed of the eleven Bit Staves and has anti-beam field properties.

• Bit Stave

The eleven Bits (Bit Staves) can be detached to be used as mobile turrets with built-in beam cannons or as shields.

• PPA

Acronym for Permet Painted Armor, barrier against beam attacks deployed from the Bit Staves.

• Beam Saber

These are weapons for close-quarters combat that generate beam blades in conjunction with the sensors on the grips. The holder part rotates forward when taking it out from the mount holder on the back.

• Beam Rifle

The Aerial's portable firearm. Stored on the backpack's mount when not in use, it detaches and uses built-in thrusters to automatically be equipped on the Aerial's hand.

• Beam Blade

The Beam Rifle can also be used as a Beam Blade by generating a massive beam edge.

• Long Barrel Beam Rifle

By connecting the Bit Staves and making it long-barreled, the output boost increases firepower and improves shooting accuracy.

Equipment

• Shell Unit

A control terminal that enables the transmission and processing of vast amounts of information between the pilot and the machine. It emits light when the operating level of the GUND FORMAT reaches a fixed intensity, such as when operating GUND-BITs. A mysterious phenomenon occurred when the Aerial achieved Permet Score Six where the glow of the Shell Units changed from red to blue.

• Mirasoul Flight Unit

A flight unit developed by combining the resources and skills of the Earth House students that replaces the standard backpack for additional propulsion in space to match the FP/A-77 Gundam Pharact's mobility. Originally a defective MS flight unit made by the third-party manufacturer Mirasoul, it has been improved and modified to suit Aerial with changes to propulsion shift timing. It has built-in rotating maneuver thrusters equipped on both sides, they pop-up when in use to shift into a high maneuverability mode with high-mobility speed in three axes. The two Beam Sabers from the standard backpack are retained and stored in a retractable mount in the bottom part of the two main boosters.

Modes

• Bit on Form

By connecting the Bit Staves to the hardpoints throughout the machine, not only is it possible to quickly replenish electric power and propellant to the Bits, but it also improves the mobility and defensive performance of the Aerial itself.

Special Equipment & Features

• Override

While operating at a Permet score of 3, the Aerial was able to deactivate the Gundam Pharact's GUND-BITs. While operating at a Permet score of 6, the Aerial could deactivate "Antidote" attacks and take control of remote weaponry such as GUND-BITs and drones. This phenomenon is due to the formation of a unique hyper-dense information system that uses data storms to control enemy systems via Permet links.

History

Following the Vanadis Incident, the XGF-02 Gundam Lfrith, piloted by Elnora Samaya escaped to Mercury. It would be upgraded into a more refined and powerful mobile suit, resulting in the Gundam Aerial, and it is now the mobile suit where Ericht Samaya's life resides in. As the only mobile suit on Mercury, the Gundam Aerial would be piloted by Suletta Mercury growing up to undertake various utilitarian missions, including search and rescue.

In A.S. 122 The Gundam Aerial would be sent to the Asticassia School of Technology as Suletta's personal mobile suit. After Suletta challenges Guel Jeturk to a sanctioned mobile duel, the Gundam Aerial would see its first combat sortie against MD-0032G Guel's Dilanza, albeit initially piloted by Miorine Rembran who had hijacked the Gundam. After Suletta takes to the field to reclaim the Gundam Aerial, she uses its Bit Staves to destroy Guel's Dilanza, winning the match. A following rematch against Guel sees the Gundam Aerial take on the AI-controlled MD-0064 Darilbalde, and despite interference by the Jeturk house including the use of the school's fire suppression system to weaken ranged beam attacks, the Aerial ultimately prevails.

The next duel the Gundam Aerial would fight would be against Peil Technologies' FP/A-77 Gundam Pharact piloted by Elan Ceres in the space outside of the Academy. Due to the Gundam Pharact's specialty in high mobility space combat, the Gundam Aerial would deploy with the Mirasoul flight pack equipped to match the Pharact's mobility. Despite this upgrade the Gundam Aerial would struggle in the ensuing duel, until it unleashes a data storm that immobilizes the Pharact's remote weapons and distracts Elan long enough for Aerial's Bit Staves to deal the finishing blow.

After a brief respite where the Aerial would be used as the mascot for the fledgling GUND-ARM， Inc.'s commercial pitch, the Aerial would see combat once more against the Grassley House in a 5 versus 5 team battle. To counteract the the Gundam Aerial's abilities the Grassley House's CEK-077 Beguir-Pente' would use their Antidote systems to disable the Gundam Aerial's GUND-Format, preventing it from using its Bit Staves. In turn, Suletta unlocks the Gundam Aerial's Permet Score to level 6, allowing it to override the Antidote system and use its Bit Staves to turn the tide of battle. Even then, the Gundam Aerial sustains heavy damage in its fight against Shaddiq Zenelli's CFK-029 Michaelis, and is only saved from defeat by the intervention of Earth House and Chuchu's Demi Trainer.

With the Gundam Aerial severely damaged, it is sent to Prospera Mercury to be repaired and overhauled into the XVX-016RN Gundam Aerial Rebuild.

Gallery

Lineart

Cockpit hatch opening process

Manipulator

Luminescence detail of the various Shell Units parts

Mobile Suit Gundam the Witch from Mercury

Bit on Form (OP1)

Using Beam Saber without power limiter (OP1)

Activating Bit Staves (OP1)

In hangar (The Witch and the Bride)

Weapon selection menu (The Witch and the Bride)

Beam Rifle stored on backpack (The Witch and the Bride)

Firing Beam Rifle (The Witch and the Bride)

Firing Beam Vulcans (The Witch and the Bride)

Close-up (The Witch and the Bride)

Activating Bit Staves (1) (The Witch and the Bride)

Activating Bit Staves (2) (The Witch and the Bride)

With Escutcheon (The Witch and the Bride)

Bit Staves activated (The Witch and the Bride)

Bit Staves firing (The Witch and the Bride)

Bit Staves destroying Guel's Dilanza (The Witch and the Bride)

Bit Staves destroying Guel's Dilanza (2) (The Witch and the Bride)

Grabbing Beam Saber (The Witch and the Bride)

Wielding Beam Saber (The Witch and the Bride)

Close-up with Shell Units activated (Guel's Pride)

Using Beam Rifle with two Bit Staves attached (Guel's Pride)

Clashing with Darilbalde (Guel's Pride)

With Mirasoul Flight Unit equipped (A Gloomy Song)

Rear, with Mirasoul Flight Unit (A Gloomy Song)

Close-up with Mirasoul Flight Unit (A Gloomy Song)

Firing Beam Rifle (A Gloomy Song)

Beam Saber storage on Mirasoul Flight Unit (A Gloomy Song)

Clashing with Pharact (A Gloomy Song)

Blocking shot from Pharact's Beam Arquebus with Bit Staves (A Gloomy Song)

Blocking beam shot with Escutcheon (A Gloomy Song)

Using vernier on Mirasoul Flight Unit (A Gloomy Song)

Using Permet Override (1) (A Gloomy Song)

Using Permet Override (2) (A Gloomy Song)

With Suletta in GUND-ARM, Inc. Promotion Video (Their Choice)

Attacking with Bit Staves (If I Could Take One More Step Toward You)

Battling while damaged (If I Could Take One More Step Toward You)

Activating Permet Score Six (If I Could Take One More Step Toward You)

Overriding Michaelis' and Beguir-Pentes' Beam Antidote (If I Could Take One More Step Toward You)

Close-up, with Permet Score Six activated (If I Could Take One More Step Toward You)

Using Beam Rifle's Beam Blade (If I Could Take One More Step Toward You)

Disabling Beguir-Pente with Beam Blade (If I Could Take One More Step Toward You)

Illustrations & Artwork

Episode 1 end card, by JNTHED.

Games

『機動戦士ガンダム エクストリームバーサス２ オーバーブースト』新規参戦機体│ガンダム・エアリアル【BNAM公式】

PV for Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Vs. 2 OverBoost

Gunpla

HGTWFM 1/144 Gundam Aerial (2022): Box art

HGTWFM 1/144 Gundam Aerial (2022): Front

HGTWFM 1/144 Gundam Aerial (2022): Rear

HGTWFM 1/144 Gundam Aerial (2022): Action pose

HGTWFM 1/144 Gundam Aerial (2022): Bit on Form

HGTWFM 1/144 Gundam Aerial [Permet Score Six] (P-Bandai exclusive; 2023): Box art

HGTWFM 1/144 Gundam Aerial [Permet Score Six] (P-Bandai exclusive; 2023): Product image

FM 1/100 Gundam Aerial (2023): Box art

FM 1/100 Gundam Aerial (2023): Front

FM 1/100 Gundam Aerial (2023): Rear

FM 1/100 Gundam Aerial (2023): Bit on Form

FM 1/100 Gundam Aerial (2023): Action pose

FM 1/100 Gundam Aerial [Permet Score Six] (P-Bandai exclusive; 2024): Box art

FM 1/100 Gundam Aerial [Permet Score Six] (P-Bandai exclusive; 2024): Product image

SDEX Gundam Aerial (2022): Box art

Action Figures

Gachapon Senshi Forte Gundam Aerial

Robot Spirits Side MS Gundam Aerial ver. A.N.I.M.E

Robot Spirits Side MS Gundam Aerial ver. A.N.I.M.E ~Robot Spirits 15th Anniversary~

Robot Spirits Side MS Gundam Aerial ver. A.N.I.M.E ~Robot Spirits 15th Anniversary~

Robot Spirits Side MS Gundam Aerial ver. A.N.I.M.E ~Robot Spirits 15th Anniversary~

Appearances

Television Series

• Mobile Suit Gundam the Witch from Mercury
  • Episode 1, The Witch and the Bride
  • Episode 2, Cursed Mobile Suit
  • Episode 3, Guel's Pride
  • Episode 4, Unseen Trap
  • Episode 5, Reflection in an Icy Eye
  • Episode 6, A Gloomy Song
  • Episode 7, Shall We Gundam?
    • Mentioned only
  • Episode 8, Their Choice
  • Episode 9, If I Could Take One More Step Toward You
  • Episode 10, Circling Thoughts
    • Recording only
  • Episode 19, Not the Best Way
    • Recording only

Novels

• Cradle Planet

Audio Dramas

• Cradle Planet

Notes & Trivia

• The term "escutcheon" in heraldry refers to the shield-like shape that a coat-of-arms is either built around or within.
• In the series' first season trailers and opening song Shukufuku, the Aerial uses blue colored beams, similar to its predecessor, the XGF-02 Gundam Lfrith. These blue beams indicate output intended for actual combat. While the blue beams were included or depicted with early merchandise releases, the Aerial is never seen using blue beams in the anime. That's because the Aerial is depicted with green colored beams that have output abiding to Asticassia School of Technology limits. Such releases include:
  • The High Grade the Witch from Mercury Gunpla kit.
  • The Full Mechanics Gunpla kit.
  • The SD Gundam EX-Standard Gunpla kit.
  • The normal release of the Robot Spirits action figure.
  • The Chogokin action figure.
• Aside from flashbacks or ending visuals, the original form of the Aerial only directly appears in nine episodes, after which it is upgraded into the Aerial Rebuild.
• The name "Aerial" may be a reference to the character Ariel in Shakespeare's The Tempest.
  • References to The Tempest can be seen elsewhere in The Witch from Mercury, such as X-EX01 Gundam Calibarn being named similarly to the character Caliban.
• In Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Vs. 2 OverBoost's popularity poll, Gundam Aerial was voted as the most popular 2000 cost unit.

External Links

• Profile on the Official Website (Japanese)
• Profile on the Official English Gundam.Info Subsite

This article is part of Project: G-Witch

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Project Leader: User:Masked Man 89