ZGMF-X88S Gaia Gundam

Please note that this is the Gundam Wiki's article on the mobile suit; if you are looking for the article on the character then you should head to Gaia.

ZGMF-X88S Gaia Gundam
ZGMF-X88S Gaia Gundam (ZGMF-X88S~ZAFT,RGX-03~Earth Alliance ガイアガンダム)
Unit Type
Prototype Transformable Assault Ground Mobile Suit
Profile
Developed Into	GAT-X399/Q Wild Dagger ZGMF-X222Nya Nyaia Gundam ZGMF-X56S/ζ Gaia Impulse Gundam
First Seen	October 2, 73 C.E.
Manufacturer	Integrated Design Bureau
Operator	Mass-Divers Coalition of Volunteers Earth Alliance OMNI Enforcer Phantom Pain Three Ships Alliance Zodiac Alliance of Freedom Treaty
Known Pilots	Riika Sheder Stella Loussier Andrew Waltfeld Stea
General Characteristics
Overall Height	17.80 meters58.399 ft <br />700.787 in <br /> (MS mode)
Weight	69.85 metric tons
Power-plant	Ultracompact Energy Battery
Pilot Accommodations	Pilot only (in cockpit in torso)
Armor	Variable Phase Shift armor
Equipment
Standard	Deuterion Beam Energy Transfer System
Standard Armaments
Fixed	2 × MMI-GAU25A 20mm CIWS 2 × MA-M941 "Vajra" Beam Saber 2 × MA-81R Beam Assault Cannon 4 × MMI-GAU1717 12.5mm CIWS 2 × MR-Q17X "Griffon 2" Beam Blade
Handheld	MA-BAR71XE High-energy Beam Rifle MMI-RS1 Mobile Shield
Optional Armaments
Handheld	57mm High-energy Beam Rifle
Real World
Mechanical Designer	Kunio Okawara
Appearances*
Television	GSD: #1 - Episode #48 GBFT: First Seen in Episode #14 GBD: First Seen in Episode #8
Movie	Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny: Special Edition
Manga	GSDA
Novel	Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny (Novel)
Game	Dynasty Warriors Gundam Reborn Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs. Full Boost Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny: Generation of C.E. Mobile Suit GUNDAM SEED BATTLE DESTINY Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny: Alliance vs. Z.A.F.T. II

The ZGMF-X88S Gaia Gundam is a Mobile Suit introduced in the anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny.

Technology & Combat Characteristics

Developed as part of ZAFT's Second Stage Series, the ZGMF-X88S Gaia Gundam, like most of the MS in the series, can transform into a mobile armor (MA) mode which is specialized for combat in a certain terrain. In the Gaia's case it is focused on ground combat, and its MA mode resembles the four-legged TMF/A-802 BuCUE for easy and nimble movements on irregular or difficult ground surfaces. Combat-wise, the Gaia Gundam is mainly focused on close combat, but it is also equipped with some range weaponry to engage enemies from a distance. The suit also has high mobility due to the presence of a pair of three-linked thrusters-mounted wings, which also improve its AMBAC in space.

The Gaia's armament includes a beam rifle, a shield, a pair of beam sabers, several CIWS, a pair of beam assault cannons and a pair of wing-mounted beam blades, some of which are usable only in MS or MA mode. Despite the Gaia Gundam's specialization in ground combat, it is still effective in space combat. In fact, the MA mode can be used in space if there is something for it to step on, mainly places with many large objects like asteroid belts, large space debris and even onto other mobile suits. Like the other suits in the Second Stage Series, the Gaia Gundam is also equipped with a new form of Phase Shift armor known as Variable Phase Shift armor and is powered by a battery that can be recharged during battle using the Deuterion Beam Energy Transfer System.

Armaments

• MMI-GAU25A 20mm CIWS

A pair of MMI-GAU25A 20mm CIWS guns are mounted in the Gaia's head, and they are mainly used to shoot down incoming missiles or for suppressive fire. They are usable only in MS mode.

• MA-M941 "Vajra" Beam Saber

One of Gaia's two close combat beam weaponry, the pair of beam sabers are stored on the side armor and usable only in MS mode. The same model of beam saber is used by all beam saber equipped Second Stage Series MS.

• MA-BAR71XE High-energy Beam Rifle

A custom beam rifle used by the Gaia. In MS mode, the beam rifle is handheld when in use and stored on the side skirt armor when not needed. In MA mode, it is mounted on the right shoulder and can be fired in that manner.

• MMI-RS1 Mobile Shield

The main defensive equipment of the suit, it is anti-beam coated to protect against beam attacks. It is handheld when used in MS mode, and when in MA mode, it is mounted onto the abdominal region and protects the cockpit from attacks below.

• MA-81R Beam Assault Cannon

Mounted in the backpack, the pair of beam assault cannons provide the Gaia with additional ranged beam weaponry and can be used in both MA and MS mode. The beam assault cannons are the same as that used by ZGMF-X24S Chaos Gundam's mobile weapon pods.

• MMI-GAU1717 12.5mm CIWS

Four smaller caliber CIWS guns are mounted on the head of the MA mode, they are used to shoot down incoming missiles or for suppressive fire when the suit is in MA mode.

• MR-Q17X "Griffon 2" Beam Blade

The Gaia's second close combat beam weaponry, and the only melee weapon available in its MA mode. A pair of beam blades are mounted on the wings and allow the suit to quickly charge at an enemy and slice through it when in MA mode.

• 57mm High-energy Beam Rifle

The MBF-02 Strike Rouge's (Aile Strike Rouge in the original Anime, Strike Rouge Ootori in the HD remaster) beam rifle, it was given to the Gaia that was protecting the Eternal after it had lost its own rifle.

Special Equipment & Features

• Deuterion Beam Energy Transfer System

A new technology capable of recharging a mobile suit's battery through the use of a Deuterion Beam fired from a properly equipped battleship. However, since the suit was stolen by Phantom Pain, it's not used as none of their ships are equipped with such a system.

• Operating System

The Gaia uses the Generation Unrestricted Network Drive Assault Module like the other Second Stage Series suits.

• Variable Phase Shift armor

Like the other Second Stage Series suits, the Gaia has VPS armor, which is more energy efficient and capable of altering its strength, as well as color in the field, although this must be programmed beforehand. The change in color when the suit is used by Andrew Waltfeld is due to a change in VPS armor settings.

History

Gundam SEED Destiny

In late CE 73, ZAFT created a new series of advanced prototype mobile suits known as the Second Stage Series to succeed their previous generation of Gundams, which were all lost in the previous war. The ZGMF-X88S Gaia Gundam was one such MS, but before ZAFT could bring it into active service, Stella Loussier of the Earth Alliance's 81st Independent Mobile Group (better known as Phantom Pain) stole the mobile suit from Armory One. Escaping with the similarly stolen ZGMF-X24S Chaos Gundam and ZGMF-X31S Abyss Gundam, the trio attacked the mobile suits and military facilities of Armory One, causing massive damage.

The three stolen Gundams were soon engaged by Shinn Asuka in his ZGMF-X56S/β Sword Impulse Gundam and later by Rey Za Burrel's white ZGMF-1001 ZAKU Phantom and Lunamaria Hawke's red ZGMF-1000 ZAKU Warrior. They were nevertheless able to escape to their mothership, the Girty Lue, where the Gaia was given the new model number RGX-03. The Girty Lue then fled while being pursued by the new ZAFT battleship Minerva. Subsequently, the Gaia participated in a few battles in space. The first of which happened at the Debris Belt, during which Stella and her Gaia fought against Shinn in his ZGMF-X56S/γ Blast Impulse Gundam and Lunamaria in her ZGMF-1000/A1 Gunner ZAKU Warrior. Shortly after, Stella and the Gaia took part in the battle over the fragment of Junius Seven, mistakenly attacking the ZAFT forces trying to stop the fragment's drop.

The Gaia was later transferred to Earth and operated from the Spengler-class carrier John Paul Jones. On Earth, the Gaia fought against the Minerva and its mobile suit team thrice. The first happened in the Indian Ocean, when the Gaia sortied to guard a new EA base under construction from the ZAFT Forces. During the battle, the Gaia fought with the ZGMF-X56S/α Force Impulse Gundam to a standstill before being ordered to withdraw. Later, it participated in a chaotic 3-way fight between the Earth Alliance and Orb Union's combined fleet, the Minerva, and the neutral Archangel. Stella fought and defeated Heine Westenfluss and his ZGMF-X2000 GOUF Ignited, but was in turn damaged by the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam and forced to withdraw with the aid of the Chaos Gundam.

Stella eventually launched a solo sortie against orders at the Lodonia Lab in Suez, Egypt. There, the Gaia was disabled by the ZGMF-X23S Saviour Gundam and Impulse, and Stella was captured. The Gaia was then recovered by the Minerva, and shipped back to PLANT after being repaired. Later in the war, the Gaia was somehow acquired by the Clyne Faction, and its color scheme was altered to a mainly orange and yellow scheme. The recolored Gaia was piloted by Andrew Waltfeld, who used it only once to defend the Eternal, when the ship was discovered by ZAFT.

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny Astray

Before it was stolen, the Gaia was tested at Armory One by Riika Sheder. Courtney Heironimus revealed that the Gaia was originally designed with a Core Splendor system similar to that of the ZGMF-X56S Impulse Gundam, but this idea was later scrapped. He also indicated that with further developments it could be possible to develop Silhouette Packs that would allow the Impulse to have better performance in different environment. Jess Rabble then imagined how ZGMF-X56S/ζ Gaia Impulse Gundam, ZGMF-X56S/δ Chaos Impulse Gundam and ZGMF-X56S/ε Abyss Impulse Gundam might look like.

Variants

• ZGMF-X88S Gaia Gundam [Anubis]

A custom Gaia Gundam Gunpla battled by Yana Kuramochi in the debut battle of her ZGMF-X222Nya Nyaia Gundam. It appears functionally identical to the standard Gaia, but the red parts have been repainted blue.

Gallery

Lineart

MR-Q17X "Griffon 2" Beam Blades deployed in MA Mode

MA-BAR71XE High-energy Beam Rifle

MMI-RS1 Mobile Shield

Anime

Gundam SEED Destiny

In SEED Destiny OP 1

Head close up (VPS Armor deactivated), note the head crest's "X88S OTTO" (Angry Eyes, HD Remaster)

Front (VPS Armor deactivated) (Angry Eyes, HD Remaster)

With Abyss and Chaos Gundams (VPS Armor deactivated) in hangar (Angry Eyes, HD Remaster)

With Abyss and Chaos Gundams (VPS Armor activated) in hangar (Angry Eyes, HD Remaster)

Head close up

Firing MA-BAR71XE High-energy Beam Rifle (Angry Eyes, HD Remaster)

MA Mode (Side) (Angry Eyes, HD Remaster)

Using a MA-M941 "Vajra" Beam Saber (Those Who Call For War, HD Remaster)

Rear (Those Who Call For War, HD Remaster)

Close up (Those Who Call For War, HD Remaster)

Firing MMI-GAU25A 20mm CIWS (Those Who Call For War, HD Remaster)

Firing MA-81R Beam Assault Cannons & MA-BAR71XE High-energy Beam Rifle (Those Who Call For War, HD Remaster)

Vs. Sword Impulse Gundam (Those Who Call For War, HD Remaster)

Technical Data (Warning Shots, HD Remaster)

Kicked by Lunamaria's ZAKU Warrior

Firing MA-81R Beam Assault Cannons in MA Mode (The Shadows of War, HD Remaster)

Close up of MA Mode's head (The Shadows of War, HD Remaster)

MA-BAR71XE High-energy Beam Rifle caught by Heine Westenfluss's GOUF Ignited's Heat Rod (The Shadows of War, Original)

MA-BAR71XE High-energy Beam Rifle caught by Heine Westenfluss's GOUF Ignited's Heat Rod (The Shadows of War, HD Remaster)

Using MR-Q17X "Griffon 2" Beam Blade (The Shadows of War, HD Remaster)

Leaping into the air despite damaged forearms (The Shadows of War, HD Remaster)

Slicing apart Heine's GOUF Ignited with MR-Q17X "Griffon 2" Beam Blade (The Shadows of War, Original)

Slicing apart Heine's GOUF Ignited with MR-Q17X "Griffon 2" Beam Blade (The Shadows of War, HD Remaster)

Kicked by Freedom Gundam (The Shadows of War, HD Remaster)

Defeated by Force Impulse Gundam (The Place of Sin, Original)

Defeated by Force Impulse Gundam (The Place of Sin, HD Remaster)

Recovered by ZAFT (Unfulfilled Feelings, HD Remaster)

Head close up (Andrew Waltfeld Custom) (Kira of the Skies, HD Remaster)

Front (Andrew Waltfeld Custom) (Kira of the Skies, HD Remaster)

Rear (Andrew Waltfeld Custom) (Kira of the Skies, HD Remaster)

MA Mode, front (Andrew Waltfeld Custom) (Kira of the Skies, HD Remaster)

Using MMI-RS1 Mobile Shield to block beam shots (Andrew Waltfeld Custom) (Kira of the Skies, HD Remaster)

Aiming 57mm High-Energy Beam Rifle (Andrew Waltfeld Custom) (Kira of the Skies, HD Remaster)

Firing 57mm High-Energy Beam Rifle (Andrew Waltfeld Custom) (Kira of the Skies, HD Remaster)

Changing to Mobile Suit mode

Gundam Build Fighters Try

Team Tiger Rabbit, from left: Walter Gundam, Gaia Gundam, and Jester Gundam.

Gundam Build Divers

Charging in MA Mode (Ep 08)

Firing MA-81R Beam Assault Cannons (Ep 08)

MA Mode's head close up (Ep 08)

With MA-M941 "Vajra" Beam Saber (Ep 08)

Face close up (Ep 08)

Defeated by Gundam 00 Diver Ace (Ep 08)

Gaia Gundam Gunpla in background (Ep 08)

Illustrations & Artwork

Games

Gundam War card

In Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Battle Destiny

Andrew Waltfeld Custom in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Battle Destiny

Gunpla

1/144 ZGMF-X88S Gaia Gundam (2004): box art

1/144 HG SEED ZGMF-X88S Gaia Gundam (2005): box art

1/144 HG SEED ZGMF-X88S Gaia Gundam (Andrew Waldfeld Custom) (2005): box art

Action Figures

Mobile Suit in Action (MSiA / MIA) "ZGMF-X24S Gaia Gundam" (2004): package front view.

MSiA / MIA "ZGMF-X24S Gaia Gundam (Andrew Waltfeld Custom)" (2005): package front view.

Gaia Gundam (Deactive Mode) as part of MSiA / MIA "Deactive Set Phase 3G" triple set (Limited edition release; 2005): package front view.

Gaia Gundam (Deactive MA Mode; center) as part of MSiA / MIA "Deactive Set Phase 3G" triple set (Limited edition release; 2005): product samples.

Notes & Trivia

• Gaia's head crest displays the text "X-88S OTTO", which means "Eight" in Italian and is a reference to the Gaia's series number.
• In Gaia Gundam's model number, "ZGMF" means "Zero Gravity Maneuver Fighter", "X" means it is a prototype, the first 8 means it is one of the mobile units with 4 legs, the second 8 is it's series number, and the "S" represents "Second Stage".
• According to the "Destiny IQ" section of the official Japanese Gundam SEED Destiny website, the Gaia in the hands of the Clyne Faction is indeed the original Gaia unit. Also, it was the only stolen Second Stage Series Gundam that wasn't destroyed.
• The recolored Gaia Gundam's orange-and-yellow color scheme resembles that of its pilot, Andrew Waltfeld's previous quadruped unit that he co-piloted in the First Alliance-PLANT War, TMF/A-803 LaGOWE, although the Gaia's orange scheme is of a darker shade.

Appearances

Television Series

• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny
  • PHASE-01, Angry Eyes
    • First Appearance
  • PHASE-02, Those Who Call For War
  • PHASE-03, Warning Shots
  • PHASE-04, Stardust Battlefield
  • PHASE-05, Scars That Won't Heal
  • PHASE-06, The End of the World
  • PHASE-16, Struggle in the Indian Ocean
  • PHASE-20, Past
  • PHASE-23, The Shadows of War
  • PHASE-25, The Place of Sin
  • PHASE-26, The Promise
  • PHASE-39, Kira of the Skies

References

Gaia Gundam File 01 (Gundam Perfect File, Issue 41, Pg 9)

Gaia Gundam File 02 (Gundam Perfect File, Issue 41, Pg 10)

Profile, front and rear linearts

Profile & various linearts