The Akatsuki Gundam with its Shiranui Space Pack, effective in cosmic conflicts.
The ORB-01 Akatsuki Gundam is an advanced Mobile Suit developed by the Orb Union, which played a crucial role in the Cosmic Era conflicts. Primarily operated by the Orb National Defense Force and the Three Ships Alliance, this Mobile Suit made its debut in the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny and reappeared in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom. It was initially piloted by Cagalli Yula Athha and, subsequently, by Mu La Flaga.
History and Development
Morgenröte Inc., Orb's leading manufacturing corporation, conceived the Akatsuki Gundam by merging knowledge gained from studying the GAT-X105 Strike Gundam and its adaptable Striker Pack system with Orb's indigenous prototype technology. The project originally intended for this unit to become the standard Mobile Suit for the nation's National Defense Forces. However, significant technical difficulties and exorbitant costs associated with the "Yata-no-Kagami" anti-beam reflection system—its most distinctive trait—severely hampered development. This led to the project being frozen once the basic Mobile Suit frame was completed.
The standard configuration of the ORB-01 Akatsuki Gundam, Orb's last defense.
Despite the official suspension, development of its weapon system continued in secret, anticipating potential future needs. Orb's leader, Uzumi Nara Athha, ordered strict secrecy regarding the existence of this unique prototype, designating it as the nation's final line of defense or a vital support measure for his daughter, Cagalli Yula Athha, in times of extreme need.
The Akatsuki's distinctive golden armor from the rear, showcasing its standard configuration.
Equipped with the "Oowashi" Sky Pack, Cagalli first deployed the Akatsuki during the Second Battle of Orb to repel a ZAFT attack in the Second Alliance-PLANT War. Although its golden armor proved nearly impenetrable to beam attacks, close-quarters combat exposed vulnerabilities to physical weapons. As the war shifted to space, Cagalli entrusted the Akatsuki to Mu La Flaga, who utilized it extensively.
Cagalli first deployed the Akatsuki with the Oowashi Sky Pack in the Second Battle of Orb.
With the "Shiranui" Space Pack, the Mobile Suit played a pivotal role in the war's final phase, protecting the Archangel and the Eternal, and contributing to the destruction of the Requiem superweapon.
Mu La Flaga piloted this Akatsuki with Shiranui Pack during the final phase of war.
Years later, during the Foundation Conflict in C.E.75, Mu La Flaga piloted the Akatsuki once again. Utilizing the optional A-GXQ754/V2 Zeus Silhouette equipment set, he used its linear cannon to disable a key component of the repaired Requiem and subsequently employed the "Yata-no-Kagami" armor to reflect the superweapon's blast, neutralizing it temporarily.
The Akatsuki loading the Zeus Silhouette, highlighting its formidable optional armaments.
Akatsuki's 'Yata-no-Kagami' armor reflects Requiem's superweapon beam in C.E.75.
Technical Specifications
- Unit Type: Custom Multi-mode Mobile Suit
- Manufacturer: Morgenröte Inc.
- Overall Height: 18.74 meters (approx. 61.48 feet)
- Weight:
- 69.6 metric tons (approx. 76.72 tons) - Standard configuration
- 87.82 metric tons (approx. 96.80 tons) - With "Oowashi" Sky Pack
- 90.00 metric tons (approx. 99.21 tons) - With "Shiranui" Space Pack
- Power Plant: Ultracompact Energy Battery
- Pilot Accommodations: One pilot (in torso cockpit)
- Operating System: General Unilateral Neuro-link Dispersive Autonomic Maneuver (custom version)
- Armor: "Yata-no-Kagami" Anti-beam Defensive Reflection System
The distinctive golden head of the Akatsuki Gundam, developed by Morgenröte Inc.
Armament
The Akatsuki Gundam boasts a versatile arsenal that adapts to different combat environments through the use of interchangeable backpacks:
- 2 × 12.5mm (approx. 0.49 in) M2M5D CIWS: Integrated into the head, these rapid-fire physical projectile weapons effectively intercept missiles and engage lightly armored vehicles, offering reliable short-range defense.
- Type 73J2 Experimental Twin Beam Saber: Designed for close-quarters combat, this weapon generates beam blades at both ends of a combined hilt. It can be separated for dual-wielding or mounted beneath the beam rifle barrel to function as a bayonet.
The Akatsuki Gundam in action, demonstrating its combat capabilities with the Oowashi Pack.
- Type 72D5 "Hyakurai" Beam Rifle: This handheld primary weapon delivers considerable offensive power and rapid-fire capabilities, excelling in mid-to-long-range engagements. It includes a mounting point for the experimental beam saber.
- Type 71 Experimental Defensive Shield: Mounted on the left forearm or carried by hand, this shield primarily defends against physical projectiles. Its outer edges feature the "Yata-no-Kagami" coating, offering limited protection against beam attacks.
Akatsuki with Zeus Silhouette disables Requiem in C.E.75, showing its adaptability.
The Akatsuki expands its capabilities with optional equipment. The "Oowashi" Sky Pack incorporates two high-energy beam cannons (Type 73F Kai) coated with "Yata-no-Kagami" armor. The "Shiranui" Space Pack features seven guided mobile beam turret systems (M531R), which function similarly to first-generation DRAGOONs, capable of both offense and generating a massive protective beam shield.
The ORB-01 Akatsuki Gundam remains a testament to Orb's technological prowess. What are your thoughts on this golden Mobile Suit's performance in SEED Freedom? Let us know in the comments below!
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Sources
- ORB-01 Akatsuki Gundam | Gundam Wiki (Accessed November 26, 2025)
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