Brief Summary
This video explores the development history of the M1 Astray, a mobile suit from the Gundam SEED universe. It details its origins as a joint project between Orb and the Earth Alliance, its subsequent mass production, and the various modifications and variants that emerged throughout the series, including the Murasame and civilian-customized Astray units.
- The M1 Astray was developed to maintain Orb's neutrality through military strength.
- The design was based on stolen data and reverse-engineered technology.
- Numerous variants and customizations arose, including space-based, reconnaissance, and civilian models.
Introduction: Orb's Military Development
The neutral nation of Orb, while known for its peace, understood the necessity of a strong military to maintain its neutrality. Recognizing the threat posed by ZAFT's mobile suits, Orb initiated its own mobile suit development program. This led to a top-secret joint effort between the Earth Alliance and Morgenroete, Orb's leading weapons manufacturer, to develop mobile suits.
The Astray Prototypes
The collaboration between the Earth Alliance and Morgenroete resulted in five mostly identical Astray prototypes. These prototypes shared many features with their Alliance counterparts, utilizing the x100 frame and beam technology. However, Morgenroete couldn't replicate the phase shift armor, so the Astrays used less armor made of a special foam metal compound, making them lighter and more maneuverable. Unfortunately, all five Astray units were stolen during a ZAFT attack.
M1 Astray Mass Production
Despite the loss of the prototypes, Orb continued developing a mass production version called the M1 Astray. These retained many features of the prototypes, with visual changes to the armor and hard-wired boosters on the backpack. A significant challenge was making the machine pilotable for Naturals, which was partially solved with help from Kira Yamato, who optimized the operating system. This made the M1 Astray a powerful mass production unit, capable of competing with later ZAFT models.
M1 Astray Variants and Usage
The M1 Astray saw action in the Second Bloody Valentine War, often equipped with a new flight unit called the Shrike pack, designating them as M1 Astray Shrike. A space-only version, the M1A Astray, was also developed with improved thrusters, additional fuel tanks, a simplified leg structure, and a bigger V-fin for enhanced communication. These units were primarily used by the Sahaku family and deployed to guard the Amenominaka Hachida military satellite. Some were also given to ace pilots within the Three Ships Alliance.
The Murasame
The M1 Astray was succeeded by the transformable Murasame. While bearing some resemblance to its predecessor, the Murasame featured significant upgrades, including head-mounted CIWS, anti-air missiles, a high-energy beam cannon, and an upgraded beam saber. It also had atmospheric flight capabilities and could be equipped with a beam rifle and various missiles. Despite initial setbacks, pilots eventually mastered the Murasame, with ace pilot Andrew Waltfeld showcasing its high performance.
Murasame Variants
Two variants of the Murasame existed: a reconnaissance unit with a sensor radome replacing the tail stabilizer, and a space-only version called the Ootori, which featured a sensory unit, railgun, extra thrusters, and an upgraded fire control system. The Ootori was designed as an artillery and sniper unit, replacing the M1A in space and working in tandem with it.
Astray R Series (Race Astray)
Following the invasion of Orb and the destruction of Morgenroete, engineer Lowe Guele salvaged parts to create the Race Astray. Made from approximately 40% M1 Astray parts, these units were marketed to the Junk Guild and offered with various customization options, including a popular Gundam head pack. While contractually forbidden from being equipped with weapons, they were still capable of using them.
Civilian Astray DSSD Custom and Variants
The Junk Guild, in cooperation with the DSSD, developed the Civilian Astray DSSD Custom as a worker unit that could also serve in combat. It featured a visor to protect sensors and a unique electromagnetic propulsion system. These units were later sold to civilians, leading to further customizations, such as Leon Graves' Arms Astray PMC Custom, which was geared towards combat with enhanced sensors and a power receiving unit. The Junk Guild also produced the cheaper Civilian Astray Junk Guild Custom, featuring a backpack copied from the Astray prototypes.
Notable Civilian Astray Modifications
Several well-known modifications of the Junk Guild Custom included the Civilian Astray Zero Custom, which resembled the Blue Frame and was heavily armed; the Gundam Astray Violens Geist, piloted by an imposter of Lowe Guele; and the Turn Delta, modified by Lowe Guele himself, which combined the Delta Astray and the Junk Guild Custom. Additionally, the Mars Jacket featured parts directly from the Gundam Astray Red Frame Mars Jacket, enhancing both its appearance and performance.
