Mobile Suit List: Duel Gundam

The GAT-X102 Duel Gundam is the first mobile suit (MS) developed under the Earth Alliance's "G Project" in the Cosmic Era time-line. It was featured in the series Mobile Suit Gundam SEED.

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Technology & Combat Characteristics

The GAT-X102 Duel Gundam was among the first to be completed in the Earth Alliance's G Project series of prototype MS, developed with the concept of a general-purpose machine and following the requirements for well-balanced performance. The Duel Gundam was used as a basis to set the standard for the future of their flagship MS.

The armament of the Duel is rather simple and consists of two head-mounted "Igelstellung" 75mm multi-barrel CIWS guns, which would later become standard weaponry on most suits to shoot down incoming missiles and close enemy units. For close combat, the suit features two beam sabers, which are usually mounted behind the shoulders of the suit. For ranged combat the Duel also uses a 57mm high-energy beam rifle with an attached 175mm grenade launcher. For defense the suit mounts a single physical shield.

Duel also has a bazooka as optional weapon, loaded with high-explosive rounds. The bazooka was taken and used by MBF-P01 Astray Gold Frame to escape from Heliopolis.

After being stolen by ZAFT and damaged in battle, the suit is upgraded with the so-called Assaultshroud armor, which fits several armor plates over the body that can be ejected if necessary. The armor also adds an additional "Shiva" 115mm railgun on the right shoulder and a 220 mm 5-barrel missile pod on the left shoulder for additional firepower.

As with the other suits developed under the G Project, the Duel was equipped with the new Phase Shift armor, making it nearly impervious to shell firing weapons.

Armaments

"Igelstellung'"75mm Multi-barrel CIWS: Mounted in the Duel's head are two "Igelstellung" 75mm multi-barrel CIWS guns. These light projectile weapons are used to intercept missiles and to destroy lightly armored vehicles, although it is classified as an anti-air weapon.

Beam Saber: These are the primary close range combat weapons and can slice through any armor that does not have an anti-beam coating.

57mm High-energy Beam Rifle: Similar to the one used by the Strike, the beam rifle can optionally be fitted with an underslung grenade launcher. This is the primary mid to long range combat weapon and can easily destroy a ZGMF-1017 GINN with one shot, but is mostly ineffective against suits with anti-beam coating.

175mm Grenade Launcher: Fitted underneath the barrel of the beam rifle. This weapon did not see much use, but could presumably fire a variety of grenades.

Hyper Bazooka: A weapon designed for the Duel but never used by it; the bazooka was taken for use by the Astray Gold Frame. It was made to fire high-eplosive rounds.

"Shiva" 115mm Railgun: Mounted on the right shoulder of the Assault Shroud armour, this weapon packed a significantly heavier punch than the Duel's other armaments, enough to pose a serious threat to the Strike.

220 mm 5-barrel Missile Pod: A basic high-explosive missile pod, similar to those mounted on the Buster.

Shield: Identical in design to the shield used on the Strike and its derivatives. A simple metal shield with a vision slit near the top.

System Features

Phase Shift armor: As with all of the G Project mobile suits, the GAT-X102 Duel is equipped with phase shift armor. When activated the Duel's color is changed from a light grey to a blue and white scheme with a bit of orange mixed in. Phase Shift armor, when activated, renders the Duel immune to physical attacks such as bullets, the GINN sword, or against missiles. However Phase Shift armor continually drains the battery of energy, shortening the mobile suit's combat endurance. Also the Phase Shift armor draws on even more energy each time it is struck.

GAT-X102 Duel Gundam