MBF-M1 Astray

(Redirected from Orb Union Astray mobile suit)

Spoiler warning: Plot or ending details follow.

In the fictional universe of Gundam SEED the Astray series mobile suits are a series of light mobile suits build by the Orb Union during the Bloody Valentine War. Benefiting from the Earth Alliance's G Project research, the Astrays copy most of the major features of the Gundam mobile suits except for Phase Shift armor, which Orb cannot duplicate by observation. Orb mobile suits are designated "MBF" (for Main Battle Figure). The prototype models were the MBF-P01 Astray Gold Frame, MBF-P02 Astray Red Frame, and MBF-P03 Astray Blue Frame.

MBF-M1 "M1 Astray"

The base production model of the Astray is the MBF-M1, commonly simply called the "M1 Astray". This model's armaments are identical those of the Gundam Astray units in their original, unmodified state. The M1 Astray is an all-purpose, all-environment mobile suit, suitable for use on Earth or in space. To increase mobility, the M1 Astrays are fitted with a fixed "flight pack" derived from the GAT-X105 Strike's Aile Striker pack. The M1 Astrays were test-piloted by Asagi Caldwell, Juri Wu Nien, and Mayura Lapats, but little progress was made until Strike pilot Kira Yamato assisted in creating a Natural-use operating system. Even before this OS was completed, Orb puts the M1 Astray into mass production. However, this proves insufficient when the Earth Alliance invades Orb, as even though they proved individually superior to the GAT-01 Strike Dagger, Orb's forces are eventually overwhelmed. Several of the surviving M1 Astrays are loaded onto the battleship Kusanagi to escape into space, where they provide the bulk of the Triple Ships Alliance's mobile suit compliment.

The Orb Union also developed an advanced, space-optimized version of the Astray, called the MBF-M1A "M1A Astray", which is mostly identical but possesses extra vernier thrusters for enhanced space maneuverability, and has a better atmospheric seal. It can also use a large beam sniper rifle in the space of the M1 Astray's smaller rifle. Most M1A Astrays are operated by the Sakahu family, who owned its production facility, though one unit, piloted by Barry Ho, was aboard the battleship Kusanagi and fought at Jachin Due.

In CE 73, the successor to the Astray series, the MVF-M11C Murasame is fielded. The Murasame is largely similar in armament, but was capable of transforming into a jet fighter for aerial combat. In addition, some of the older M1 Astrays are fitted with the "EF-24R Flight Rotor Shrike", which mounts on the existing flight pack for improved aerial capabilities.

In addition, Junk Guild technician Yoon Zefan develops an unarmed variant, the MWF-JG71 Raysta, after escaping the EA invasion of Orb. The name "Raysta" is an anagram of "Astray", indicating the design's lineage. In late CE 71, the Junk Guild begins renting Raystas to civilians, on the condition that these mobile suits not be refitted with weapons or used for any violent purposes.

1 Specifications

Specifications

MBF-M1 M1 Astray

Manufacturer: Orb Union
Users: Orb Union, Triple Ship Alliance
Unit type: mass production general purpose mobile suit
Head height: 17.53 meters
Weight: Max gross 53.5 t
First Deployment: CE 71
Special equipment: flight pack
Powerplant: Ultracompact energy battery
Armament: "Igelstellung" 75mm CIWS x2, Type 70 beam saber x2, Type 71 beam rifle x1, shield x1
Pilot(s): Asagi Caldwell, Juri Wu Nien, Mayura Lapats, Maruoichi, Jean Carry, Rondo Gina Sahaku, Lowe Guele

MBF-M1+EF24R M1 Astray Shrike

Manufacturer: Orb Union
Users: Orb Union
Unit type: mass production general purpose mobile suit
Head height: 17.53 meters
Weight: Max gross 65.3 t
First Deployment: unknown
Special equipment: flight pack, EF-24R Flight Rotor Shrike
Powerplant: Ultracompact energy battery
Armament: "Igelstellung" 75mm CIWS x2, Type 70 beam saber x2, Type 71 beam rifle x1, shield x1

MBF-M1A M1A Astray

Manufacturer: Orb Union
Users: Orb Union, Triple Ship Alliance
Unit type: mass production space use mobile suit
Head height: unknown
Weight: unknown
Special equipment: flight pack
First Deployment: CE 71
Powerplant: Ultracompact energy battery
Armament: "Igelstellung" 75mm CIWS x2, Type 70 beam saber x2, Type 71–44 Kai sniper beam rifle x1, shield x1
Pilot: Barry Ho

MBF-M2 M2 Astray

no information available

MWF-JG71 Raysta

Manufacturer: Junk Guild
Users: Junk Guild, civilians
Unit type: civilian use mobile suit
Head height: unknown
Weight: unknown
Special equipment: unknown
First Deployment: CE 71
Powerplant: Ultracompact energy battery
Armament: Gun Camera (Jess's)
Pilot(s): Jess Rabble