Archangel

The Archangel (アークエンジル, Ākuenjiru) was an Earth Alliance mobile suit carrier that served as the primary vessel for the protagonists of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny. Commanded by Murrue Ramius, the Archangel played a central role in the First Alliance-PLANT War and Second Alliance-PLANT War, serving as both a military vessel and a refuge for civilians and crew members caught in the conflict.

History

Development and deployment

The Archangel was developed as part of the Earth Alliance’s G Project, designed to support the advanced Gundam mobile suits developed at Heliopolis. The vessel was equipped with advanced systems including Phase Shift Armor and powerful beam weapons, making it one of the most capable ships in the Alliance fleet.

The Archangel was deployed during ZAFT’s attack on Heliopolis in CE 71, where it served as the escape vessel for civilians and Alliance personnel. The ship’s captain, Murrue Ramius, and her crew were forced to operate with a mixed crew of military personnel and civilians, creating unique challenges throughout the ship’s operations.

First Alliance-PLANT War

During the First Alliance-PLANT War, the Archangel became a central figure in the conflict, serving as the base of operations for Kira Yamato and the GAT-X105 Strike Gundam. The ship’s advanced capabilities and the Strike Gundam’s performance made the Archangel a formidable opponent, despite being outnumbered and outgunned by ZAFT forces.

The Archangel participated in numerous battles throughout the war, often serving as the focal point of major engagements. The ship’s crew, composed of both military personnel and civilians, developed strong bonds as they faced danger together, creating a sense of family that sustained them through the conflict.

Three Ships Alliance

Following the outbreak of hostilities and the escalation of the war, the Archangel became part of the Three Ships Alliance, a neutral coalition comprising the Archangel, the Eternal, and the Kusanagi. This alliance sought to end the war through intervention rather than victory, working to protect civilians and de-escalate conflicts.

As part of the Three Ships Alliance, the Archangel continued to serve as a base of operations for Kira and the Strike Gundam, and later for the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam. The ship’s role in the alliance demonstrated its importance as a symbol of resistance and hope.

Second Alliance-PLANT War

In Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, the Archangel continued to serve with the Three Ships Alliance, now operating independently from the Earth Alliance. The ship’s crew remained committed to their mission of protecting civilians and working towards peace, even as the Second Alliance-PLANT War erupted.

The Archangel’s continued operations demonstrated the ship’s durability and the dedication of its crew. Despite facing new threats and challenges, the vessel remained a symbol of hope and resistance throughout the conflicts.

Design

The Archangel featured a distinctive design that emphasised its role as a mobile suit carrier and combat vessel. The ship’s hull incorporated Phase Shift Armor, providing excellent protection against both physical and beam attacks. The vessel’s large size and extensive armament made it capable of engaging in fleet battles whilst supporting mobile suit operations.

The Archangel’s design included two mobile suit catapults, allowing for rapid deployment of mobile suits during combat. The ship’s hangar bays could accommodate multiple mobile suits, providing support for operations throughout the conflicts.

Armaments

The Archangel was equipped with powerful weapons that made it effective in fleet combat:

Gottfried Mk.71 225cm high-energy beam cannon

Two large beam cannons mounted on the Archangel’s sides provided devastating long-range firepower. These weapons could engage enemy ships and mobile suits at extended ranges, making the Archangel effective in fleet battles.

Valient Mk.8 110cm linear cannon

Two linear cannons provided additional long-range firepower, complementing the beam cannons. These weapons fired solid projectiles at high velocities, providing kinetic energy attacks.

Lohengrin positron blaster cannon

Two positron blaster cannons mounted on the Archangel’s bow provided the ship’s most powerful weapons. These cannons fired concentrated positron beams capable of destroying enemy ships and fortresses.

Igelstellung 75mm multi-barrel CIWS

Sixteen CIWS guns provided close-range defence against missiles and mobile suits, protecting the Archangel from close-range attacks.

Known crew

• Murrue Ramius – Captain
• Natarle Badgiruel – Executive Officer (First Alliance-PLANT War)
• Kira Yamato – Mobile suit pilot
• Mu La Flaga – Mobile suit pilot

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny
• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom (movie)

External links

• Archangel on the Gundam Wiki
• Archangel on MAHQ