GAT-X102 Duel Gundam

The GAT-X102 Duel Gundam was an Earth Alliance prototype mobile suit developed as part of the G Project in Cosmic Era 71. The Duel Gundam was designed as a balanced general-purpose mobile suit, serving as the baseline for the G Project’s mobile suit development. The mobile suit was captured by ZAFT forces during their attack on Heliopolis and was subsequently piloted by Yzak Joule, making it one of the four stolen G Project mobile suits.

Model Code Explanation: The “GAT” designation indicated an Earth Alliance General-purpose Assault Tactical mobile suit, whilst “X” denoted an experimental prototype. The “102” model number indicated it was part of the G Project’s five mobile suit development programme.

History

The Duel Gundam was developed as part of the Earth Alliance’s G Project, serving as the baseline general-purpose mobile suit from which other G Project mobile suits were derived. The Duel was designed for balanced combat capabilities, with standard armament and performance that made it versatile in various combat scenarios.

During ZAFT’s attack on Heliopolis, the Duel Gundam was successfully captured along with three other G Project mobile suits. Yzak Joule, a ZAFT Elite pilot, was assigned to pilot the Duel, utilising its balanced capabilities to engage Earth Alliance forces throughout the First Alliance-PLANT War.

The Duel Gundam was later equipped with the Assault Shroud, an additional equipment package that enhanced its combat capabilities with additional armor and weapons. This modification improved the Duel’s performance and survivability, making it more effective in combat operations.

Design

The Duel Gundam’s design emphasised balanced performance and versatility, serving as the standard against which other G Project mobile suits were measured. The mobile suit featured Phase Shift Armor like other G Project mobile suits, providing excellent protection against physical attacks. The Duel’s design was more conventional compared to other G Project mobile suits, reflecting its role as the baseline unit.

The mobile suit’s color scheme, primarily blue and white, gave it a distinctive appearance that set it apart from other mobile suits. The Duel’s overall design emphasised its role as a general-purpose combat unit, with balanced capabilities rather than specialised functions.

Armaments

The Duel Gundam’s armament was designed for general-purpose combat, with standard beam weapons providing balanced offensive capabilities. The mobile suit carried a beam rifle, beam sabres, and a shield, giving it versatility in various combat scenarios.

57mm High-Energy Beam Rifle

The Duel’s primary ranged weapon was a standard beam rifle that fired concentrated energy beams. The weapon provided effective firepower against most mobile suits and was suitable for various combat ranges.

MA-M20 “Lupus” Beam Sabres

Two beam sabres stored in the Duel’s backpack provided close-combat capability. These weapons generated plasma blades capable of cutting through most materials, making them effective for close combat.

Shield

The Duel carried a physical shield that could protect against both physical and beam attacks. The shield’s design incorporated Phase Shift Armor for enhanced durability.

Assault Shroud

The Duel Gundam could be equipped with the Assault Shroud, an additional equipment package that provided enhanced armor, additional weapons including missile launchers, and improved defensive capabilities. The Assault Shroud transformed the Duel into a more heavily armored assault unit.

Known pilots

• Yzak Joule

Variants

• GAT-X102 Duel Gundam + Assault Shroud – Enhanced version with additional armor and weapons

Behind the scenes

The Duel Gundam was designed by Kunio Okawara for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, serving as Yzak Joule’s mobile suit. The Duel was designed as the baseline unit for the G Project, with other mobile suits like the Strike, Aegis, Blitz, and Buster being variations on the Duel’s basic design.

The mobile suit’s name, “Duel”, reflected its role as a standard combat unit designed for direct engagement with enemy forces. The Assault Shroud equipment package was added to provide visual variety and to demonstrate the G Project mobile suits’ modular capabilities.

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED – Primary appearance
• Various video games including SD Gundam G Generation series

External links

• GAT-X102 Duel Gundam on MAHQ
• GAT-X102 Duel Gundam on the Gundam Wiki