GN-001 Gundam Exia

The GN-001 Gundam Exia was a close-combat specialised mobile suit developed by Celestial Being and piloted by Setsuna F. Seiei during the organisation’s armed intervention operations in Anno Domini 2307. The Exia was one of four third-generation Gundams deployed by Celestial Being, distinguished by its extensive melee weaponry and emphasis on close-range combat capabilities.

History

Development and deployment

The Gundam Exia was developed by Celestial Being as part of its third-generation Gundam mobile suit programme, designed to carry out armed intervention operations against conflicts worldwide. The Exia was specifically designed for close-combat, featuring seven swords and other melee weapons that made it highly effective at close range.

The mobile suit was deployed in AD 2307 when Celestial Being began its armed intervention operations, with Setsuna F. Seiei assigned as its pilot. The Exia participated in numerous missions, intervening in conflicts between the Union, Advanced European Union (AEU), and Human Reform League (HRL) power blocs.

Combat operations

Throughout the first season of Mobile Suit Gundam 00, the Exia engaged in numerous battles against conventional mobile suits and advanced mobile suits developed by the world’s power blocs. The mobile suit’s superior technology, powered by a GN Drive that produced GN particles, gave it significant advantages over conventional mobile suits, including enhanced mobility and beam weapons.

The Exia’s close-combat specialisation made it particularly effective in one-on-one engagements, where Setsuna’s piloting skills combined with the mobile suit’s extensive melee weaponry to defeat opponents. However, the mobile suit’s focus on close-combat left it vulnerable to long-range attacks and overwhelming numbers.

Design

The Gundam Exia’s design emphasised close-combat capabilities through its extensive melee weaponry and streamlined frame optimised for speed and mobility. The mobile suit featured E-Carbon armour, providing excellent protection whilst maintaining low weight for enhanced mobility.

The Exia’s most distinctive feature was its “Seven Swords” system, consisting of seven different weapons that could be used in various combinations for different combat scenarios. The mobile suit’s colour scheme, primarily white with blue and red accents, gave it a distinctive appearance that set it apart from other mobile suits.

GN Drive

The Exia was powered by a GN Drive, a revolutionary power source that produced GN particles. These particles provided nearly unlimited energy, allowing the mobile suit to operate for extended periods without refuelling. GN particles also enabled various technologies, including beam weapons and GN fields for defence and propulsion.

Armaments

The Gundam Exia’s “Seven Swords” system consisted of seven weapons that could be used in various combinations:

GN Sword

The Exia’s primary weapon was the GN Sword, a large blade that could function as both a physical sword and a beam rifle. The weapon could switch between melee and ranged modes, providing versatility in combat.

GN Long Blade

Two GN Long Blades were stored on the Exia’s hips, providing additional melee capabilities. These weapons featured beam edges that could cut through most materials.

GN Short Blade

Two GN Short Blades were stored on the Exia’s legs, providing close-combat options. These smaller weapons could be used for quick strikes and defensive manoeuvres.

GN Beam Sabre

Two GN Beam Sabres were stored on the Exia’s shoulders, providing additional melee weapons. These weapons could be used individually or combined for increased cutting power.

GN Shield

The Exia carried a GN Shield on its left arm, providing defence against both physical and beam attacks. The shield could also be used as a melee weapon in close combat.

GN Vulcan

Two head-mounted GN Vulcans provided close-range defensive capabilities, allowing the Exia to intercept missiles and engage lightly armoured targets.

Known pilots

• Setsuna F. Seiei

Variants

• GN-001 Gundam Exia Repair – A damaged Exia repaired after the final battle of the first season
• GN-001 Gundam Exia Repair II – A further repaired version with additional modifications
• GN-0000 Gundam 00 – The Exia’s successor, featuring twin GN Drives

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Gundam 00
• Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season
• Various video games including SD Gundam G Generation series

External links

• GN-001 Gundam Exia on the Gundam Wiki
• GN-001 Gundam Exia on MAHQ