Armament:
gatling cannon x 2
beam saber x 2
rail cannon x 2
plasma beam cannon x 2
Unit Type: prototype GUNDAM-type mobile suit
Manufacturer: ZAFT
Operator: ZAFT, Earth Alliance
Rollout: Cosmic Era 71
First Deployed: Cosmic Era 71
Production Run: 1 unit
Head Height: 18.03 meters
Overall Height: ? meters
Base Weight: 71.5 metric tons
Full Weight: ? metric tons
Armor Type: PS (Phase Shift)
Equipment:
neutron jammer canceller system
Basic Armament:
MMI-GAU2 Picus 76mm CIWS
MA-M01 Lacerta beam saber x 2
MMI-M15 Xiphias rail cannon x 2
M100 Balaena plasma beam cannon x 2
Mobile Suit Description:
ZGMF = ZAFT GUNDAM Maneuver Fighter. This acronym fully explains the existence of the Freedom GUNDAM. ZAFT, in an attempt to create powerful prototype mobile suits on par with the Earth Alliance's GUNDAMs, construct two of their own GUNDAM-type mobile suits. What results are the Justice GUNDAM and Freedom GUNDAM. The Freedom is the more advanced unit, with onboard rail and plasma beam cannons, and the standard handheld beam cannon and shield. The Freedom is armored with the highly resilient phase shift armor used by the Earth Alliance's GUNDAM units. In addition, the Freedom is equipped with an onboard neutron jammer canceller system, which allows it to cancel neutron jammer emissions. Therefore, the Freedom GUNDAM is powered by a clean fusion nuclear reactor, giving it unparalled operating time far longer than any battery-powered MS. Furthermore, the power output is also much higher, thus the chance of the PS armor energy flow being cut off is low. The term 'GUNDAM' is an acronym, standing for "Generation Unsubdued Nuclear Drive Assault Module" Complex; GUNDAM Complex. The Freedom is programmed with Mobile Suit Neo Operation System, Series AVIC-T1 LA-SB3P.
MMI-GAU2 Picus 76mm CIWS - Dual gatling CIWS (Close-In Weapons System), mounted one on either side of the head. Fires the same 76x385 millimeter round as the MMI-M8A3 assault rifle. Loaded with 350 rounds per gun, firing at a rate over 1600 rounds per minute. The larger caliber, while useful for downing incoming missiles, can also be used to fire upon heavy armor vehicles and enemy MS.
MA-M01 Lacerta beam sabers - All-purpose close combat melee weapons. Stored on either hip mount for easy access, the Lacerta beam sabers are absolutely lethal upon contact with nearly any form of armor. Limited operating time when deployed and in use.
MMI-M15 Xiphias rail cannons - Mounted as part of either hip armor, the Xiphias rail cannons are folded back when not in use. When deployed, they rotate forward and the barrel flips forward and locks into place. A lightweight composite round is accelerated through the rail cannon at a hyper velocity, and although the round is small compared to other ballistic rounds, the incredible velocity allows it to punch through armor easily.
M100 Balaena plasma beam cannons - Mounted on the back as binders, the M100 cannons unfold to a "deca-wing" form and flip over onto the shoulders to fire a powerful plasma beam at targets. Exact details of operation are unknown.
Optional Handheld Armament:
MA-M20 Lupus beam cannon - A hand-held beam cannon, simple and reliable in construction. All-purpose medium range beam cannon, effective against all types of armor not coated with an anti-beam layer. Accurate to ranges up to 3 kilometers.
general-purpose shield - Hand-carried or forearm mounted, coated with an anti-beam layer for defense against beam weaponry. Can be used to block incoming projectiles as well as for use in close combat to block melee weapons so the sword arm can attack freely.
Picus (a woodpecker)
Lacerta (a lizard or sea-fish)
Lupus (a wolf; a voracious fish, the pike; a horse's bit with jagged points; a hook)
Xiphias (swordfish)
Balaena (a whale)
*Apparently, these are all random Latin words. Only the "Picus" (woodpecker) would make a logical nickname for a CIWS (perhaps from the sound of the weapon firing).