I’m going to start the Year of Gundam X - and celebrate the announcement of the High Grade Gundam Leopard - by building its best mate, the Airmaster:
Prior to the Leopard’s announcement, this was the only mobile suit not named the GX or Double X to get a regular retail release. And as far as I can tell it’s been pretty rare, with not a ton of reprintings since it’s initial release in 2014.
Naturally that meant I jumped at the chance to grab it when it was reprinted last year, and now I’m ready to finally build it.
About the Mobile Suit
Here is the machine translation of the flavor text from the instruction manual. I’ve cleaned it up a bit, and added links where relevant:
The GW-9800 Gundam Airmaster is a mobile suit that the former United Nations Earth completed before the GX-9900 Gundam X. It is the most maneuverable of the "Gundam-type" mobile suits, and can transform into a Fighter Mode using its "Trans System."Its ability to travel long distances at high speeds poses an overwhelming threat in the current situation of the year A.W. (After War) 15. The fact that it doesn't require a carrier for movement or deployment and can fly long distances independently is a significant advantage.
However, as a result of the thorough weight reduction to ensure maneuverability, the amount of weaponry it can carry is somewhat limited, giving it a somewhat weak impression in terms of firepower. Nevertheless, the Airmaster's inherent potential more than compensates for its limited armament, showcasing its impressive specifications.
Naturally, it was also equipped with the Flash System, and during the 7th Space War, it formed a powerful mobile unit with 12 dedicated Bit MS units, boasting invincibility. Although it was primarily designed for operation within the atmosphere, a space combat variant with a modified main engine was also deployed in combat.
Due to the intensification of the war, most of the Bit MS units and the Airmasters themselves were lost, but Witz Sou's Airmaster was given to him as a memento by the leader of a Vulture unit who he had previously been indebted to.
Its main armament was a Buster Rifle, and thanks to the use of lightweight Luna Titanium alloy, it could be equipped with up to two of them. While its basic tactics were designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, it was also equipped with two head vulcans for close-quarters combat in MS form, and two nose vulcans in the nose module in fighter mode, allowing it to respond to unforeseen circumstances.
Space Use and Bits
In the very opening scene of the show, we do in fact see a space-use Airmaster flying during the final battle of the 7th Space War, using the Flash System to control a couple of Bit units behind it:About the Pilot
One of the great things about Gundam X is that it has a full crew of excellent supporting characters, and Witz, the pilot of the Airmaster, is no exception:
Over the course of the show, we learn that he’s working as a mercenary in hopes of earning enough money to support his very large family of siblings:
We also learn that he hoards all of his earnings in the form of gold bars, which he hides in the ruins of a destroyed city:
Guy’s basically just a big softie at heart, which explains why he acts as something of a surrogate big brother to Garrod, and gets along so well with fellow merc Roybea.
Oh, and Tiffa’s here too, because why not?
Weapons and Stuff
The only thing I want to address here are Airmaster’s guns. I know they’re called Buster Rifles, but don’t get too excited. These are not the same as the Buster Rifles seen in Gundam Wing, which are capable of one-shotting mobile suits and punching holes in colonies.
No, these appear to be no more powerful than other Beam Rifles in the setting, though the fact that it uses two of them means that it’s still packing quite a punch compared to most of its foes.
Plus, they look really cool. They’re a bit big for a one-handed weapon, but more in a “this makes it look extra badass” kind of way, rather than “this is unrealistic and silly”.
About the Transformation System
One thing I love about Airmaster’s transformation mode is that it is fast, effective, and practical. Witz is able to transform his mobile suit so quickly that he’s able to get out of a lot of jams (such as an enemy getting into melee range) by simply popping into flight mode and zipping away. It’s the rare example of a transforming mobile suit where the transformation doesn’t feel like it’s for show.
Appearances in the Show
Along with the GX and Leopard, Gundam Airmaster is a staple throughout the show, appearing in many different battles. Eventually, however, it gets into a fight with some powerful mobile armors that leaves it trashed:
After this, it’s replaced with its midseason upgrade form, the Airmaster Burst:
About the Model Kit
By all appearances the model has everything it needs. The only thing I wish it included, for the sheer whimsy of it, is the mobile suit-sized briefcase that Witz uses to carry his gold:
But that’s a minor complaint in the grand scheme of things.
Okay, let’s get this started ASAP. See you again soon.