The ZGMF-X23S Saviour Gundam is a Mobile Suit introduced in the series

animated Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny , and is piloted by Asran Zala .

Features

The ZGMF-X23S Saviour Gundam is one of five models in the ZAFT "Second Stage" series, and like the other machines in the series, it inherited the basic performance of the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam and the The ZGMF-X09A Justice Gundam, which makes it superior to ZAFT's mass-produced mobile suits during EC 73, such as the ZGMF-1000 ZAKU Warrior. The design of the Saviour Gundam emphasizes mobility, and not only does it demonstrate high aerial combat capability in MS mode thanks to its two large wings, but it can also transform into a fighter-type Mobile Armor (MA) mode, which has higher acceleration and cruising speed.

With sensors mounted at the top, the Saviour's head is reminiscent of that of the The GAT-X303 Aegis Gundam, the Saviour excels in hit-and-run attacks using a combination of its MS and MA modes, and is armed with a beam rifle, a shield, two beam sabers, two CIWS cannons, two machine guns, and a pair of beam and plasma cannons. It can also operate in space and is equipped with a new form of phase-shift armor known as Variable Phase Shift Armor, as well as a battery that can be recharged during battle using the Deuterion Beam Energy Transfer System. Like the ZGMF-X24S Chaos Gundam, the Saviour Gundam is based on a similar prototype, in this case the ZGMF-YX21R Proto-Savior.

• Deuterion Beam Energy Transnfer System

Like other MS in the Second Stage series, the Saviour has the ability to be recharged remotely using a Deuterion beam fired from the LHM-BB01 Minerva.

• Operating system

Like the other MS in the Second Stage series, the Saviour also uses the Generation Unrestricted Network Drive Assault Module operating system.

• Variable Phase Shift Armor

The Savior is equipped with ZAFT's upgraded version of the Phase Shift armor; it is more energy-efficient and its strength, as well as its color, can be changed on the field, although this must be programmed beforehand.

• Power Extender

Like other mobile suits in the Second Stage series, the Saviour is equipped with an additional power reserve to increase its power and operating time. The device also allows for the equipping of Variable Phase Shift Armor.

Weapons

• MMI-GAU25A 20mm CIWS: A pair of MMI-GAU25A 20mm CIWS cannons are mounted in the head of the Mobile Suit and can only be used in MS mode. They are primarily used for intercepting incoming missiles and for suppression fire.
• M106 "Amfortas" Plasma Beam Cannon: The two Amfortas plasma cannons are the Saviour's most powerful weapons, attached to the machine's backpack. In Mobile Suit mode, the cannons can be positioned under the shoulders, while in Mobile Armor mode they are always facing forward. They serve as the primary weapon in Mobile Armor mode and are improved versions of the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam's M100 Balaena plasma cannons, boasting a higher energy conversion rate. Unlike the Balaena, which can only be used by nuclear-powered Mobile Suit vehicles, the Amfortas are designed for use with battery-powered Mobile Suit vehicles.
• MMI-GAU2 "Picus" 76mm Machine Gun: The 76mm "Picus" machine guns are the projectile-firing weapons of the Saviour's MA mode and serve the same purpose as CIWS. They are located on the front of the backpack that covers the Saviour's head when in MA mode.
• MA-M941 "Vajra" Beam Saber: A pair of beam sabers are stored in the armor on each shoulder of the Saviour; they serve as the Mobile Suit's primary close-combat weapon and are only usable in Mobile Suit mode. The same beam saber model is used by all Mobile Suits of the Second Stage Series.
• MA-BAR70 High-Energy Beam Rifle: A beam rifle used by the Saviour Gundam, it is developed based on the Freedom rifle and Justice Gundam. In MS mode, the rifle is handheld when in use and stowed on the rear skirt when not in use. In MA mode, it is mounted on the left shoulder and can fire in this configuration. The beam rifle serves as the primary weapon in MS mode and as a secondary weapon in MA mode.
• MMI-RD11 Aerodynamic Shield: The machine's primary defensive armament, the shield, features auxiliary wings on its surface and an aerodynamic shape to aid in control and reduce air resistance during flight in MA mode. It is coated to protect against beam attacks. It can be mounted on the left forearm or handheld in MS mode. In MA mode, it is mounted on the torso and can help protect the cockpit from attacks from below. In terms of protection, the Saviour should not transition to MA mode if the shield is destroyed.

History

At the end of CE 73, ZAFT created a new series of Mobile Suit prototypes known as the "Second Stage Series" to succeed the previous generation of Gundams, all of which had been lost in the First World War. One of these new MS was the Saviour Gundam. It was not present during the theft of the other "Second Stage Series" models from Armory One, as its development had fallen behind schedule. After the "Break the World" incident, it was assigned by the Chairman. Gilbert Durandal to Asran Zala, who has rejoined ZAFT and is appointed to the elite detachment of FAITH.

Asran brings the Saviour back to Earth and, after a brief skirmish with Orb's forces, he joins the battleship's crew LHM-BB01 Minerva. Using the Saviour, Asran easily disables Mobile Armor. YMAG-X7F Gells-Ghe in the Gulnahan ravine and during other engagements, he often found himself against the ZGMF-X24S Chaos Gundam of Phantom Pain. During the investigation of the Lodonia laboratory, the Saviour helps the ZGMF-X56S/α Force Impulse Gundam to disable the ZGMF-X88S Gaia Gundam. The Saviour is subsequently damaged by the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam in the naval battle off the coast of Crete.

Did you know?

• The Saviour crest displays the text "X23S TRE", which means "Three" in Italian and refers to the Saviour's serial number.
• In its serial number, "ZGMF" is the abbreviation for "Zero Gravity Maneuver Fighter", "X" means it is a prototype unit, "2" means it is designed for aerial combat, "3" represents its serial number and "S" stands for "Second Stage Series".
• The way the Saviour is destroyed is referred to by fans as "Saved".
• The Saviour is the only MS of the Second Stage Series that has never fought in space.
• In the third volume of the Gundam SEED Destiny manga, translated into English, the Saviour is mistakenly called "Saber." This error stems from the katakana character given for this unit (セイバー Seibaa, "Saber" or "Saver") and its pronunciation, which contradicts the official English name "Saviour." If translated into katakana, it would be セイビアー Seibiaa, "Saviour." This likely arises from choosing something easier for the average Japanese speaker to pronounce and understand, being a regular (katakana) derivation of an agent noun for "save," while also being aware that "saviour" is the more common term in English, and thus choosing that term for the Latin characters.
• The Saviour was shown taking off in Mobile Armor mode in episode 24, despite not having visible landing gear.
• Amfortas, the name of the main canons of Saviour, is the name of a character in Wagner's opera Parsifal.