The ZGMF-X23S Saviour Gundam is a Mobile Suit introduced in the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, and is piloted by Athrun Zala.

Characteristics

The ZGMF-X23S Saviour Gundam is one of the five models in ZAFT's "Second Stage" series, and like the other machines in the series, it inherited the base performance of the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam and the ZGMF-X09A Justice Gundam, making it superior to ZAFT's mass-production MS during C.E. 73, such as the ZGMF-1000 ZAKU Warrior. The Saviour Gundam's design 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 on top, the Saviour's head is reminiscent of the GAT-X303 Aegis Gundam. The Saviour excels at "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. As with the ZGMF-X24S Chaos Gundam, the Saviour Gundam is based on a similar prototype, in this case the ZGMF-YX21R Proto-Saviour.

• Deuterion Beam Energy Transfer System

Like the 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 Saviour is equipped with ZAFT's improved version of Phase Shift armor; it is more energy-efficient, and its strength and color can be changed in the field, although this must be programmed beforehand.

• Power Extender

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

Armaments

• 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 to intercept incoming missiles and for suppression fire.
• M106 "Amfortas" Plasma Beam Cannon: The two "Amfortas" plasma cannons are the Saviour's most powerful weapons and are attached to the machine's backpack. In MS mode, the cannons can be positioned under the shoulders, while in Mobile Armor mode they are always oriented forward. They serve as the MA mode's primary weapon and are improved versions of the M100 "Balaena" plasma cannons from the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam with a better energy conversion rate. Unlike the "Balaena," which can only be used by nuclear-powered MS, the "Amfortas" are designed to be used by battery-powered MS.
• MMI-GAU2 "Picus" 76mm Machine Gun: The "Picus" 76mm machine guns are the Saviour's projectile-firing weapons in MA mode and serve the same purpose as the 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 stored in the armor of each of the Saviour's shoulders, they serve as the MS's primary close-combat weapon and are only usable in MS mode. The same model of beam saber is used by all MS in the Second Stage Series.
• MA-BAR70 High-Energy Beam Rifle: A beam rifle used by the Saviour Gundam, it was developed based on the rifle of the Freedom and Justice Gundam. In MS mode, the rifle is held in the hand when in use and stored on the rear skirt when not. In MA mode, it is mounted on the left shoulder and can fire in this configuration. The beam rifle serves as the MS mode's primary weapon and is a secondary weapon in MA mode.
• MMI-RD11 Aerodynamic Shield: The machine's primary defensive armament, the shield has auxiliary wings on its surface and an aerodynamic shape to help control the machine and reduce air resistance when flying in MA mode. It is coated with a finish to protect against beam-type attacks. It can be mounted on the left forearm or held in the hand when in MS mode. In MA mode, it is mounted on the torso and can help protect the cockpit from attacks coming from below. In terms of protection, the Saviour should not transform into MA mode if the shield is destroyed.

History

At the end of the year C.E. 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 were lost in the first war. One of these new MS is the Saviour Gundam. It is not present during the theft of the other models of the "Second Stage Series" at Armory One, as its development was delayed. After the "Break the World" incident, it is assigned by Chairman Gilbert Durandal to Athrun Zala, who has rejoined ZAFT and is appointed to the elite FAITH detachment.

Athrun brings the Saviour to Earth and, after a small skirmish with Orb forces, joins the crew of the battleship LHM-BB01 Minerva. Using the Saviour, Athrun easily disables the YMAG-X7F Gells-Ghe Mobile Armor in the Gulnahan ravine, and during other engagements, he often finds himself against the ZGMF-X24S Chaos Gundam of the Phantom Pain. During the investigation of the Lodonia laboratory, the Saviour helps the ZGMF-X56S/α Force Impulse Gundam 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's emblem 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" represents "Second Stage Series."
• The way the Saviour is destroyed is referred to by fans as being "Saved."
• The Saviour is the only MS in the Second Stage Series that never fought in space.
• In the third volume of the Gundam SEED Destiny manga, translated into English, the Saviour is mistakenly called "Saber." This is an error due to the katakana given for this unit (セイバー Seibaa, "Saber" or "Saver") and its pronunciation being in contradiction with the official English name "Saviour." If this were translated into katakana, it would be セイビアー Seibiaa, "Saviour." This likely stems from choosing something that is easier for the average Japanese person to pronounce and understand, as it is a standard derivation (katakana) of an agent noun for "save," while being aware that "saviour" is the more common term in English and thus choosing this term for the Latin letters.
• The Saviour was shown taking off in Mobile Armor mode in episode 24, despite not having visible landing gear.
• Amfortas, the name of the Saviour's main cannons, is the name of a character from Wagner's opera Parsifal.