The ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos Lupus is the main Mobile Suit of the

first part of the second season of Mobile Suit Gundam IRON BLOODED ORPHANS, it is piloted by Mikazuki Augus. It is an improved version of the ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos.

Features

Like the ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos fought many battles with its pilot Mikazuki Augus, it became too damaged to repair. It was then sent to the MS workshop on the Saisei, Teiwaz's base, for review. The new name "Lupus" was given by the chief mechanic of the Saisei, who was also responsible for maintaining the Mobile Suit.

Based on Mikazuki's combat data, the MS was reconfigured into a close combat unit, and its reaction speed and mobility were also increased, with adjustments made by the Alaya-Vijnana system to deepen the bond between the movements of the machine and the pilot's own senses. As a result, the Gundam frames response rate has been adjusted to match the speed Mikazuki perceives. Other changes to the machine's frame include lengthening the arm frame to suit Mikazuki's senses, while the leg frame has been modified and features ground suspensions to help easily fit in battle in all environments. Finally, the frame parts of the arm and leg joints have been replaced with those reproduced by Teiwaz, which makes it possible to resolve the accumulated damage and improve their mobility. The waist enhancers were based on those previously used by Barbatos 5th Form Ground Type and 6th Form.

The MS's melee weapons have been rebuilt to better match Mikazuki's fighting style, and handheld firearms have been kept to a minimum, instead the MS uses swappable firearms attached to the forearms . From the defense point of view, since the damage taken until the MS gets close to the opponent is a major problem, it is equipped with a light "bulletproof vest" designed to repel the most effectively possible the impacts of a ball by using more of the curved surface.

• Subarm

Like the original Barbatos, the Barbatos Lupus has a pair of Sub Arms on its back for mounting weapons. They each also contain a hidden claw that can be used to attack enemy units in the rear.

• Alaya-Vijnana system

An organic device system, this old man-machine interface was developed during the Calamity War to maximize the machine's capabilities. Therefore, most Mobile Suits from that era, such as Gundams, are compatible with it. The system has two parts, one part is installed in the MS and the other part is implanted in the spine of the pilot. With this system, the driver can connect to the MS computer and process machine data directly. It also allows the pilot (even the uninstructed) to use an MS for combat without reading the instruction manual, and can make difficult weapons like the Barbatos' Longsword and Smoothbore Pistol much easier to use. The implant in the driver also improves spatial awareness. Declining technical capabilities after the Calamity War, coupled with the use of an incomplete version of the system in outer sphere areas (such as Mars and Jupiter), lead to implant surgery having a low success rate and not can only be performed at a young age, to let the implant fuse as the pilot grows. As the Barbatos' original cockpit was missing, it was fitted with a Mobile Worker's Alaya-Vijnana System interface to enable the system to function. Barbatos' Alaya-Vijnana System can transmit a higher amount of data to the pilot than usual because its limiter has been turned off for Mikazuki's use, so only he can pilot the Gundam without any problems. The initial length of the connection cable between the machine and the pilot has been greatly extended, in order to allow Mikazuki to exit the cockpit while being connected. Mikazuki having suffered physical damage following his confrontation against the Graze Ein, he only recovers his full functions once connected to the Barbatos.

Armaments

• Sword Mace: A heavy close combat weapon developed by Teiwaz techs for the Barbatos Lupus, its shape and weight are designed to avoid hampering the mobility of the MS. Although shaped like a sword, it is a striking weapon rather than a slicing weapon.
• Twin Mace: Smaller than commonly used maces, Twin Maces are easier to carry and handle. These are the main melee weapons of the Barbatos Lupus.
• 200mm Gun: Mounted on the forearms, the barrel faces rearward when not in use and rotates forward when in use. Recoil when fired is absorbed by the weapon's rail slide, minimizing the effect on MS control. A 20mm machine gun is integrated into the sensor section of the weapon. Close combat weapons can be held in the hand while the 200mm weapon is equipped.
• Arm Rocket Launcher: Medium range gunnery weapons that fire 2.8m long rockets. Like the 200 mm gun, they are mounted on the forearms by rail slides which absorb recoil. Launchers are normally rear-facing and spin forward when in use. If necessary, they can pull backwards. The close combat weapon can be held in the hand when the launchers are equipped.
• New Long Sword: A long sword forged by the Saisei MS Development Team for the Barbatos Lupus. The blade is made of the same alloy as the Mobile Suit frames. With a seasoned pilot, the blade is capable of slicing an MS in half. The Long Sword will be used against the Hashmal in the manga.
• Large Railgun: A hand-held electromagnetic launcher, the magazine moves backwards when in use.
• Valkyrja Buster Sword: Borrowed from V08Re-0526 Helmwige Reincar, this is a very large sword larger than an MS. It was designed to fight Mobile Armor.
• Variable Mace: A mace with a spike-like claw that can protrude from the tip to grab the target on impact. A pair of Variable Maces are used in the manga by the Barbatos Lupus against Galan Mossa's mobile team.

History

Gundam Barbatos Lupus was first deployed when defending a semi-metal mine run by Kudelia Aina Bernstein's Admoss Company. He aided Tekkadan's other Mobile Suits, the Shiden and Shiden Custom, by repealing the Dawn Horizon Corps Garm Rodi forces' attack. After forcing the enemy to retreat, the Barbatos Lupus stopped working due to an impact received while landing.

Later, he was deployed to fight the Dawn Horizon Corps in space, destroying several Garm Rodis and eventually defeating the Hugo used by Group leader Sandoval Reuters, leading to his capture by Mikazuki.

During the Arbrau-SAU War, he was deployed alongside the ASW-G-11 Gundam Gusion Rebake Full City and some Shidens to aid Tekkadan's Earth Branch and protected McGillis during the conflict. During a later battle in the same war, he rescued a shocked and inexperienced Hush Middy from an EB-04jc4 Geirail Scharfrichter.

The Barbatos Lupus was badly damaged in the fight against the Hashmal, a Mobile Armor from the Calamity War. It was then returned to the Saisei for overhaul, and upgraded to ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos Lupus Rex.

Before the damaged Barbatos Lupus was sent to the Saisei, a group photo of Tekkadan was taken in front of him. A copy of this photo was seen years later in the house where Akatsuki and Atra live.

Did you know?

• Barbatos is the 8th demon of the Ars Goetia. He is Earl and Duke of Hell, leading thirty legions of demons and has four kings as companions to command his legions. He can talk to animals, predict the future, reconcile friends and rulers, and can lead men to hidden treasure by the enchantment of magicians.
• The word 'Barbatos' is derived from the Latin "barbatus" which means bearded. The demon in the Ars Goetia is often depicted with a beard, and this is reflected on the MS via the red chin.
• "Lupus" means "wolf".
• With the Alaya-Vijnana System's safety limiter removed, Barbatos Lupus' eyes glow with a blood-red glow. This may pay homage to the EXAM system, where Mobile Suits using this system have red eyes if the system is activated.
• The fight of Barbatos Lupus against Hashmal could be a reference to the biblical confrontation between demons and angels. From another perspective, he might look like a knight fighting a dangerous monster.
• An image similar to the sigil of the demon Barbatos can be seen on console upon activation. Additionally, the Teiwaz logo can also be seen.