Today, TAMASHII NATIONS, the collector's toy division of Japan's BANDAI SPIRITS Co., Ltd., officially unveiled complete information for the latest product from the popular die-cast toy 'METAL BUILD' series, the "I.W.S.P. Equipment" from 'Mobile Suit Gundam SEED MSV', scheduled for release in November 2022.
The full name of the AQM/E-M1 I.W.S.P. Equipment is "Integrated Weapons Striker Pack". It is a Striker Pack system equipment produced in limited numbers by the Earth Alliance Forces during the C.E. 73 era. This pack integrates the mobility of the Aile Striker, the close-combat capability of the Sword Striker, and the long-range firepower of the Launcher Striker. It is equipped with a propulsion pack, 115mm electromagnetic cannon, single-barrel cannon, prototype 9.1m anti-ship sword, 6-barrel Gatling gun shield, and other armaments. Although seemingly versatile and powerful, it actually suffered from unresolved issues such as high manufacturing costs, excessive power consumption, and imbalanced weight distribution, thus it could not be considered a successful piece of equipment. However, subsequent improvements led to specifications that could truly be used on the battlefield, such as the Noir Striker Pack and the Phoenix Equipment.
The "METAL BUILD I.W.S.P. Equipment" is reinterpreted by mechanical designer Junichi Akutsu. It is set as a version that has been improved and strengthened to address the aforementioned flaws by incorporating technology from the Phoenix Equipment. It also features more precise and realistic mechanical structures to match the style of the METAL BUILD Strike Gundam series. In addition to its precise sculpting, numerous movable mechanisms are designed in detail, from the basic wings and various weapon barrels to the intricate thruster nozzles and flaps, all equipped with movable axes. The 115mm railgun also features an extendable deployment mechanism, allowing it to recreate the appearance of the barrel extending and muzzle opening during firing.
The parts connecting to the MS's back feature two types of connectors, allowing not only the original Strike Gundam but also multiple Astray Gundam Red and Blue Frame units released in the METAL BUILD series to equip and utilize its rich armaments. Junichi Akutsu has also incorporated numerous MB original mechanisms into this product, such as the two 9.1m anti-ship swords being able to connect at the hilt to form a twin-blade sword, and the I.W.S.P. gaining independent flight capability, even being able to combine with the separately sold Phoenix Equipment to form an AI-controlled support fighter in "EW Flight Mode". Furthermore, the shield can act as a stand, allowing the MS to use the entire pack for aimed firing in "Full Burst Mode"!
METAL BUILD I.W.S.P.
Reference Price: 14,300 JPY (tax included)
Scheduled Release Date: 2022/11
Product Specifications: ABS pre-painted finished product, approximately 300mm in total width
Product Contents: Main unit, 9.1m Anti-Ship Sword ×2, Composite Weapon Shield, Beam Boomerang, Effect parts, Replacement Mask parts, 9.1m Anti-Ship Sword connection parts, Base set
(C)SOTSU・SUNRISE
via： PREMIUM BANDAI