Technology & Combat Characteristics
The Jet Windam is the GAT-04 Windam equipped with the AQM/E-A4E1 Jet Striker, a Striker Pack that improves mobility and grant flight capabilities in Earth's atmosphere, thus it is the mobile suit's standard equipment on Earth (although some Windams are seen using the old Aile Striker). With its flight capabilities, the Jet Windam has a distinct advantage over ZAFT's ZAKU series on Earth, possessing greater range, speed, and maneuverability. Furthermore, hardpoints beneath the wings can mount propellant tanks, along with a variety of additional equipment and weapons like missile launchers to bolster its offensive capabilities. The Jet Windam used by Neo Roanoke has the Jet Striker's various performance limiters removed or dialed back, allowing for increased output and higher speed.
History
During the Second Alliance-PLANT War, the Jet Windams were deployed in nearly all Earthbound battles, sometimes alongside the older GAT-02L2 Dagger L, which also used the same Jet Striker. The Jet Windam made its first known combat debut during Operation Spear of Twilight early in the war, when a relatively small force of Windams caused significant casualties to ZAKUs being dropped from space to reinforce the Carpentaria and Gibraltar garrisons. The Windams also took part in many battles against the ZAFT ship LHM-BB01 Minerva during its journey from the Carpentaria Base to the Gibraltar Base. The suits deployed in these battles however were shot down in massive number by the Minerva's mobile suits. One prominent exception was Neo Roanoke's custom Windam, whose Jet Striker was modified for greater mobility. He proved to be a formidable enemy even for ZAFT ace Athrun Zala. Neo's Windam was shot down in the Battle of Berlin by Kira Yamato in the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam, although Neo was able to destroy the Freedom's shield using an anti-armor penetrator. Jet Windams were also deployed during ZAFT's attack on Heaven's Base.