Technology & Combat Characteristics
One of three second-generation GAT-X machines, the GAT-X131 Calamity Gundam was built on a new and improved X100-series frame and inherited GAT-X103 Buster Gundam's artillery attack concept. Its development started as part of the "Rebuild 1416 Program", which aimed to create a versatile unit, and three Calamity models with equipment similar to the initial Striker Packs, Aile (Flight), Sword (Melee), and Launcher (Artillery) were planned. However, the military gave the order to prioritize the artillery equipment, resulting in the artillery attack focused GAT-X131 model being roll out first. Due to its Trans-Phase armor, a more energy-efficient form of the Phase Shift armor, the Calamity has a longer operational time than the first-generation GAT-X machines and more energy for its beam weapons.
In battle, the Calamity provides fire support with its high firepower, and is armed with a variety of long-range weapons, consisting of two back-mounted high-energy long-range beam cannons, a chest-mounted multi-phase energy cannon, a dual ram cannon equipped shield attached to the left forearm, and a hand-carried plasma-sabot bazooka. The Calamity can operate in space and on Earth, where it utilized the powerful thrusters installed on its body to hover over the ground, enabling it to transverse deserts or bodies of water easily. However, as it lacks true flight capability, it often has to ride on top of GAT-X370 Raider Gundam's MA Mode to keep up with its flight-capable fellow GAT-X series machines. The control system of the Calamity is very complex and its customized OS can only be used by the "Biological CPU".
History
In mid-C.E. 71, the Earth Alliance collaborated with Muruta Azrael's Azrael Conglomerate to build three second-generation GAT-X series mobile suits. One of these was the GAT-X131 Calamity Gundam, whose pilot was the "Biological CPU" Orga Sabnak. The Calamity was first used in the conquest of neutral Orb Union. During the Battle of Orb, the Calamity destroyed many battleships and MBF-M1 M1 Astrays. It also briefly engaged the GAT-X105+AQM/E-X01 Aile Strike Gundam (the GAT-X105+AQM/E-YM1 Perfect Strike Gundam in the HD remaster), before turning its sight to the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam.
Working together with GAT-X370 Raider Gundam and GAT-X252 Forbidden Gundam, the trio nearly overwhelmed the Freedom before being interrupted by the ZGMF-X09A Justice Gundam. The trio fought the Freedom and Justice to a standstill, but their Biological CPUs began fighting amongst themselves, and they were eventually forced to retreat when the effects of their medication wore off. Once given their medication and their machines resupplied, the trio sortied the next day. They faced off against the Freedom and Justice again, but withdrew once they were low on power. On the final day of the battle, they trio tried but failed to stop the Izumo-class battleship Kusanagi, Freedom, and Justice from escaping into space.
Subsequently, the trio were sent to space and assigned to the Archangel-class assault ship, Dominion, and fought against the Three Ships Alliance. During the Battle of Mendel, the Calamity was ordered to retrieve a Life Pod carrying Flay Allster, who had with her data for the Neutron Jammer Canceller. Afterwards, the Calamity took part in the Battle of Boaz, where it shot down many ZAFT machines including the new ZGMF-600 GuAIZ. During the Second Battle of Jachin Due, the final battle of the war, the Calamity was finally destroyed by the METEOR-equipped Justice.
During the war, the Earth Alliance used the Calamity as the basis for the Rebuild 1416 Program, designed to create versatile units similar in concept to the Striker Packs system of the GAT-X105 Strike Gundam. This resulted in a close-combat variant known as the GAT-X133 Sword Calamity Gundam, which was also deployed in the war, and a flight-capable air superiority unit known as the GAT-X130 Aile Calamity Gundam, which was acquired and deployed by Anti-factice in C.E. 72.
