Technology & Combat Characteristics
The GAT-X370 Raider Gundam is a transformable mobile suit and the only second generation GAT-X machine to adopt the X300-series frame. The same type of frame was previously used by the GAT-X303 Aegis Gundam, but Raider's transformation system is greatly simplified compared to the Aegis'. The Raider is actually a variant of the GAT-333 Raider Full Spec and maintained some of its predecessor's characteristics, like a MA Mode specialized for flight and two large fighter plane-like main wings that give it full atmospheric flight capabilities. These wings also boost Raider's turning capabilities and acceleration speed on earth and in space, as well as allow it to serve as a subflight lifter for carrying other mobile suits, usually the GAT-X131 Calamity Gundam.
In combat, Raider's MA Mode specialized in hit-and-run attacks enabled by its overwhelming thrusts and mobility. Additionally, its anti-mobile suit capabilities has been improved compared to the Aegis' MA Mode. In MS Mode, the Raider excels in short-to-medium range combat, and has high destructive power in close combat due to the "Zorn" 100mm Energy Cannon in its head and the handheld "Mjolnir" Spherical Breaker, a wire-tethered mace. The Raider is also armed with several other energy and shell-firing weapons, with some of them being usable only in MA Mode, and is equipped with Trans-Phase armor like the other second generation machines.
History
In mid CE 71, the Earth Alliance collaborated with Muruta Azrael's Azrael Conglomerate to build three second-generation GAT-X mobile suits. These machines used more advanced technology based upon the previous G Project mobile suits and were piloted by "Biological CPUs". One of these new mobile suits was the GAT-X370 Raider Gundam. The Raider debuted during the Battle of Orb, alongside the GAT-X131 Calamity Gundam and GAT-X252 Forbidden Gundam, and the trio battled the ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam and ZGMF-X09A Justice Gundam to a standstill.
After the Battle of Orb, the trio was sent to space and assigned to the Archangel-class assault ship Dominion under the supervision of Azrael. The Raider then took part in several important battles at the end of the First Alliance-PLANT War, surviving until the Second Battle of Jachin Due. There, it met its fate and was destroyed by Yzak Joule in the GAT-X102 Duel Gundam using the GAT-X103 Buster Gundam's hyper-impulse long-range sniper rifle.