EGX-004 Cascade Gundam

The EGX-004 Cascade Gundam (aka Cascade Gundam, Cascade) is a transformable Gundam built at the Lagrange 2 research base Athena under Project Storm. It's piloted by Lieutenant Anthony Reymande of the Earth System Peacekeeper Force in the Solar Era.

Technology & Combat Characteristics
Cascade serves as both a hit-and-run fighter and CQC type suit, probably the most unique feature are two wing-mounted beam blades which allows the suit to literally tear through combat zones. Due to it's aerodynamic flight mode it does not require a sub-lifter in the atmosphere increasing Cascade's mobility.

Armaments

 * ASE/07 "Shortbow" SR Short Beam Rifle
 * Two standard short range rifle with reasonable power and accuracy to be used in MS Mode, they are stored on the suit's hips when not in use.


 * ASE/09 "Downpour" 30mm SR Beam Vulcans
 * Cascade has two sets of twin-linked beam vulcans, one on the head and one on the unit's nose in flight mode for dogfighting.


 * ASU/09 "Raging Wind" SR Beam Cannon
 * A heavy weapon used in flight mode, the beam is located under the nose section and delivers a powerful shot.


 * MT/24A Aerodynamic Shield
 * A simple aerodynamic shield which is attached to Cascade's left arm. While in flight mode it covers the underside of the mobile suit.


 * RFX/02 "Royal Lance" SR Beam Sabre
 * Cascade has two SR beam sabres for close combat which are stored in the shoulders when not in use.


 * RFX/03 "Royal Pike" SR Beam Blade
 * The most unique weapons of Cascade are four beam blades (functionally identical to beam sabres) mounted on the feet and wings to allow the pilot many unexpected combat techniques.

Technical History
The EGX-004 was produced under Project Storm as part of the United Earth Sphere's R&D drive into MS improvements. Initially Cascade was expected to be offline for much longer due to a flaw in the Storm Drive technology that wasn't expected to be solved until S.E. 77. This flaw was solved by data retrieved by Red Squadron during combat with Eclipse special assault suits, the MSE-07 Duister.

First Launch
Cascade was first launched to help defend against the Eclipse assault on Athena, it was piloted by Lieutenant Anthony Reymande but was not fully complete at the time. Fortunately the suit performed well despite lacking the foot-mounted beam blades, shield and beam cannon and destroyed the enemy transport together with Lieutenant West piloting Storm Gundam.

Variants

 * EGX-004/CL Cascade Clarent Gundam

Notes & Trivia

 * Although it is the first viable mobile suit with a transformable frame it is not classed as a prototype due to extensive testing beforehand.