Cyclops System

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The Cyclops System is a superweapon introduced in the anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED

Technical Overview

The Cyclops System is a powerful microwave weapon, which consists of a large array of dish-shaped microwave emitters (from which the name of the system came from).^[1] The principle of this system is to cauterize the enemy with microwaves, which are also used in microwave ovens. The human body, which is composed of about 60% water, is destroyed by vibrating and heating water through countless parabolic antennas, causing the victim's body to expand until it ruptures. In addition, the powerful electromagnetic waves destroy the electronic components of the MS and stop its functions. Once activated, Cyclops uses the microwaves it emits to amplify the radiated heat, and it does not stop until the heat destroys the system. This causes the propellants and ammunition in weapons such as MS to ignite and explode. Finally, the radiant heat generated itself generates a high heat that is enough to cauterize the structure within the area of application. Furthermore, the large bursts of energy generated make it possible to cauterize a wide range of objects even in outer space. Although it has the effect of burning an entire area, it is not contaminated by radioactivity. The activation is done by generating an activation signal by sound waves from a remote location, taking into account the effects of the Neutron Jammer. Two activation devices are used as a set, and they are activated by simultaneously turning a key. The microwaves used in Cyclops are also a type of electromagnetic wave, so they are subject to the effects of the Neutron Jammer, but the Earth Alliance has succeeded in using them to limit the range of their effects.

History

Developed by the Earth Alliance, the Cyclops System was originally not a weapon, but a mining device that used microwaves to melt lunar ice that contained rare metals. However, on June 2, C.E. 70, during a battle at the Alliance supply base at Endymion crater, the OMNI Enforcer was forced to retreat after the destruction of its 3rd Space Fleet by ZAFT forces. In order to deny the base to ZAFT, the OMNI Enforcer overloaded the Cyclops System under the base. The Cyclops not only obliterated the base, but also devastated ZAFT forces, forcing them to retreat from the moon. This incident caused interest in its potential application as a weapon to grow.^[1]

On May 8, C.E. 71, the Cyclops System was used a second time, when ZAFT launched Operation Spitbreak to attack JOSH-A, the OMNI Enforcer's Earth military headquarters in Alaska. However, the leadership of the OMNI Enforcer received prior information of the attack, and laid a trap for the invading ZAFT forces - the Cyclops System constructed underneath the base. The Atlantic Federation leaders also used this incident to sacrifice their unwitting Eurasian Federation comrades. Although the existence of the Cyclops System was later revealed to all people present at the battle, it was too late. The activated Cyclops System completely destroyed JOSH-A base, wiping out 80% of all ZAFT forces present at the battle.^[2] The system also left a 10 km wide crater where the JOSH-A base was and caused an aurora in the sky above.

Gallery

Anime

Cyclops System on Screen (1) (Seen and Unseen, HD Remaster)

Cyclops System on Screen (2) (Seen and Unseen, HD Remaster)

Cyclops System on Screen (3) (Seen and Unseen, HD Remaster)

Cyclops System activating at JOSH-A (The Descending Sword, HD Remaster)

Cyclops System destroying JOSH-A (1) (The Descending Sword, HD Remaster)

Cyclops System destroying JOSH-A (2) (The Descending Sword, HD Remaster)

Appearances

References