Knightmare Frame

Knightmare Frames (ナイトメアフレーム, Naitomea Furēmu), or simply Knightmares, officially designated as the Humanoid Autonomous Armored Knight, are a form of mecha in the Sunrise anime series Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.

Knightmare Frames are humanoid war machines developed by the Holy Britannian Empire. Unveiled during the invasion of Japan, Knightmare Frames are almost exclusively used in place of the practically obsolete main battle tanks. The name "Knightmare Frame" is a play on the word nightmare and a knight's mare.

File:Glasgows.jpg

A group of Glasgows, the first mass-production Knightmare Frame

Overview

Knightmare Frames achieve dominance in combat through the use of 'Landspinners', self-propelled roller skates attached to the ankles of the machines which allows them to achieve high mobility and speeds on most terrain. They are commonly equipped with at least one 'Factsphere' open sensor, which has thermographic capability and an array of other data-collection functions which are collated in real-time for simplified presentation to a Knightmare Frame cockpit. The Factspheres are commonly protected under a layer of armor that may be retracted in circumstances requiring higher system sensitivity. Knightmare Frames are piloted from a cockpit set in the protruding 'hump back' in the unit. The cockpit is a self-contained control center which can be ejected in case of emergency. The technical term for a Knightmare Frame pilot is Devicer (デヴァイサー, Devaisaa), and Royal Panzer Infantry (RPI) is the official designation for common Knightmare Frame infantry within the Britannian Army.

Knightmare Frames are powered by the Yggdrasil Drive (ユグドラシルドライブ, Yugudorashiru Doraivu), a fictional energy source. Its centerpiece is a sakuradite device called the Core Luminous (コアルミナス, Koaru Ruminasu), wherein a cube of unknown composition is weightlessly suspended. The cube revolves at high speeds during a state of drive activation known as Yggdrasil Resonance (ユグドラシル共鳴), apparently involved in the conduction of electricity. The technology is named after the Yggdrasil. The drive is recharged through a sakuradite energy filler (エナジーフィラー, enajii firaa).

Knightmare Frames are typically armed with shoulder or wrist-mounted rocket anchors called Slash Harkens (スラッシュハーケン, Surasshuhāken) and a number of other weapons. Mass-production models usually carry handheld rifles and a number of Chaos Mines, cylindrical air burst grenades that spray deadly shrapnel over a small area. Less common equipment, though more widespread as the series progresses, are Maser Vibration Swords (MVS), a form of vibroblade which oscillates at a high ratio to cut through almost anything, and Hadron Cannons, powerful energy cannons which can obliterate almost anything in their path.

Late in the first season, Float Systems (フロートシステム, Furōto Shisutemu), either integrated or attached via an optional backpack, also fall into common use. Float Systems are atmospheric flotation devices capable both of suspending extremely high-mass structures in stationary flight and moving them through the air at decent speeds. The technology is immense in its debut, suitable only on larger craft such as carriers, but they are later miniaturized into Knightmare-sized Float Units (フロートユニット, Furōto Yunitto). The Black Knights' Flight-Glider Wings (飛翔滑走翼) are a derivative technology.

History

The creation of Knightmare Frames is roughly divided in four Ages, which mark the birth of a new kind of weapon platform and its evolution into a full-fledged combat system. Within the series, this technology undergoes evolution from one intended to assist in emergency survival to one of war.

First Age: Infancy

Knightmare Frames began with the creation of 'emergency survival cockpits' for conventional vehicles. The cockpits were equipped rocket engines to propel the crew away from the wreck, followed by a pair of artificial legs to allow greater mobility. This provided the base design for Knightmare Frames.

Second Age: Turning Point

In the following years, the common Knightmare Frame technologies (Factspheres, Landspinners, etc.) were developed. Funding for Knightmare Frame prototypes was granted, but the new technologies performed erratically. The research was outsourced to military-based robotics projects and social-oriented programs. The former was assigned to a Britannian Army Special Division, the 'Special Dispatch Guidance System Division', while the latter went in the hands of a private group, the Ashford Foundation. The foundation implemented technologies related to training and education, enabling the entire Knightmare Frame program to make progress fluidly. The bipedal weapon was nicknamed 'Knightmare' by the Army but its non-offensive equipment was referred to as 'Frame' by civilians. The union of those two terms gave birth to the name 'Knightmare Frame'.

Third Age: Archetype

With the results gained from the two separate programs, Knightmare Frames were developed into combat-effective platforms. Use of sakuradite became paramount in making the Knightmare Frames perform to expectations, resulting in the mineral's value increasing greatly, turning it into resource as important as fossil fuel in international politics.

The Third Age also marked the creation of the Ganymede prototype, manufactured and designed by the Ashford Foundation. Its test pilot, Marianne, quickly became famous and was granted knighthood, before eventually getting married to the Britannian Emperor. However, the company suffered great loss when Marianne was assassinated. The Ashford Foundation eventually retired from its business and its employees were disbanded.

Fourth Age: Implementation

The Fourth Age saw the introduction of the RPI-11 Glasgow, the first mass-production weapons platform. Its abilities allowed the Britannian Empire to easily dominate Japan during the invasion in 2010. The Glasgow moved on to become the baseline unit for the Britannian Army, though it is eventually made obsolete. Some Glasgow units are still used by the Knight Police for law enforcement, and other countries have used it as a base in the creation of their own Knightmare Frames.

Fifth Age: Evolution

Following the success of the Knightmare Frames against conventional weapons of war, attention was turned to creating Knightmare Frames intended to destroy similar weapons, including other Knightmare Frames, reflecting the Chinese Federation and the EU's development of their own equivalent units. The Sutherland is the result of this. The Sutherland features improvements to cockpit comfort and function, better mobility, and increased close-combat capabilities to emphasize its role as an anti-robot weapon. Second Princess Cornelia and her bodyguards make use of the Gloucester, a Sutherland variant designed specifically to combat other Knightmare Frames.

Sixth Age and Seventh Age: Missing and Continuation

The sixth age featured almost no improvements in Knightmare Frame technology, earning it the moniker "Missing Generation". The creation of the seventh generation prototype Lancelot marks the first significant innovation. Heavy amounts of sakuradite, both in the power systems and the frame itself, give the Lancelot dramatically increased performance in all areas. It is also the first Knightmare to employ electromagnetic shielding. The first mass-production seventh generation frame is the Vincent, which bears many similarities in design to the Lancelot. However, it lacks many of the Lancelot's experimental technologies.

Britannian models

Galahad

The Galahad, named after the Knight of the Round Table, is a Knightmare Frame piloted by the Knight of One, Bismarck Waldstein. Its armor is light purple and black. The Galahad carries a sword named Excalibur on its back, which is larger than the Knightmare itself. The sheath has a landspinner.

Gawain

Named after the Knight of the Round Table, the Gawain is a prototype Knightmare Frame developed by Prince Schneizel el Britannia. It is much larger than most other Knightmares (about twice as tall and wide), has no Factsphere sensors, and no ejection system. Its Landspinner system is also internalized, instead of the fold-out skate configuration common on other Knightmares. It features a double-seater cockpit, even though it doesn't need to be operated by two people.

The Gawain is equipped with an integrated Float System, and is the first unit in the series capable of self-sustained flight. Its fingers are miniature Slash Harkens, and it features a pair of shoulder-mounted Hadron Cannons, which can emit continuous streams of destructive energy over prodigious ranges. The Gawain is initially incomplete, and its Hadron Cannons fire erratically. The unit is perfected by the Black Knights' scientific mastermind, Rakshata, who uses her Gefjun Disturber technology to gain control of the Hadron cannons' erratic firepower. As a side benefit, the Disturber's natural disruption properties also render the Gawain invisible to radar. Its experimental Druid System (ドルイドシステム, Doruido Shisutemu), originally intended to investigate the structure and function of the Thought Elevators, allow the Gawain to plot the probable movements of enemy units. Despite its strengths, the Gawain is a fairly slow unit, and as such is easily outmaneuvered by smaller, faster Knightmares.

Lelouch Lamperouge and Kallen Stadtfeld steal the Gawain in episode 19 of the first season in order to escape from the Kaminejima Island ruins. Despite the amount of new technology consequently lost, Schneizel dismisses the Gawain's theft, considering it to be a mere "experimental subject". After its technology is perfected, it becomes Lelouch's and C.C.'s personal Knightmare; C.C. handles the piloting while Zero operates the weapons and issues orders. The Gawain later proves instrumental in Zero's plans during the invasion of the Tokyo Settlement, single-handedly wiping out the totality of Britannia's air support in the area. The Gawain is lost during a battle with the powerful Siegfried Knightmare when C.C. uses its Slash Harkens to entangle the Siegfried and drag them both into the crushing depths of the ocean. Though the frame is damaged beyond repair, its Druid System and Hadron Cannons are salvaged. Both technologies are incorporated into the Black Knights' flagship, the Ikaruga. It is also adapted by Rakshata to control the Absolute Defense Territory system of Zero's personal Knightmare, the Shinkirō.

Glasgow

The Glasgow (グラスゴー, Gurasugō) is a fourth-generation Knightmare Frame and the first mass-production model produced by Britannia. It actively contributed to the invasion of Japan, providing an overwhelming tactical advantage over conventional combat vehicles. The Glasgow's armament includes Slash Harkens, Stun Guns, Tonfas, and a handheld assault rifle. Its hull still serves as a template for its successors, but the model itself is phased out in favor of the RPI-13 Sutherland by the start of the series.

Various Japanese resistance cells use modified Glasgow models called Burais. They also make use of a cannon built from four such units called a Raikou. Kallen Stadtfeld uses a customized red Glasgow in the beginning of the series, which is destroyed in battle against the Lancelot during the latter's first combat deployment.

The Knight Police (ナイトポリス, Naitoporisu), a paramilitary subdivision of the Britannian Police, pilot retired Glasgows painted white and marked with the Police emblem to indicate their affiliation. Knight Police frames are armed with two machine pistols instead of an assault rifle as well as a specially-made anti-Knightmare Frame combat knife. In addition, Knight Police frames also use a shield during crowd-control situations where firearms or rogue Knightmares may be present.

Gloucester

The fifth-generation Gloucester (グロースター, Gurōsutā) is a remodeled Sutherland focused on close combat. Featuring enhanced hand-to-hand capabilities, as well as being slightly larger, the Gloucester is exclusively used by royal guards. It is first seen piloted by Gilbert G.P. Guilford and Andreas Darlton during the conquest of Area 18. In keeping with the fact that it is only used by personal knights of the Imperial family, most Gloucesters are draped in a cape. The Gloucester, as a close combat unit, uses a large, gold jousting lance in addition to the standard Sutherland equipment. In the second season, Gloucester models can equip a Float System backpack.

The Gloucesters used by Cornelia li Britannia and her knights differ slightly in their design and equipment. The Glaston Knights are shown to use a pair of five-barrel missile launchers attached near the shoulders, and Guilford's Gloucester carries a pair of Maser Vibration Swords stored in black scabbards on the sides of its cockpit. Although normal Gloucester models are painted a flat, dull purple, Cornelia's aides sport a more vibrant deep-purple color scheme. Cornelia's Gloucester is a custom model featuring two horn-like antenna arrays protruding from both sides of the headpiece, as well as a more ornamental waist armor. Its color is a lighter, more vibrant purple, and its cape is white. Though it possesses the same armament, it does not use Chaos Mines.

Lancelot

The Lancelot (ランスロット, Ransurotto) is an experimental Knightmare Frame developed by Lloyd Asplund and the Military Engineering Corps. Its pilot is Suzaku Kururugi. It is the first seventh generation Knightmare Frame ever fielded. The Lancelot outperforms most other models thanks to the heavy amount of sakuradite scattered throughout its frame as well as in its Yggdrasil Drive, the Core Luminous. As it is still in development, the Lancelot lacks an ejection system.

As a high-performance unit, the Lancelot features a large number of experimental and innovative devices, many of which not even its successors make use of. It has two retractable Factspheres affixed on its chest (earlier models have a single, head-mounted unit), two forearm-mounted energy shields (MSV particle shields), and four Slash Harkens (two on its wrists and two on its hips). These Slash Harkens have experimental thrusters called Harken Boosters which can improve their speed and allow them to change direction midflight. It also sports a pair of Maser Vibration Swords. It carries a VARIS particle rifle (Variable Ammunition Repulsion Impact Spitfire) which can adapt its projectile repulsion output to any situation. The Lancelot is also the first Knightmare equipped with a backpack-like Float System; however, the power usage of the Float System is astronomical. When equipped with the Float System, it is redesignated as Lancelot Air Cavalry.

In the second season, Suzaku receives an updated version of the Lancelot called the Lancelot Conquista. The Float System backpack is now standard equipment. The Lancelot also gains a Hadron Blaster, which is mounted on top of the Float System. It is fired by docking the VARIS rifle to the underside of the larger cannon mount. Its unique Core Luminous has been tuned and refined, increasing its power in battle, and it is equipped with countermeasures that provide a partial defense against the Knightmare-disabling Gefjun Disturber. The Conquista now has an additional three MSV particle shields on its legs and chest. The leg shields increase the effectiveness of its kicks, as they form inside the enemy's armor upon contact, shearing it off. It also has four secondary emitters on the chest which can form the "Core Luminous Cone", a conical barrier that extends several feet ahead of the Lancelot, as opposed to the flat nature of normal MSV shielding.

Another version of the Lancelot set to be introduced in the second season is the Lancelot Albion (ランスロット・アルビオン). No information is given on its capabilities, but its design differs radically from its predecessors. The head is slightly larger, lacks the "tusks" on the side, and the horn on the back is slightly longer. Its chest is flatter with a different pattern, arm guards have been added, and the knee armor is extended into points similar to those on the Lancelot Club. The chest jewel is replicated on the wrists, knees, and hips. Its four Slash Harkens, having been previously mounted on the arms and hips, are no longer visible. Finally, its Float System has been redesigned, now using a pair of fold out wings, each with three energy "feathers".

In Code Geass: Lost Colors, the protagonist Rai receives a prototype version of the Lancelot called the Lancelot Club if the player chooses the Britannian military route. Its design combines elements from the Lancelot and the mass-production Vincent. It is equipped with Lancelot's forearm mounted MSV particle shields and Slash Harkens, but features the Vincent's lance-shaped Maser Vibration Swords and shoulder-mounted Factspheres. In addition, Suzaku Kururugi receives an ungraded Lancelot model known as the 'Lancelot Enhanced'.

Mordred

The Mordred is a heavy-artillery Knightmare Frame piloted by the Knight of Six, Anya Alstreim. It has an integrated Float System enabling flight. In keeping with its role, the Mordred has heavy MSV shielding surrounding the entire unit, making most attacks futile. Furthermore, it has equally tough armor beneath the shielding, such that it can withstand a direct hit from a Gekka's heated chain-sword without even being scratched, whereas any other Knightmare would have been sliced in half. The same cannot be said for the Float System, which can be sheared through with ease. It possesses four Hadron Cannons mounted on the shoulders, which can be unfolded and merged into a quad-barrel cannon called the Stark Hadron Cannon, which is capable of obliterating an aerial cruiser in a single shot. Missile launchers are also built into its chest, hips, arms, and legs. Although lacking in close-range weapons, the Mordred's raw strength allows it to crush other Knightmares bare-handed.

Percival

The Percival is a Knightmare Frame piloted by the Knight of Ten, Luciano Brandli. Its armor is oddly bulky, with large cones extending from the wrists, pointed leg armor at the hips and feet, and spikes from its shoulders and landspinners. It has a Float System for flight, a large claw on its right arm, and a number of drills.

Portman

Part of the fourth generation of Knightmare Frames, the RMI-13 Portman is the only mass-production series of amphibious Knightmare to be produced. Much of its outward design is made with hydrodynamics in mind, making it awkward to use on land. In addition to the standard Slash Harkens, the Portman has a set of torpedo launchers mounted in its shoulders, and a hydro jet pack mounted on its back.

A upgraded version of the Portman, the Portman II, appears in the second season during an attack on the Black Knights submarine. It is considerably faster than the original, possessing a second pair of turbines in its arms, and replaces the three-fingered claws of the original with ordinary five-digit hands slung below the turbines.

Siegfried

Developed in secret with funding from Prince Schneizel el Britannia, the Siegfried is part of the clandestine research project Code R. Originally funded by Schneizel's late brother Clovis, Code R is dedicated to the research of individuals linked to the mysterious power known as Geass. The massive Siegfried, classified as a "Knight Giga Fortress" rather than a Knightmare Frame, makes use of both the latest Knightmare technology as well as data from Code R. In keeping with its altered title, the Siegfried bears little resemblance to normal Knightmare Frames, consisting of little more than a large, flying cockpit. Its size is comparable to that of the Gawain, another larger than normal Knightmare. A Nintendo DS version of the series featured a pink version of this unit referred to as the Siegfried Kai, which was piloted by Euphemia li Britannia.

The Siegfried has a unique cockpit system wherein the pilot's nervous system is connected directly to the Knightmare, allowing for complete mental control. The cockpit is also considerably larger, allowing the pilot to move freely inside, though there are no monitors and no controls to speak of aside from the interface itself. The neural interface allows the pilot to react much quicker in battle, such that they can dodge attacks that would be nearly impossible for an ordinary pilot.

With the use of the Float System first seen on the Avalon and a number of verniers all over its body, the Siegfried boasts excellent mobility despite its size. Its armament consists of a set of Slash Harkens, which consist of the five conical structures on its frame and two ordinary versions mounted on the front, and generators which can electrify the hull to keep enemies at bay. Using the conical Slash Harkens, it can perform a devastating attack in which it spins like a top and obliterates anything in its path. Its tough construction and energy shields make it incredibly durable; it manages to survive having a building dropped on it without even taking cosmetic damage.

The Siegfried is stolen by Code R test subject Jeremiah Gottwald in the finale of the first season, having gone into a psychotic rage upon hearing the voice of terrorist leader Zero. C.C. ultimately resorted to a kamikaze attack, wherein she ensnared the Siegfried with her Knightmare's Slash Harkens and dragged them both into the ocean depths. Jeremiah manages to escape somehow and the Knightmare ends up in the hands of the Geass Directorate. It is modified so that it can be piloted by V.V. but it is defeated by the combined efforts of Princess Cornelia and Lelouch.

Sutherland

The Sutherland (サザーランド, Sazārando) is the standard Knightmare Frame model for the Britannian Army, a fifth-generation unit based on the older RPI-11 Glasgow. It boasts improved mobility through a better application of the Landspinner systems as well as an enhanced cockpit life support system. It features Stun Guns, Tonfas, Slash Harkens, and a handheld assault rifle. They occasionally carry lances similar to those of the Gloucester, but slightly smaller and colored silver. Various mission-specific versions exist, such as the all-range REVO-type and the Pinpoint Breakthrough-type. In the second season, production-model Sutherlands can be equipped with a Float System backpack.

Jeremiah's Purist faction uses Sutherlands with red shoulders and faceplates. In the second season, Jeremiah uses a Sutherland with the Black Knights' model Float System and a large cannon mounted on its right arm. Cécile Croomy makes use of a heavily modified Sutherland created by Lloyd Asplund and code-named "Sutherland Air". It incorporates several test parts developed for the Lancelot, including MSV particle shields on the arms and a Float System backpack. It is distinguished from the regular Sutherland model by its light gray armor with light orange parts.

Tristan

A seventh generation model, the Tristan is the first transforming Knightmare Frame ever developed, able to switch between humanoid and jet forms. It is piloted by the Knight of Three, Gino Weinberg. It is very maneuverable, able to fold out and transform in mid-air. It can utilize a pair of machine guns in its jet form. It has two massive Slash Harkens mounted on its forearms, which are equipped with Harken Boosters. The two Slash Harkens can combine to fire an energy blast, powerful enough to effectively match the Shenhu's Baryon Cannon. When in humanoid form, it can wield two pickaxe-like Maser Vibrations Swords called the MVS Polearm, which can be joined together at the hilts to form a single, double-edged scythe.

A modified version of the Tristan is featured in the second opening sequence for the second season. The overall design is similar, but the Float System wings attached to the cockpit are replaced by an X-shaped version resembling those used by the Black Knights. The head is also different, featuring longer red horns, gray coloring, and a golden crown. The MVS Polearm is replaced with twin swords.

Vincent

The Vincent is a mass-production variant of the Lancelot. It is introduced a year after the "Black Rebellion", the Black Knights' attempted invasion of Tokyo, and is still in the testing stages. There are only a few known Vincents in use, while the majority of the Britannian Army still uses the older Sutherland and Gloucester models.

The Vincent's mobility is comparable to the Lancelot's, but its design still differs markedly from its predecessor. Its two Factspheres are mounted in its shoulders instead of on its chest, and it only has two hip-mounted Slash Harkens which are not equipped with Harken Boosters. In addition, it does not possess MSV shielding. Its Maser Vibration Swords are slightly different from the Lancelot's, in that they are shaped more like spears, and can be attached at the hilts to form a double-bladed lance. It does features a new weapon not found on the Lancelot: Electric Needle Blazers, weapons mounted in the elbows which can punch a hole through an enemy Knightmare by connecting with the frame.

The first prototype of the Vincent is a yellow and red model loaned to the intelligence division of Britannia and piloted by Rolo Lamperouge. Gilbert G.P. Guilford pilots a production model which is destroyed and replaced in episode six of the second season. Aside from the silver and purple colour scheme of its armor, there are no noticeable differences from the intelligence division's unit. One diverging point however, is that the commander version uses a Float System backpack with a matching color scheme; the prototype, having fallen into the Black Knights' hands, is shown to use the Float System developed by Rakshata, which is also used on the Guren Flight-Enabled Version and the Akatsuki variants.

Ward

A spin off variation of the Vincent, the Ward is roughly the same except for the head, a shoulder unit more akin to the Lancelot Club, and the replacement of the Needle Blazer for Tonfas. It first appears in episode 11 of the second season.

Japanese models

Akatsuki

The Akatsuki (暁, lit. Daybreak) is the Black Knights' standard Knightmare Frame model in the second season following their exile from Japan. They are given to the Black Knights as a show of support from India, where they are manufactured. It is superior to the Gekka, though its frame is visually similar. It is silver with a green tinge, and can be fitted with a Float System backpack.

The Akatsuki is in many ways an evolution of the Gekka rather than a completely new design. It has a similar machine gun built into the left hand and a single Slash Harken on the left side of its chest, and it carries a modified version of the Katen Yaibatou. The Akatsuki's version is shaped more like a baton with the blade situated near the top.

Chiba Nagisa, Shōgo Asahina, and C.C. pilot Akatsuki variants called Akatsuki Jikisanshiyō (暁　直参仕様, lit. Daybreak General's Direct Subordinate Version). It bears a much closer resemblance to the Gekka than the standard Akatsuki, and is painted dark blue, though C.C.'s model is pink. It is equipped with similar weaponry, but carries the full-sized Katen Yaibatou, instead of the scaled-down baton the standard model uses. It also possesses radiant wave surger-based shielding mounted in the head antennas and rockets mounted with radiant wave surger warheads. They also make use of the Float System in every battle, whereas the regular units only equip them as needed.

Kyoshiro Tohdoh pilots another customized Akatsuki called the Zangetsu (斬月, lit. Cut the Moon). It resembles the Akatsuki Jikisanshiyō with a custom head crest and Gekka-style shoulder armor, plus the hair-like attachments from his previous custom Knightmare. It carries the same Seidoutou as his old Gekka and employs the radiant wave surger-based shield used by his subordinates' Knightmares. Though it doesn't possess the same radiant wave surger rockets, it has a pair of machine gun turrets concealed in its chest. The Zangetsu's hair-like attachments are also tough enough to be used to ward off physical blows. Like his subordinates, Tohdoh makes consistent use of the Float System attachment.

Burai

The Burai (無頼, lit. Rascal) is a remodeled version of the Glasgow manufactured by the Kyōto House. It is basically the same as a Glasgow but has fang-like cheekbones, giving the appearance of an oni. It is primarily used by the Black Knights, though the Japan Liberation Front also makes use of them. Lelouch pilots a customized unit with a red head module and golden horns resembling those on a samurai's helmet, and Kallen briefly pilots a red-painted version in the ninth episode. The Burai were phased out following the Black Knights' exile from Japan in favor of the Akatsuki.

Though similar in terms of armament, the Burai differs in several ways. It lacks the hand-mounted Stun Guns and Tonfas of the Glasgows, but its hands have been refurbished so that they can guard, a feature exclusive to the Burai. It also features a torso-mounted antipersonnel machine gun. Like the Sutherland, variants exist including close combat and electronic warfare types.

Kyoshiro Tohdoh and his subordinates, the Four Holy Swords, initially pilot optimized versions of the Burai called Burai Customs (無頼 改, Burai Kai). The model has elongated head antennas which extend to the back of its torso, and Tohdoh's unit also has a distinguishing white head module. The Burai Custom can match Britannia's Gloucester in single combat. All five known units were lost after the battle of Narita, presumably abandoned by Tohdoh and the Four Holy Swords during their retreat.

The Japanese resistance also makes use of the Raikou (雷光, lit. Lightning), a massive coilgun built from four Glasgows or the Burai variants. It fires a high velocity shell which releases two-dozen ball bearings that tear through Knightmares with ease. The four Knightmares are arranged along both sides of the cannon for support, and their heads are attached to a circular disc on the top of the cannon for a 360 degree field of view. The cockpits of the two Knightmares on each side are linked to create a two-seater cockpit. In addition to the main cannon, the arm on the open side of each Knightmare is replaced with a linkable cannon, creating two secondary cannons in case the main cannon fails to destroy the target. Two of them are used in the series, the first by the Japan Liberation Front in the eighth episode and the second by the Black Knights in the finale. Suzaku Kururugi destroys both.

Gekka

The Gekka (月下, lit. Moonlight) is a mass-production Knightmare Frame model based on the Guren Mk-II. Using the same motorcycle seat design, it boasts sixth to seventh generation technology, making them superior to Britannia's current mass production models, the Sutherland and Gloucester. The only units seen are used by the Four Holy Swords and their leader, Tohdoh. They switch to the Akatsuki variants following the destruction of their Gekkas during the failed attempt to kidnap Nunnally vi Britannia and the Black Knights' subsequent exile from Japan in the second season.

The Gekka differs from the Guren Mk-II in several ways. It has silver armor as opposed to red (Kōsetsu Urabe briefly pilots a light blue model), and the head unit is replaced with a monoptic model. It doesn't possess a radiant wave surger, either, and the cannon embedded in the left arm has been replaced by a fully automatic rifle. Its primary weapon is the Katen Yaibatou, a heated chain-sword which can shear through Knightmares with ease. The Gekkas are equipped with a "Chaffsmoke" dispenser which enables dispensing of both chaff and a smokescreen. This permits both jamming of electronic equipment and disturbance of visual tracking, allowing for relatively stealthy retreats.

Kyoshiro Tohdoh's Gekka is customized with two hair-like appendages flowing from the back of the head. His variant sports a black paint scheme and a unique version of the Katen Yaibatou dubbed Seidoutou (制動刀, Seidoutou, lit. "Brake Sword"). The Seidoutou has a Slash Harken mounted on the butt of the handle as well as several thrusters on the back of the blade, which can either increase the blade's force when swung or allow for a quick retreat by using it for an extra boost of speed. Tohdoh pilots a regular Gekka in the second season, his custom unit having presumably been destroyed or captured along with him during the Black Rebellion in the first season.

In Code Geass: Lost Colors, the protagonist Rai receives a prototype version of the Gekka if the player chooses the Order of the Black Knights route. The prototype Gekka is more akin to the Guren than the actual Gekka, possessing a single Slash Harken and a prototype version of the radiant wave surger.

Guren Mk-II

The Guren Mk-II (紅蓮弐式, Guren Nishiki, lit. Crimson Lotus Type-02) is a unique Knightmare Frame model designed by Indian engineer Rakshata Chawla, manufactured by Japan, and built by the Kyōto House. It is radically different from its Britannian counterparts, and its technology is on par with seventh generation Knightmare Frames, such as the Lancelot. The Guren Mk-II's speed and strength can easily match the Lancelot's, but its lack of long-range weapons relegate it to a defensive close-combat role. Unlike Britannian-made Knightmare cockpits, the Guren Mk-II features an unconventional pilot seat, shaped like a motorbike, and a helm-like outgrowth surrounding its retractable head. It is given to the Order of the Black Knights and piloted by Kallen Stadtfeld. After Kallen's capture in the second season, the Guren is left in the care of Lloyd Asplund.

The Guren Mk-II's main weapon is its silver right arm. The arm stands out from the otherwise red-painted mech, terminating in clawed fingers, and it can unhinge at the elbow for a surprise attack. Stored within the palm is the radiant wave surger (輻射波動, fukushahadō, lit. radiation surge), a powerful microwave radiation emitter. By grabbing onto an enemy Knightmare and activating the emitter, the Guren Mk-II can fry the enemy's electronics and warp the frame itself, causing it to explode after a brief pause. While not designed as such, the radiant wave surger can also function as a shield capable of blocking almost any attack, only failing against the Lancelot Conquista's Hadron Blaster. The arm is destroyed in the first season by Suzaku Kururugi, but is replaced in the second season with a slimmer, three-fingered version. The new arm is again destroyed by Suzaku. The Guren Mk-II also possesses a fork-shaped knife, a cannon on its left arm, and a single Slash Harken.

After being badly damaged in battle by Suzaku's Lancelot Conquista, the Guren Mk-II receives a mid-battle upgrade through a series of rocket-mounted attachments. The upgraded model is dubbed the Guren Flight-Enabled Version (紅蓮可翔式, Guren Kashōshiki, lit. Crimson Lotus Aerial-Type). It gains an integrated Float System and antenna on the sides of its head which carry a radiant wave surger-based shield. A new "armor-piercing bombardment-type" radiant wave surger arm replaces the old one. This new arm matches the Knightmare's color scheme, though the forearm is dark gray and the fingers are still silver. In addition to its close-range blast, the new radiant wave surger arm can also fire a concentrated long-range beam or a wide-range blast. The long-range beam can eliminate multiple targets in a single shot. The wide-range blast, though not as destructive, cripples any Knightmares caught in it, and can still destroy weaker craft such as helicopters. Another addition to Guren's arsenal is the 'Gefjun Net', a series of small, fast-moving drones launched from the back of the Guren that surround an enemy Knightmare and release a Gefjun Disturber surge, immobilizing it.

Another version of the Guren set to be introduced in the second season is the Guren Ganesha's Eight Extremities-Type (紅蓮聖天八極式, Guren Shōten Hakkyokushiki, lit. Crimson Lotus Ganesha's Eight Extremities-Type). It uses a wing-like Float System similar to that of the Lancelot Albion, but with four energy "feathers" instead of three. Its radiant wave surger arm has gold highlights on the fingers and forearm, and the left arm has an added arm guard. Additional armor is also present on the knees and ankles. The antenna have been extended and enlarged, making them appear to be giant ears. Its chest is completely different, with the orange part extended further and a pair of green jewels featured prominently on the front.

Shinkirō

The Shinkirō (蜃気楼, lit. Mirage) is a Knightmare constructed for Lelouch's personal use. It possesses an integrated Float System for flight and can transform into a submarine to move underwater, which Lelouch uses to travel to and from Japan undetected. Its armor is primarily black and gold, and it has several unusual physical features. Its feet are not flat, instead consisting of four large toes, and its head has four eyes. Its cockpit is also much wider. In addition to the standard control yoke system, the Shinkirō has keyboard-based controls similar to those used on the Gawain.

The Shinkirō possesses an Absolute Defense Territory (絶対守護領域) system which uses an array of MSV shields that can be projected over any part of the Knightmare. The Druid System from the Gawain is adapted by Rakshata Chawla to identify the trajectories of oncoming projectiles and shift the MSV shields accordingly, giving the Shinkirō the highest defensive power of any Knightmare Frame. Its primary armament consists of a chest-mounted Diffusion Structure Phase Transition Cannon (拡散構造相転移砲). When activated, a prism-like object is fired from the Shinkirō's chest. The Shinkirō then fires a powerful beam into the prism, which refracts the blast into dozens of devastating pinpoint lasers. The beam can be fired without launching the prism for a concentrated attack. The Shinkirō has a pair of Hadron blasters mounted on the underside of its wrists which fire sphere-shaped blasts.

Chinese Federation models

Gun-Ru

In an attempt to match the effectiveness of Britannian Knightmare Frames, the Chinese Federation designed the Gun-Ru. Larger than its Britannian counterparts, the Gun-Ru's body is dome-shaped and painted green (though they do come in different colors), with smaller legs and manipulators that fold into the body, giving it a frog-like appearance.

The Gun-Ru's armament consists of a pair of machine guns and a pair of cannons, mounted on the shoulders of the main unit. The Gun-Ru is extremely cheap to produce, allowing the Chinese Federation to rely upon the strength of numbers when using them. They deploy them by the hundreds in most engagements. However, they are also rather weak, both in terms of firepower and overall defense when compared to other Knightmare Frames.

Shenhu

A Knightmare Frame model developed by Rakshata's team at the same time as the Guren Mk-II, the Shenhu (神虎, lit. "Divine Tiger") was given to the main forces of the Chinese Federation by the Maharaja. However, it was left in storage because piloting it was too physically demanding, and thus a suitable pilot could not be found. Li Xingke proves capable of piloting it, but even at forty percent power the task proves very stressful. The Shenhu has blue armor with red and gold parts, and its head unit has an intricate design with a red spike protruding from the top.

Having been built by the same team that developed the Black Knights' Knightmares, the Shenhu is equipped with the same type of Float System. Mounted in its torso is the powerful Baryon Cannon (天愕覇王重粒子砲, Tengaku Haoh Juuryushi Hou, lit. Heavenly frightening overlord heavy particle cannon), a weapon similar to the Hadron Cannon; at forty percent power, it is able to match the full force of the Guren Aerial Type's improved radiant wave surger. Its main weapons are two dagger-shaped Slash Harkens mounted on its wrist. By wrapping or impaling an enemy with the Slash Harkens, the Shenhu can send a powerful electrical charge along the cable, instantly destroying the Knightmare on the receiving end. The Shenhu's wrist armor can also spin in place to turn the Slash Harkens into powerful flails which can double as shields. Finally, the Shenhu has a short sword stored near its shoulder.

Others

Bamides

The Bamides is a Knightmare Frame mass-produced in the Middle East. Their design is highly unconventional as far as Knightmare Frames go; they have no limbs to speak of, and are shaped more like elongated tanks with separate treads and an elevated "shoulder" area. It is also much larger than the Sutherland and Gloucester models, and needs to be operated by a large crew.

Its main weapons include two packs of missile launchers on the shoulders that carry up to six missiles, two side-mounted machine guns, and a long-range cannon mounted directly below the head. It is equipped with treaded Landspinners, allowing for improved traction over the desert sands. Its configuration gives it fairly good speed compared to more traditional Knightmares, but its size and lack of maneuverability make it a large, easy target.

Bamides units first appeared in the fifth episode, where they fought and nearly defeated a division of Britannians. They were destroyed in short order by a group of Gloucesters, lead by Princess Cornelia, who went on to blow up the base they were defending.

Ganymede

Developed during the third generation of Knightmare Frames, the Ganymede is the brainchild of the Ashford Foundation. Created shortly before the development of the Yggdrasil drive, the Ganymede is powered by a large external battery, limiting its range and operation time.

Despite its failings, the Ganymede served as the basis of practically every Knightmare Frame constructed thereafter. This is due to the effectiveness of the basic design, along with its skilled test pilot, Marianne Lamperouge. Her incredible abilities earned her the nickname "Marianne the Flash," and she would later become one of the many wives of the Emperor of Britannia. When Marianne was assassinated, the loss of its major benefactor and former test pilot caused the Ashford Foundation to dissolve, leading to rumors that the assassination was carried out specifically to curb the rising corporation's power.

in the first season, the Ganymede is retained by the Ashford family at the academy it operates in Area 11. It is brought out of storage once a year for an exhibition at the school festival. It is piloted by Marianne's son, Lelouch. Lelouch cedes his role as the Ganymede's annual pilot to his childhood friend, Suzaku Kururugi, so he can make a giant pizza for the latest festival, only to have it ruined when the press catches sight of Princess Euphemia and distracts Suzaku. At the end of the first season, Nina Einstein fits the Ganymede with a sakuradite-enhanced nuclear reactor, intending to use it as a makeshift bomb. However, it fails to explode. Its fate following this is left unclear, but Milly Ashford makes a passing mention about Nina possibly completing the Knightmare.

MR-1

The MR-1 is a basic non-combat Knightmare Frame. It is equipped with two Slash Harkens in its shoulders. Its limbs are flattened, allowing it to fold up into a form resembling a truck when inactive. A white-and-black MR-1 is used by the Black Knights in the rescue of Suzaku Kururugi during the first season. In the second season, a purple-and-yellow model is used by Ashford Academy instead of the Ganymede. During a festival honoring Suzaku Kururugi, during which a second attempt was under way to make the world's largest pizza, the MR-1 is hijacked by Gino Weinberg after Suzaku, the intended pilot, was distracted by Arthur.

Panzer-Hummel

The Panzer-Hummel is a mass-production model Knightmare Frame used by the member nations of the Euro Universe, introduced in the second season. The Panzer-Hummel possesses two cannons mounted on its arms, two machine guns, and two Slash Harkens mounted on the hips. Panzer-Hummel is German and means "armor bumblebee" or "tank bumblebee", depending on the translation of the word "Panzer", which may mean either. It appears in the third episode of the second season, where a division of Panzer-Hummels are successfully able to hold off an amphibious landing in continental Europe before Suzaku and his Lancelot decimate them.

Manga and video game models

Aquila

Appearing in the Nintendo DS game, the Aquila is a seventh generation Knightmare Frame prototype. This unit possesses wings and weapons that have been mostly optimized for mid-air combat. It is piloted by Pollux rui Britannia.

Equus

Appearing in the Nintendo DS game, the Equus is a seventh generation Knightmare Frame prototype. It has four legs and no Landspinners, giving a somewhat centaur-like appearance. Equus is Latin for "horse". The Factsphere sensor is located on the head, and it wields a large hammer. It is piloted by Castor rui Britannia.

Mark Nemo

The Mark Nemo, which makes its first appearance in the Nightmare of Nunnally manga, is an advanced Knightmare Frame piloted by Nunnally Lamperouge. Unlike most Knightmare Frames, the Mark Nemo does not possess Landspinners; as a result, it can move more acrobatically, and it can run and jump with greater ease.

The main weapons of the Mark Nemo are six remote wired rocket anchors known as Blonde Knives. They are similar to Slash Harkens, except that they possesses sharp blades on the end that can penetrate any Knightmare Frame and can also drill rapidly through the ground. The Blonde Knives can also move remotely either in mid-air or underground, allowing them to target and destroy multiple Knightmare Frames. The Mark Nemo is also armed with a katana capable of cutting through nearly any obstacle. In the Lost Colors videogame, when Nunnally is talking about her ideal Knightmare Frame, the Mark Nemo appears in the background.

Regalia

Appearing in the Nintendo DS game, the Regalia combines the features of the Aquila and Equus into a single unit. It is piloted by both Pollux rui Britannia and Castor rui Britannia.