REVIEW OPTION PARTS SET GUNPLA 15: AMGS-X18P Cavalier Aifrid, Bandai

This is review of Bandai Gunpla OPTION PARTS SET GUNPLA 15: AMGS-X18P Cavalier Aifrid from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM.

Bandai Gunpla OPTION PARTS SET GUNPLA 15: AMGS-X18P Cavalier Aifrid

The "Option Parts Set Gunpla" series continues to re-release previous option parts while also introducing new ones. This time, a brand-new addition, Cavalier Aifried, has been released as a kit. The retail price is 2,970 yen.

Included Accessories

The set includes:
Prototype 35 Type Kai Railgun
Five types of joint parts for various connections
Five additional joints for attaching the railgun
Action Base 7 for display support

Additionally, the kit comes with foil stickers for enhancing the color separation of the railgun and plastic stickers for detailing the sensors.

Design & Concept

Cavalier Aifried is an electronic warfare support unit that appears in the movie "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM." It even features an internal living space. Rather than being released as a High Grade (HG) model, it has been classified under the Option Parts Set Gunpla category.

Its design closely resembles the Cavalier unit from "Dragonar," but with several modifications. It boasts large wings that allow it to transform into an independent flight mode. By swapping joint parts, it can also be combined with various mobile suits.

Size & Compatibility

Despite being a support unit, the Cavalier Aifried is quite large and commands a strong presence when displayed. It is compatible with the simultaneously released Z'Gok and Infinite Justice Gundam Type II, among other mobile suits.

The kit includes multiple joint parts, allowing a wide range of mobile suit combinations. It also features an original gimmick that allows for the attachment of Striker Packs, adding even more customization options.

Weapons & Equipment

Massive Armor & Weapons Loadout

The unit features a large shell-like structure, onto which various weapons are mounted, including:

Ultra-High Impulse Cannon "AQM/W2033D Savitri" – The cannon barrel has visible seam lines, but the base can rotate and swing.
BFF M1 76mm Twin Cannons – The barrels are fixed in place, but the base can rotate. However, the muzzle is not hollowed out.
AIM-902 Self-Guided Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles "Grand" – The missile hatch can open, revealing the warheads, which require additional painting.

The thrusters at the rear are molded as a single piece but maintain a solid three-dimensional appearance. Some internal parts require painting for full accuracy.

Flight Mode Transformation

By deploying the wings and adjusting the front armor, the Cavalier Aifried can transform into an independent flight mode. The details on the wings are well-defined, though some areas require additional white paint for complete accuracy.

Combination with HGCE Z'Gok

Attaching the Unit

The Cavalier Aifried attaches to the HGCE Z'Gok using a dedicated joint arm, which allows for angle adjustments and sliding along the rail mechanism for fine-tuning. The Florantes unit connects to the rear joint of the mobile suit.

Once attached, the Amazing Z'Gok is complete, with the Cavalier Aifried forming a distinctive silhouette over the Z'Gok. The combination is simple and structurally solid, but due to its size and weight, a stand is necessary to support the unit.

Expanded Display Options

Deploying the wings and cannons creates a visually striking display. The unit’s weight puts stress on the stand, so using two stands is recommended for stability. The rear joint connection allows the Z'Gok’s arms and legs to remain mobile, despite the added armor. The Savitri cannon can be slightly angled for dynamic posing.

Compatibility with Other Mobile Suits

The kit includes various joints for cross-unit compatibility:

HGCE Mighty Strike Freedom Gundam – Two types of joints allow attachment at the waist and railgun section.
Destiny & Infinite Justice Gundam – Compatible via waist-mounted joints.
Gyan Strom – Allows attachment of a rifle to the waist.

These options greatly expand the customization potential of the kit, allowing users to equip railguns on various mobile suits from the SEED series.

Additional Expansion Joints

The kit comes with four expansion joints that allow for further customization:

1. Striker Pack Joint – Enables Cavalier Aifried to be attached to mobile suits equipped with Striker Packs.
2. Striker Pack Joint for Florantes – Allows Striker Packs to be mounted on the rear thruster area.
3. Two-Hole Pack Joint – Enables attachment to mobile suits that use the modern two-hole backpack standard, including 30MM and 30MS kits.
4. Z'Gok & Infinite Justice Type II Adapter – Converts the Florantes joint into a two-hole or 3mm-compatible connector for wider compatibility.

With these joints, users can mix and match various backpacks and equipment, opening up numerous customization possibilities.

Size Comparison

To give a sense of scale, the Cavalier Aifried is large enough to completely envelop an HGCE Infinite Justice Gundam Type II or HG Dragonar 1. It is significantly larger than expected, making it a standout piece in any collection.

Summary

The Option Parts Set Gunpla 15 (Cavalier Aifried) is an impressive expansion kit that offers a striking visual presence and high customization potential. While not an HG model, it boasts HG-level quality, with well-defined details and plastic stickers that enhance the sensor areas beautifully.

However, its large size and heavy weight make it difficult to display without two stands for support. That said, the stability during combination is excellent, and its unique design offers a fresh and dynamic play experience.

With numerous included joints, the Cavalier Aifried can be attached to various mobile suits and customized with different equipment, making it a highly versatile and engaging kit for Gunpla enthusiasts.

Pros:

Large and impactful design
High level of compatibility with various mobile suits
Includes multiple joint parts for customization
Sensor details enhanced with plastic stickers
Sturdy connection and stable transformation

Cons:

Heavy, requiring multiple stands for display
Some parts require painting for full accuracy
Large wings take up significant display space

Overall, Cavalier Aifried is an excellent addition to the Option Parts Set Gunpla series, offering a fun and unique customization experience for fans of Gundam SEED FREEDOM and beyond.