Destiny Gundam
ZGMF-X42S

Destiny Gundam is designed as a general -purpose MS that can handle a variety of combat situations without exchanging equipment during the battle. For close combat, the suit features two Beam boomerangs that double as beam sabers, and a large Beam Sword, which is the preferred weapon-of-choice of Destiny's pilot, Shinn Asuka. In addition, the Palm Beam Cannons are also used in extreme close combat. For long-ranged battle, it is equipped with a Long-Range Beam Cannon and an optional Beam Rifle. For defense, the Destiny mounts a small physical shield as well as two Beam Shield Generators. Lastly, the suit is equipped with a standard set of head mounted CIWS. Developed as a high-performance and versatile machine, the Destiny's design allows for multiple external and internal weaponry. During the design process, it was deemed that a standard MS frame would hinder the overall performance of the Destiny in terms of maneuverability and the ability to operate its weapons quickly. The designers solved the problem by incorporating an armor dividing system similar but different to that used on the ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom. This system works in conjunction with a sliding mechanism for the dividing armor panels. The internal frame is composed of smaller and flexible components which utilize armor panels that can separate into smaller portions to allow the leg units to move through its full range of motion. The joints are constructed of the same materials found in Phase Shift armor. When activated, it is possible to adjust the stiffness of the joints during motion. The reaction also produces a metallic glow when the joints are active. The result is an overall increase in the joints' range of motion and flexibility of the arm and leg units. However, this occurs at the cost of vulnerable areas present in the exposed sections of the armor. This problem was partially alleviated by mapping out the ranges of motion of the frame using Shinn Asuka's combat performance to determine the most efficient way to separate the armor parts. This gave the Destiny sufficient defense without sacrificing maneuverability and speed. Although the unit met its operational requirements and was accepted, however, various problems remain to be solved, including maintenance problems and production issues.[1] In addition, Destiny also features an improved version of the Freedom's wing units which are arranged symmetrically around the main thrusters. The most unique aspect of Destiny is its Hyper-Deuterion Nuclear Reactor, Wings of Light and the Mirage Colloid Holographic Projection System. The Hyper-Deuterion Nuclear Reactor is Destiny's primary power source, providing the necessary power to support all of its energy consuming abilities. Because the nuclear reactor made the Deuterion Beam system unnecessary, Destiny can't be easily recharged as Impulse can; although the unit almost never has to be. The Wings of Light is produced by ZAFT's version of the Voiture Lumiere propulsion system, it greatly increases Destiny's speed and is frequently used together with the Mirage Colloid Holographic Projection System which can create an illusionary copy of Destiny, confusing the enemy as the real Destiny sets up for a high speed attack.