TAKEMIKAZUCHI
The Type-00 Takemikazuchi is a premier 3rd-generation Tactical Surface Fighter (TSF) developed exclusively for the Imperial Royal Guard of Japan in the Muv-Luv Alternative universe. Named after the Shinto god of thunder and swords, this elite close-quarters mecha features rank-coded color schemes representing the noble lineage and command tier of its pilot. Engineered specifically for high maneuverability and heavy melee engagement against the BETA invasion, it stands as an iconic symbol of Japanese military power and noble tradition.
Cronologia
Biografia
The Type-00 Takemikazuchi is the flagship 3rd-generation Tactical Surface Fighter fielded by the Imperial Royal Guard of Japan. Intended to replace the aging Type-82 Zuikaku, the Takemikazuchi was engineered with a heavy emphasis on close-quarters combat, superior maneuverability, and structural durability.
Unlike standard military machinery, the deployment of the Takemikazuchi is strictly tied to Japanese noble hierarchy, featuring eye-catching color schemes that serve as crucial rank-based visual cues for commanders during the chaotic nature of battle.
Throughout the events of Muv-Luv Alternative, the Takemikazuchi plays a vital role in defending Japanese territory during major engagements such as the 12/5 Incident, Operation 21st, and the Defense of Yokohama Base, before being deployed overseas in Operation Ouka and the JFK Hive Operation. High-profile pilots include cadet Meiya Mitsurugi in her royal purple Type-00R, Lieutenant Yui Takamura in her yellow Type-00F, and Guard Commander Mana Tsukuyomi. Beyond its formidable combat performance, the appearance of a Takemikazuchi on the battlefield serves as an irreplaceable morale booster for human forces.
Storia
Development of the Type-00 Takemikazuchi began in 1991 when the Imperial Royal Guard required a next-generation machine to keep pace with the Imperial Japanese Army's TSF-X project.
In 1992, the Royal Guard launched the Asuka Program, re-using the internal frame design of the TSF-X to reduce research time while focusing heavily on incorporating super-carbon melee weaponry directly into the TSF's frame.
Concerns regarding astronomical manufacturing costs, complex maintenance requirements, and limited usability were set aside due to the Royal Guard's exclusive focus on mainland defense and elite pilot training. By 1998, the first prototype series—designated the Type-98X—was completed and rushed into service during the BETA Invasion of Japan and the Defense of Kyoto. The prototypes proved highly effective in close-range combat, leading to full deployment of the mass-production Type-00 series by 2000. Production remained severely bottlenecked at roughly 30 units per year, causing the Imperial Army to abandon plans for adoption, leaving the Takemikazuchi exclusively in the hands of the Royal Guard's 16th Guard Battalion and the Independent Guard Flights of the Regent Houses.
I PEZZI DI TAKEMIKAZUCHI
Evoluzione
The Takemikazuchi evolved from the Type-98X prototype series (98XR, 98XF, 98XA, 98XC) tested during the 1998 Kyoto defense into four distinct production tiers tailored to Japanese nobility. The pinnacle Type-00R represents maximum combat tuning crafted with custom parts for royalty, while lower tiers—the Type-00F for fudai nobles, Type-00A for tozama vassals, and Type-00C for non-noble inductees—traded slight joint performance drops for standardized components that eased manufacturing and maintenance.
Technologically, the mecha evolved further through field adaptations, such as the 1st Independent Northern Squadron's cold-weather modifications and XM3 system integration. In physical hobby culture, the design underwent significant evolution through Kotobukiya's plastic model kit line: original non-scale kits were eventually updated to 'Ver. 1.5' standards, incorporating redesigned elbow and ankle joints alongside flexible back-mounted weapon stretchers to replicate dynamic dual-blade combat poses.
Da Collezione
For mecha collectors and Muv-Luv fans, the Type-00 Takemikazuchi is considered a cornerstone grail design due to its sharp, organic-crystalline armor lines and distinct rank-coded colorways. Kotobukiya is the main manufacturer of Takemikazuchi merchandise, producing extensive lines of Non-Scale and 1/144 scale plastic model kits covering every variant (Type-00R Purple, Type-00F Red/Yellow, Type-00A White, and Type-00C Grey).
The most desirable releases among model builders are the upgraded 'Ver. 1.5' Non-Scale kits—specifically Meiya Mitsurugi's Type-00R and Yui Takamura's Type-00F—which feature enhanced joint articulation and redesigned weapon stretchers. Volks also produced pre-assembled action figures under their A3 (Advanced Automotive Armor) line, which remain highly sought-after on secondary markets. Due to limited production runs, unopened model kits of rare variants like the Blue Regent Type-00R command premium resale values among collector circles.
The Shogun's personal Type-00R incorporates a biometric scanner that prevents any unauthorized pilot from activating the machine.
