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 often have a humanoid shape and are usually between four and five meters tall. In addition to the standard range of bipedal movement, Knightmare Frames are equipped with Landspinners, self-propelled roller skates attached to the ankles of the machines, which allow them to achieve high mobility and speeds on most terrain. Visual data is gathered through Factsphere sensors, which have thermographic capability and an array of other data-collection functions which are collated in real-time. Factspheres are commonly protected under a layer of armor which can be retracted to improve 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.

Knightmare Frames are powered by the Yggdrasil Drive (ユグドラシルドライブ, Yugudorashiru Doraibu), a fictional energy source. Its centerpiece is a sakuradite device called the Core Luminous (コアルミナス, Koa Ruminasu), wherein a cube of unknown composition is weightlessly suspended in liquid. 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 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 Grenades, 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, various models of Float Systems (フロートシステム, Furōto Shisutemu), devices which allow Knighmares to fly, also fall into common use.

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 with 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, but the prototypes developed from that technology performed erratically. The research was outsourced to the Special Dispatch Guidance System Division, a military-based robotics project, and a social-oriented program given to 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 equivalent was referred to as 'Frame' by civilians; hence the origin of 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, made by the Ashford Foundation. Its test pilot Marianne was famed for her piloting ability.

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. Second Princess Cornelia and her bodyguards make use of the Gloucester, a Sutherland variant designed specifically to combat other Knightmare Frames.

Sixth 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. 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 but lacks many of the Lancelot's experimental technologies.

Eighth and Ninth Age: Aspirations

The Eight and Ninth Ages are the current in-development units of Britannia, led by Camelot heads Lloyd Asplund and Cécile Croomy. The latest development, considered part of the Ninth Age, is the Energy Wing system, a Float System variant whose performance far surpasses that of previous models. A Knightmare equipped with one has unrivaled agility and can break the speed of sound, allowing the pilot move at blinding speeds; the drawback is that it is difficult to control. Only two Ninth Age Knightmares are known: the Lancelot Albion and the Guren S.E.I.T.E.N. Eight Elements-Type.

Britannian models

The nation of Britannian was the first power to deploy knightmare frames, and as such over time has developed more types of knightmare than any other nation, and usually has a technological lead over other nations in battle.

Mass Production Models

Gareth

The Gareth, named after Sir Gareth of the Knights of the Round Table, is the seventh-generation mass-production model of the Gawain. It has similar gold trim at various points and an integrated float system, but its overall design is quite different from the prototype. Its Hadron Cannons are attached directly to its wrists, and as such, it lacks hands altogether. It also doesn't use the Druid System equipped on the Gawain, and its cockpit is a standard single-seat version. It has eight Slash Harkens mounted in two quad-barrel launchers attached to the hips. It also has fourteen missile launchers, four on each leg and six on its chest. Finally, it has two triple-barreled machine guns mounted on its shoulders. The Glaston Knights switch from Gloucesters to Gareth models prior to the second battle of Tokyo.

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 is also the first Knightmare introduced in the series. 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. The Glasgow is considered cramped by some pilot's standards, in contrast to the Japanese motorcycle style cockpits used in knightmares like the Guren Mk-II.

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, she later uses the Guren Mk-II in the place of Burais.

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. It features enhanced hand-to-hand capabilities, as well as being slightly larger and equipped with heavier armor. The Gloucester is mainly used by royal guards, although later on in the second season many of the royal guards move to using Vincents instead. 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 often used by personal knights of the Imperial family, most Gloucesters are draped in a cape. The Gloucester, in addition to the standard Sutherland equipment, uses a large gold jousting lance to charge directly at their opponents, their main preferred weapon at close quarters. 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 in later appearances. 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 a similar armament, it does not use Chaos Mines and lacks the antipersonnel machine gun mounted on the torso that Sutherlands and Gloucesters are commonly fitted with.

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.

An upgraded version of the Portman, the Portman II, appears in the second season. 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. They first appear during an attack on the Black Knights submarine, and a number are stationed just offshore during the second battle of Tokyo. Portman II models can be equipped with a Float System backpack, despite being designed for aquatic combat.

Sutherland

The Sutherland (サザーランド, Sazārando) is the standard Knightmare Frame model mass produced for the Britannian Army at the beginning of the series. It is a fifth-generation unit based on the older RPI-11 Glasgow, boasting improved mobility through a better application of the Landspinner systems as well as an enhanced cockpit life support system over its predecessor. 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. It is common for Sutherlands to have an anti personnel machine gun mounted underneath the cockpit.

Jeremiah's Purebloods uses Sutherlands with red shoulders and faceplates. In the second season, Jeremiah initially 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 energy 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. A Sutherland is also used by Rakshata as the core of a new custom knightmare, the Sutherland Sieg, as such it is the only Sutherland to make use of a neural control interface or an intergrated float system.

Vincent

The RPI-212 Vincent is a seventh-generation pre-mass-production model of the Lancelot, introduced early in the second season. Vincent models are mostly piloted by commanders or special divisions of the Britannian army. The majority of the Britannian Army still uses the older Sutherland and Gloucester models. Two finalized mass-production versions of the Vincent are introduced later on: the Vincent Commander Model and the Vincent Ward. The prototype version has no noticeable differences from the mass-production model, while the Ward is a slightly weaker variant with an altered head unit and shoulder armor akin to the Lancelot Club.

The Vincent's agility and 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 energy 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 feature a weapon not on the Lancelot: a pair of Electric Needle Blazers mounted in the elbows, which can punch a hole through an enemy Knightmare by connecting with the frame. The Vincent Ward lacks the Needle Blazers, which are replaced with the stun tonfa previously seen on the Sutherland and Glasgow models. Though it is never used in the series, the Vincent equips a second set of landspinners in its shoulders, something the Vincent Ward lacks. Both models of Vincent use float system backpacks for flight regularly.

The first prototype of the Vincent is a yellow and red model loaned to the Britannian intelligence division and piloted by Rolo Lamperouge, later uniquely equipped with a Black Knights' model Float System. Gilbert G.P. Guilford pilots a silver and purple-colored production model. A quartet of pink and white Vincents referred to as the Grausam Valkyrie Squadron are under the command of Luciano Bradley. All four are destroyed by Kallen. A squadron of green and gold Vincents serve as the royal guard for the Emperor of Britannia and are commanded by the Knight of Twelve, Monica Krushevski; they are caught off guard and destroyed by a group of Sutherlands whose pilots are under the influence of Lelouch's Geass.

Custom Models

Galahad

The Galahad (ギャラハッド, Gyarahaddo), named after Sir Galahad of the Knights of the Round Table, is a custom seventh-generation Knightmare Frame piloted by the Knight of One, Bismarck Waldstein. Its armor is light purple and black, and it is approximately twice the size of an ordinary Knightmare (like the Gawain). Its Landspinners are built into its ankles, rather than simply attached to the side. The Galahad carries a heavy sword named Excalibur on its back, which is larger than the Knightmare itself. The sheath has an additional Landspinner and a Float System. Excalibur can break through armor in a single swing, and can generate an energy field capable of blocking and slicing through powerful energy blasts such as the Shen Hu's Baryon Cannon. Similar to the Gawain, each of its fingers are miniature Slash Harkens. The Galahad is also equipped with energy shielding. The Galahad is destroyed in battle with Suzaku's Lancelot Albion, sliced in half along with its Excalibur; the two halves of the sword are salvaged for Gino's Tristan Divider.

Gawain

The Gawain (ガウェイン, Gawein), named after Sir Gawain of the Knights of the Round Table, is a prototype Knightmare Frame developed by Prince Schneizel el Britannia. It is larger than most 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. The Hadron Cannons fire erratically at first, but the Black Knights' scientific mastermind, Rakshata, is able to stabilize them using her Gefjun Disturber technology. 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, allows 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, such as Gloucesters.

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 studied and refined, it becomes Lelouch's and C.C.'s personal Knightmare; usually C.C. handling the piloting while Zero operates the weapons and issues orders and communications. 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. The cannons are are incorporated into the Black Knights' flagship, the Ikaruga, and the Druid System becomes a critical component of the defense system of Zero's personal Knightmare, the Shinkirō.

Lancelot

The Lancelot (ランスロット, Ransurotto), named after Sir Lancelot of the Knights of the Round Table, is an experimental prototype seventh-generation custom 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. The same enhancements also make it difficult to pilot; while Suzaku can control it with ease, Lloyd notes that most of the test pilots could barely make it move. As it is still in development, the Lancelot lacks an ejection system.

The Lancelot serves as a test bed for experimental technologies, and as such has a wide array of armaments. It has two retractable Factspheres affixed on its chest (earlier models have a single, head-mounted unit), two forearm-mounted energy shields called the Blaze Luminous, 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 (ランスロット コンクエスター, Ransurotto Konkuesutā). The Float System backpack is now standard equipment. The Conquista gains a Hadron Blaster, which is mounted on top of the Float System and 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 has an additional three energy shields on its legs and chest. The leg shields increase the effectiveness of its kicks. 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 shielding. The Conquista is heavily damaged during a battle with Kallen's upgraded Guren.

With the Conquista taken out of commission, Suzaku receives the Lancelot Albion (ランスロット アルビオン, Ransurotto Arubion), a ninth-generation custom Knightmare built specifically for him by Lloyd. Its design differs radically from its predecessors, featuring much more ornamental armor while the head unit is slightly larger. It maintains its previous armament and defenses, but enhanced. The shields are larger, it carries a pair of double-barreled VARIS rifles, and its MVS swords can match Galahad's Excalibur. It uses the same energy wing system used on the final form of the Guren, but with three energy feathers instead of four. The wings can fire dozens of energy bolts over a wide area, each one capable of destroying a Knightmare in a single hit. The Lancelot Albion is eventually destroyed in battle with the Guren S.E.I.T.E.N.

Near the end of the second season, C.C. receives a pink version of the original Lancelot called the Lancelot Frontier. It is slightly weaker than the original version, as it is made from spare and salvaged parts. However, it is equipped with the shield used on the Percival. This version also possesses an ejection system. It is destroyed in battle with Kallen.

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 energy shields and Slash Harkens, but features the Vincent's lance-shaped Maser Vibration Swords and shoulder-mounted Factspheres. Suzaku Kururugi also receives an upgraded Lancelot model known as the Lancelot Enhanced.

In the manga spin-off series, 'Nightmare of Nunnally', this version of the Lancelot was built with the same manufacture as the Irregular's Alpha units. The Lancelot appears slightly in a human shape and it is installed with a synthetic and electrical gel with a special wax made from sakuradite and a muscle framing system. Its base metal uses sakuradite with a geass conducting circuitry. The main weapons are the same as the anime, but each of them are upgraded to match the Alpha's weapons.

Mordred

The Mordred (モルドレッド, Morudoreddo), named after the traitor Sir Mordred in Arthurian legend, is a seventh generation custom 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 energy 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. The Mordred's raw strength also allows it to crush other Knightmares bare-handed. During its final battle with Jeremiah Gottwald's Sutherland Sieg, the Mordred is heavily damaged, leaving its cockpit breached and exposed.

Percival

The Percival (パーシヴァル, Pāshivaru), named after Sir Percival of the Knights of the Round Table, is a custom seventh-generation Knightmare Frame piloted by the Knight of Ten, Luciano Bradley. Its armor is oddly bulky, with large cones extending from the wrists, pointed leg armor at the hips and feet, and spikes on its Landspinners. It also has spiked-shaped Slash Harkens on its shoulders and head. It has a Float System for flight. The Percival's main weapon is a large claw on its right wrist. The claw consists of four blades that can separate from each other and rotate to create a powerful energy drill. It also carries a small shield in its left hand which hides six missile launchers and has Hadron Blasters built into its legs near the hips. The Percival is destroyed in episode 18 of the second season, along with Bradley himself, by Kallen using her newly upgraded Guren. An identical shield is later used by C.C.'s Lancelot Frontier.

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 is 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. However, the interface can only be used by those with nerve potential beyond that of ordinary humans, limiting the potential operators to V.V. and Jeremiah Gottwald, the latter having been modified by Code R to replicate C.C.'s abilities.

The Siegfried is equipped with a Float System and has a number of verniers mounted on its frame, giving it excellent mobility despite its size. Its main 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. The five conical Slash Harkens are nearly as large as an ordinary Knightmare. It also possesses 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 Jeremiah Gottwald in the finale of the first season when he goes into a psychotic rage upon hearing the voice of terrorist leader Zero. Unable to defeat it, C.C. ultimately resorts to a kamikaze attack, wherein she ensnares the Siegfried with her Knightmare's Slash Harkens and drags them both into the ocean depths. Jeremiah and the Siegfried somehow survive and are next seen with the Geass Directorate. V.V. pilots it against Lelouch during the assault on the Directorate, but it is destroyed by the combined efforts of Princess Cornelia and Lelouch.

Following its destruction, the Siegfried is rebuilt by Rakshata into a new Knightmare for Jeremiah known as the Sutherland Sieg. Its size and basic shape are similar to the original Siegfried, but the weapons placement, as well as its armament in general, is much different. A large cannon is mounted on the underbelly, and it is equipped with an array of missile launchers. The Britannian energy shielding is replaced with the radiant wave surger-based shielding used on the Guren. The five conical Slash Harkens are also positioned differently. Two are mounted on the front as makeshift hands, and can channel the energy from the generators to stun opponents. The other three are located on the aft side: two are lined up parallel with the engine, and the remaining one is placed perpendicular to the cannon. It retains the neural interface from the Siegfried, which Rakshata finds disappointing since the technology isn't feasible for mass-production. As the name implies, the Sutherland Sieg is built around a Siegfried-colored Sutherland, the head of which sticks out of the top normally. The Sutherland has Float System attachments equipped to its feet in place of Landspinners, allowing it to fly. The Sutherland Sieg's main body is destroyed by Anya Alstreim's Mordred, after which the Sutherland within breaks away and is self-destructed by Jeremiah to damage the Mordred.

Tristan

The Tristan (トリスタン, Torisutan), named after Sir Tristan of the Knights of the Round Table, is a custom seventh-generation Knightmare Frame piloted by the Knight of Three, Gino Weinberg. It is the first transforming Knightmare Frame introduced in the series, able to switch between humanoid and jet forms. 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 Shen Hu'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. The Tristan is heavily damaged during a battle with the Lancelot Albion.

Following Gino's defeat by Suzaku, the Tristan is rebuilt by the Black Knights into the Tristan Divider (トリスタン・ディバイダー). It features a Black Knights' model Float System and a redesigned head unit similar to the Galahad with longer red horns. The MVS Polearm is replaced with the two severed halves of the Galahad's Excalibur, refashioned into twin swords. It is once again badly damaged by Suzaku, who severs it in half at the waist.

Japanese models

Akatsuki

The Akatsuki (暁, lit. Daybreak) is the Black Knights' mass-production Knightmare 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. Like the Gekka, the Akatsuki has a monoptic head, a machine gun built into the left hand and a single Slash Harken on the left side of its chest. It differs in that it features a pair of machine gun turrets concealed in its chest; and carries a modified version of the Katen Yaibatou, which is shaped like a baton with the blade situated near the top.

The squadron leaders in the Black Knights pilot an Akatsuki variant called Akatsuki Command Model Zikisan (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. Chiba Nagisa, Shōgo Asahina, and other standard squadron leaders pilot dark blue versions. C.C. pilots a pink model. It is equipped with similar weaponry, but carries the full-sized Katen Yaibatou instead of the scaled-down baton. 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 a customized Akatsuki called the Zangetsu (斬月, lit. Cut the Moon). It resembles the Akatsuki Command Model Zikisan 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. However, it doesn't possess the same radiant wave surger rockets. The Zangetsu's hair-like attachments are tough enough to be used to ward off physical blows. Like his subordinates, Tohdoh makes consistent use of the Float System attachment. The Zangetsu is destroyed in combat with the Lancelot Albion.

Burai

The Burai (無頼, lit. Rascal) is a remodeled version of the Glasgow mass 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 from the Glasgow in several ways. It lacks the hand-mounted Stun Guns and Tonfas of the Glasgow (though the ones seen in episode 12 do have the latter), 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. They carry the Katen Yaibatou used on the Gekka. The Burai Custom can match Britannia's Gloucester in single combat, however are less numerous. All five units were lost after the battle of Narita, at least one in direct combat with Cornelia's Gloucester, and the remaining presumably abandoned by thier pilots during their retreat. Tohdoh and the Four Holy Swords switch to using Gekkas following the loss of the Burai Customs.

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 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 fifth generation 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, which negates both visual tracking and electronic equipment.

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 early 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. Called the "Gekka Pre-Production Test Type", this prototype unit is two-tone blue rather than gray, and is more akin to the Guren than the actual Gekka, possessing a three-fingered prototype version of the radiant wave surger, though mounted on the left arm rather than the right. In the first part of "Code Geass R2", the Guren mounts a nearly identical arm as a replacement for its original one, destroyed during the final battle at the end of Season 1.

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. In keeping with its name, the Guren's armor is predominantly red. 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. Its Landspinners fold out from within its legs instead of being attached to the ankle. It is given to the Order of the Black Knights and piloted by Kallen Stadtfeld.

The Guren Mk-II's main weapon is its right arm. The arm is silver from the elbow down, and terminates in clawed fingers. 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. The warping effect can also fuse the cockpit to the frame, preventing ejection. The arm can unhinge at the elbow to extend the Guren's reach. 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 Guren Mk-II also possesses a fork-shaped knife, a grenade launcher on its left arm, and a single Slash Harken.

In the second season, 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, as well as a new "armor-piercing bombardment-type" radiant wave surger arm. The new arm has a dark gray forearm with silver fingers. 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.

After Kallen and the Guren are captured during a battle with the Chinese Federation and turned over to Britannia, Lloyd is given access to the Guren. Much like Rakshata and the Shen Hu, Lloyd and Cécile got carried away in their modifications and made it too difficult for ordinary people to pilot properly. In his care, it is upgraded into the Guren S.E.I.T.E.N. Eight Elements (紅蓮聖天八極式, Guren Seiten Hakkyokushiki, lit. Crimson Lotus S.E.I.T.E.N. Eight Elements-Type). S.E.I.T.E.N. stands for Superlative Extruder Interlocked Technology Exclusive Nexus. For flight, it uses a four-feathered Energy Wing designed by Cécile. The system allows the Guren to move at blinding speeds, such that it appears to be little more than a purple blur in flight. The wings can also serve as cutting weapons. Additional armor is added on the legs and left arm, replacing the cannon, and the antenna have been extended and enlarged, making them appear to be giant ears. The chest armor is extended into the shape of a beak and a pair of green jewels featured prominently on the front. Its single chest-mounted Slash Harken is also gone, replaced by a pair of larger Slash Harkens mounted in its shoulder joints. Its radiant wave surger arm has also been upgraded significantly. It can be fired like a Slash Harken, and has a Harken Booster for controlled flight. The arm still functions when launched as such. Its original functions are retained and far more potent: the ordinary radiation burst can block a Hadron Cannon blast and the hand can crush energy shielding without the aid of the emitter. In addition, it can fire energy disks. The Guren's fork knife is also upgraded, having been retrofitted with MVS capability and made about twice as long. Its MVS (which is colored purple as opposed to the usual red) is evidently more potent than normal versions, as it can cut through the Lancelot Conquista's MVS swords. It is damaged in battle against the Lancelot Albion, losing its head and both arms, but the chest survives intact.

Shinkirō

The Shinkirō (蜃気楼, lit. Mirage) is a unique 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's main feature is its Absolute Protection Territory (絶対守護領域), a system which uses an array of hexagonal energy shields that can be projected over any part of the Knightmare. The Druid System, adapted from the Gawain, plots the trajectories of incoming projectiles and shifts the shields accordingly, giving the Shinkirō the highest defensive power of any Knightmare Frame. The system requires incredibly complex calculations to form effective barriers, such that it takes an intellect on the level of Lelouch to use the system to its full potential. When Rolo attempts to use it, he is only able to erect a meager defense with a number of weak spots. At its full potential, the Absolute Defense Territory can block a sustained blast from the Mordred's Stark Hadron Cannon, albeit at the cost of much of its power reserves. The shields must be deactivated for the weapons to be fired.

The Shinkirō's main weapon is a chest-mounted laser called the Structural 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 blast. The Shinkirō also has a pair of Hadron blasters mounted on the underside of its wrists which fire sphere-shaped blasts, rather than continous beams of energy; it is no less destructive, being able to destroy a Knightmare in a single shot, and being able to do massive damage to MSV particle shielding or radiation barriers.

The Shinkirō is destroyed by Gino in his Tristan Divider near the end of the second season.

Chinese Federation models

Gang Lou

In an attempt to match the effectiveness of Britannian Knightmare Frames, the Chinese Federation designed and mass produced the Gang Lou (鋼髏, lit. "Steel Skeleton"). Larger than its Britannian counterparts, the Gang Lou'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 Gang Lou's armament consists of a pair of machine guns and a pair of cannons which are mounted on the shoulders of the body and are effective at considerable distance. The Gang Lou 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. Nonetheless, during the failed Chinese invasion of Kyūshū, Suzaku's Lancelot was nearly overwhelmed through sheer weight of numbers by Gang Lou units; similarly Li Xingke's Shen hu was close to destruction when pinned down by a large division of Gang Lous.

Shen Hu

A Knightmare Frame model developed by Rakshata's team at the same time as the Guren Mk-II, the Shen Hu (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 Shen Hu has blue armor with red and gold parts, and its head unit has an intricate design with a red spike protruding from the top. Unlike most of Rakshata's creations, it uses a standard-style cockpit instead of the motorbike design common on Japanese Knightmares.

Having been built by Rakshata's team, the Shen Hu is equipped with the same type of Float System employed by the Black Knights. 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, dub: Heavenly Particle Shocking Cannon), a directed energy weapon of similar power to the Hadron Cannon and equal to the Radiant Wave Surger on the Guren Flight-Enabled Version. Its main weapons are two rope dart-like Slash Harkens mounted on its wrist. By wrapping or impaling an enemy with the Slash Harkens, the Shen Hu can send a powerful electrical charge along the cable, instantly destroying the Knightmare on the receiving end. The Shen Hu's wrist armor can also spin in place to turn the Slash Harkens into powerful flails which can double as shields. The Shen Hu has also has a short sword stored near its shoulder. In combat, the knightmare proved challenging even to numerous seventh generation frames. It held off Kallen's Guren and captured it after its power was drained, and it could fight Tohdoh's Zangetsu as an equal. The Shen Hu is not unrivalled, however; it was overpowered and forced to withdraw from combat by the knightmare Galahad and received damage to its Float System from a swarm of Gang Lou's focusing their fire upon it.

Others

Bamides

The Bamides is a type of Knightmare Frame 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 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 hover engines instead of 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 appeared in the fifth episode of the first season, where they fought to defend against a Britannian division. Their initial success was overcome by a group of Gloucesters which quickly destroyed them, while Princess Cornelia had already got behind them and annihilated the base that 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 vi Britannia. 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 annually as a school festival exhibition. 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 used by civilians. It is equipped with two Slash Harkens in its shoulders and an ejection system. It also used Landspinners for quick and agile movement. Its limbs are flattened, allowing it to fold up into a form resembling a truck when inactive. A white and black coloured MR-1 is used by the Black Knights in the rescue of Suzaku Kururugi during the first season; in which the knightmare proves vunerable to standard Sutherland gun fire and is very quickly destroyed. 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. One is also seen among Li Xingke's forces during the initial assault on Tokyo in episode 17.

Manga and video game models

Alpha

The GX-01 Alpha is a Seventh Generation Knightmare Frame from the manga spin-off series, Nightmare of Nunnally, used only by the Special Honorary Foreign Legion "Irregulars". Each unit has a 'Geass Conduct' installed and is equipped with Landspinners, the Alpha is made with the same material as any other knightmare frame, but is outfitted with a synthetic, electrical gel combined with a special wax made from sakuradite to form a muscle framing system; resulting in a more human apperence than regular units. The main weapons of the Alpha are two katanas and a long-range rifle. Each of the Alpha units have different custom heads and weapons for each Irregulars member.

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 but a muscle framing system and appears more human; as a result, it can move more acrobatically, and it can run and jump with greater ease. When merged with Nemo, Nunnally can summon the Mark Nemo.

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, the Mark Nemo appears in the background when Nunnally is talking about her ideal Knightmare Frame.

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.