Light Finding Operation
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The mecha in the anime series Eureka Seven are called LFOs, which stands for Light Finding Operation. LFOs are, in fact, humanoid alien skeletons excavated from the Scub Coral that are installed with armor and control systems by humans. Just a few years after their inception, the military began to use combat LFOs on a large scale; such LFOs are known as KLFs (Kraft Light Fighter). LFOs fly exploiting the same principles of reffing — by using trapar particles. An LFO is composed of a giant organic base (the Archetype), armor, a ref board, and a Compac Drive.
With the exception of a few LFOs, most LFOs are able to switch between their humanoid forms and wheeled vehicle forms, allowing them to operate where the trapar waves are too weak to ride. This wheeled form also allows them to take off in a manner somewhat similar to an airplane. Those with vehicle forms are usually launched in that form and convert to their humanoid forms once airborne. In cases where no vehicle form is available, a special catapult is usually required.
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[edit] Types of LFO
[edit] Nirvash typeZERO
- Overall Height: 14.7m (humanoid mode), 2.8m (vehicle mode)
- Weight: 21.4t
- Maximum Output: 4000/ 120~ 150 9PS/bpm
- Maximum Velocity: 300km (vehicle mode)
- Seating Capacity: 2 persons
The Nirvash, along with its pilots Eureka and Renton, is something of a visual symbol for Eureka Seven, and the LFO itself is complicit in many of the series' mysteries. The Nirvash typeZERO was the first archetype discovered, and the LFO created from this archetype was the base model that many other LFOs were designed around. It is also the only archetype discovered so far whose natural shape suggests that it should accommodate two people. The Nirvash is one of the few LFOs that can operate without a Compac Drive, though the Seven Swell and other similar energy-discharge phenomena it is capable of have only appeared when a Compac Drive and the Amita Drive are attached. Both versions of the Nirvash's outer shell were created by the scientists at Tresor, and both ref boards were created by Axel Thurston. In Japan, the typeZERO is referred to as a female, though it is referred to as a male in the American Dub.
The Nirvash's main weapons are a pair of boomerang knives (basic equipment for it and the Terminus series of LFOs). During its time in the military, it also used a large, shoulder-fired laser rifle (such extra equipment is also used on most combat LFOs). In addition to these, the Nirvash also features small chaff and flare launchers on its back to confuse missiles and dissuade followers. When equipped with a Compac Drive and the Amita Drive, it can also trigger the Seven Swell phenomenon, which generates trapar and disables other LFOs (later in the series). At times, the Nirvash has responded to its pilots' commands without the use of its mechanical interface and even moves on its own to protect them; this is apparently not exclusive to Renton and Eureka, since Sumner Sturgeon was able to get the Nirvash to activate through verbal commands when he was forced to pilot it in Ruri's defence. It also has the ability to seemingly upgrade itself to suit its pilots, first in a minor fashion and later in a much greater way.
Curiously, the same Compac drive Renton always brings with him sometimes displays the word "EUREKA" (the name of the typeZERO's pilot) in its display. In the series's beginning this Compac drive is added to the Nirvash's hardware, attached to the even more mysterious Amita Drive. According to Axel Thurston, the Amita Drive was developed to bring forth the true potential of the typeZERO and amplifies the effect of the Compac Drive. The installation of the Amita Drive unlocks the Satori Program which allows the unleashing of the Seven Swell phenomenon.
[edit] Nirvash typeZERO spec2
After Eureka and Renton activate the true form of the Seven Swell phenomenon, the Nirvash's archetype grows and expands beyond its original frame, forcing a redesign to accommodates its new shape. The upgraded form of the Nirvash typeZERO is built according to the apparent will of the typeZERO and physical growth of the archetype. This results in the slimmer, more jet-like spec2.
The spec2 features a much sleeker design and improved capabilities when compared to the original. It retains the boomerang knives from the previous form. The spec2's cockpit is resigned to position the pilots closer together. Back seats are also built into the spec2. The Compac Drive is attached to a movable column, allowing Eureka and Renton to trigger the Seven Swell phenomenon simply by lifting it into a upright position. According to Dr. Morita, the spec2 controls identically to the original with the exception of the mode shift interface.
The spec2's main feature is its ability to transform into a high-speed jet (though it also retains its car form). In jet form, it can move fast enough to outrun TheEND's homing lasers. The board of the spec2, unlike the previous board, is split into two halves that are manually combined by the Nirvash when needed. When not in use, the halves of the board are attached near the Nirvash's arms. The spec2 can actually move its limbs while in jet mode (demonstrated when it pulled a blade out to cut a cord while in jet mode in episode 48). Renton and Eureka seem to be able to pilot the spec2 with even more proficiency than the original model, and are also are able to control the Seven Swell phenomenon with much more proficiency(compared to the more random nature it previously displayed).
[edit] Nirvash typeZERO spec3
The spec3 is the short-lived final form of the Nirvash, seen in the final episode. It is created after sustaining damage that leaves it in no condition to fly. At Renton's insistence that the Nirvash help him rescue Eureka, the organic archetype evolves into a fully-formed humanoid LFO, patterned with mostly white limbs and the underlying green glow of a Compac Drive. Its left eye is the same color as Renton's, the right one being closed. It is piloted by Renton himself, who does so from a compartment on its back that mimics his every movement. It has no ref board, instead creating trapar from its own body to propel itself. It can also concentrate and fire trapar in a single, massive beam from its chest. After Renton using the Nirvash to rescue Eureka, its right eye opens to reveal a Coralian-colored eye, much like Eureka's. However, in the last scene showing the Nirvash in episode 50, the right eye has changed from the color of Eureka's pink eyes to the Blue of Renton's eyes.
[edit] Nirvash typeTheEND
The other Nirvash shown in the series is typeTheEND, which is piloted by Anemone. Nothing is known about its creation, but like the Nirvash it doesn't seem to need a Compac Drive due to the nature of its pilot. Instead, the pilot is interfaced directly with the machine through an amorphous, organic frame that projects images of the surrounding sky onto it. Overall, it is much larger than the typeZERO and colored black instead of white (until shortly before its destruction). TheEND is referred to as a male being. Like the Nirvash, theEND is capable of moving on its own, though it doesn't do so until episode 48. It also has actual eyes, like the Nirvash.
TheEND, unlike the Nirvash, is equipped with many weapons. Each of its arms are equipped with a retractable set of claws, both of which can be fired to attack opponents at a distance. Each set of claws remains attached to theEND with a large cable and can be controlled through rockets attached to them. Alternatively, it can utilize a pair of scythe-like knives, seen in episode 48. TheEND also comes equipped with three sets of homing lasers, one on each shoulder and another on its pelvis. Its final weapon is a massive directed energy weapon known as "Vascud Crisis," the power of which is somewhat comparable to the Seven Swell phenomenon. It is fired from two dish-like plates on theEND's chest. It also features a unique ref board that can be split into two skis for better maneuvering.
[edit] KLF Mon-Soono
The KLF Mon-Soono is standard combat LFO used by the United Federation Force. The Mon-Soono types are weaker than the Terminus, though much easier to pilot by untrained personnel because of a Compac feedback system. The quality of the pilots seems to make a great difference; in the hands of an ace like Captain Saville of Sawyer Team, the Mon-Soono can be deadly effective. Mon-Soono cockpits typically features three display screens and pilots who wear helmets with several digital eyes. These eyes appear to be able to split to observe the various screens or converge into one eye to focus on one screen. All versions of the Mon-Soono have a secondary vehicle form.
The Mon-Soono have different weaponry depending on the type. The type20 has a weapons turret attached to the rear of its torso, behind the head, which can mount either a laser cannon and homing missile pod, or two of either one. It can also carry a scaled-up assault rifle in its hands, and there is a tank gun mounted on each shoulder-wing (the latter are only used in vehicle mode). A lighter-armored type10 also exists, but there appear to be no outwardly visible differences between the two (in episode 20, Holland's screen shows two MS10 units and two MS20's approaching him, but when he actually encounters them all four KLFs are drawn as identical machines). The differences are made clear in the game, TR1: The New Wave. The MS20 is portrayed as being larger and bulkier, with a sleeker head module and a blueish-gray colour scheme.
[edit] Terminus Series
The Terminus line was created for use by the special forces. Because of its power output, the Terminus models are especially hard to handle and aren't used much by the start of the series. By the time the series begins, the only remaining models are in the hands of rear-echelon units, collectors, and Gekkostate.
[edit] typeR606
- Overall height: 13.7m (humanoid mode), 2.6m (vehicle mode)
- Weight: 21.3t
- Maximum Output: 3400/110~140 (PS/bpm)
- Maximum Velocity: 280km (vechicle mode)
- Seating capacity: 2 persons
The typeR606 is mainly piloted by Matthieu, accompanied by Stoner, for most of the series. Hilda also pilots the 606 with Talho and Renton as passengers in one episode ("Vivid Bit"), by Holland in episode 20, and by Talho in episode 35. The typeR606 is yellow-orange in color and features a two person cockpit, which takes up most of its upper torso and covers the area where a standard Terminus' head is mounted. Its high maneuverability and short activation time makes it the easiest craft to pilot. It is equipped with a pair of boomerang knives, but no fixed directed energy weaponry. In episode 20, Holland pilots the 606 with a large beam weapon mounted on its right arm, in place of a boomerang knife. The 606 is seen equipped with this weapon again in episodes 40-42.
[edit] typeR808
- Overall Height: 14.2 (humanoid mode), 2.7m (vehicle mode)
- Weight: 23.1t
- Maximum Output: 4100/110~130(PS/bpm)
- Maximum Velocity: 260km (vehicle mode)
- Seating Capacity: 1 person
The typeR808 is only piloted by Hilda. It is baby blue in color, and its head has sensors only on the left side, giving it a peculiar asymmetrical appearance. It is equipped with a pair of flying-disc knives and a dual high-power long-range laser cannon, giving it the most firepower of the Gekko LFOs. It has a very high power consumption, so its range of activity is limited. This LFO is specialized for a rear position in battle.
[edit] typeR909
- Overall Height: 14.2m (humanoid mode), 2.7m (vehicle mode)
- Weight: 23.3t
- Maximum Output: 3800/110~160 (PS/bpm)
- Maximum Velocity: 300km (vehicle mode)
- Seating Capacity: 1 person
The typeR909 is piloted by Holland until it is destroyed by theEND. It is magenta in color, and its head has a pair of pentagonal sensors, arranged one above the other. It is equipped with a pair of boomerang knives and a single, high-power, long-range, laser cannon. It was designed as a successor to the 808 and addressed most of its shortcomings. However, the changes to the fuselage caused its center of gravity to be shifted downward, making precise control difficult. Like the Mon-Soono series, it has an optional Compac feedback system.
[edit] typeB303 "Devilfish"
The typeB303 "Devilfish" is one of the most powerful and dangerous LFOs, due to its unique design. Unlike other LFOs, it is not equipped with a limiter, which allows it to function to the very zenith of its capabilities. However, this takes a toll on the pilot, who is forced to compensate for all the strain himself. In order to do this, the pilot is required to take special drugs, both to enhance their nervous system and to keep them from blacking out. Constant intake of these drugs can have dire consequences and is considered near suicidal.
The Devilfish is silver in color and has the novel ability to function in both space and planetary atmospheres. It was apparently in top-secret storage for some time, before Holland retrieves it to replace his destroyed typeR909. The Devilfish is armed with high power weaponry, featuring two mounted laser cannons and smaller homing lasers built into the shoulders. The ref board of the Devilfish also features small rocket boosters for quick thrusts in certain directions, and can be split in half like the Nirvash's spec2 board. It is capable of flying at considerable speed for an unknown distance without a ref board as demonstrated in episode 49 thanks to rockets mounted on its back. Despite these advanced features, the Devilfish happens to feature black and white video communication screens, unlike all other LFOs. This is because of it's age.
[edit] typeR505
The typeR505 is used by Sumner Sturgeon in TR1: New Wave. Additionally, it was used by Holland when he was still in the Special Operations Forces, and used by the pilots of the second SOF squadron (including Logica) in the manga, when it was reformed by Dewey. Sumner's unit is black and white in color, since it was originally intended to be a spare-parts machine for his squadron; the standard type is olive drab, and the SOF's standard 505 is navy blue. All 505s have a single visor-shaped main sensor on their "face," and a smaller secondary sensor above it; the SOF types, including Sumner's, also have a pair of fin-shaped antennae on their head.
The 505 is equipped with a pair of boomerang knives and has a variety of optional back weapons, including various laser guns, machine guns, railguns, rocket launchers, and a quad missile launcher pod intended for aerial combat. Sumner's is upgraded over the years, including the addition of a ref-board, and later custom modifications, which appear to add two three-tube missile launchers to the sides and increased speed and agility.
[edit] Spearhead
The Spearhead is a special combat LFO that doesn't lift using a board, instead using ref board-like plates attached to its back near the waist. The only model that appears in the series is the SH-101, the two of which seen are piloted by Charles and Ray. The SH-101 is equipped with several lasers on independently mobile mounting points and a pair of large retractable knives in its forearms. It can also use its head as a ram to smash holes through windows or other weak points of an enemy craft.
[edit] VC10
The VC10 is a special anti-Coralian KLF unit deployed by Dewey Novak's Ageha Squad during his campaign against the Coralians. They do not use ref boards, instead relying on their oversized feet, which perform the same function. The VC10 units operate in a squad and can also link up and transmit their units' energy to power up the Nirvash typeTheEND, which uses the energy to emit a field that instantly kills Coralians. As the use of the VC10 is specialized for Coralian combat, it is not featured prominently.
[edit] Compac Drives and the Amita Drive
While there is little information as to the exact nature of the Compac Drive, it appears that it acts as an interface with whatever it is hooked up to, from communication devices to heavy machinery (such as LFOs). Norb described these devices as "amplifiers" of the planet's thoughts (the trapar waves), and that their name is derived from kon (meaning soul), which is attracted to the planet, and paku (meaning body), which is attracted to people. Certain individuals, like Eureka and Anemone, are able to interface with LFO's without the need for a Compac drive. This is because of their connection with the Scub Coral; they are able to communicate directly with the Nirvashs' archetypes as a result.
[edit] References to pop culture
- LFO and KLF are the names of two British bands that appeared during the end of the 80's.
- The Terminus LFOs are named after famous Roland synthesizers and drum machines: TB-303 (specifically the Devilfish modification), TR-808 and TR-909. Other LFOs named after Roland products are the Terminus TR-505 and TR-606, and the Spearhead SH-101.
- The Mon-Soono type10 and type20 KLFs are named after Korg products–the MS-10 and MS-20 monophonic synthesizers. Also, the VC10 KLF is named after Korg's VC-10 vocoder.
- The color schemes of the Beams' Spearhead LFOs are based on those of the VF-1 Valkyrie fighters used by Max Jenius and his wife Millia in the classic mecha anime series Macross. Charles' white stripes on blue paint job corresponds to Max's Valkyrie, and Ray's white stripes on red corresponds to Millia's Valkyrie.
- Nirvash typeZERO's nickname given to it by the Vodarek people, "the White Devil," is the same as Amuro Ray.
