Externally, the R-1 Kai looks exactly the same as the R-1, which makes the Kai's only visual difference compared to R-1 being the fact that it can hold the new GT-Revolvers as both tonfas and pistols, as opposed to the old G-Revolvers. The mecha is now incapable of combining to form SRX.
Super Robot Spirits[]
During the Balmar Campaign, SRX was overpowered and defeated in combat against the Aerogaters' Judecca. With the R-2 Powered and R-3 Powered heavily wrecked, the R-1, which received the least damage, was quickly retrofitted with R-2's Tronium Engine and R-3's advanced T-Link System, along with a new designation, R-1 Kai. The new upgrades improved the R-1's output as well as strengthened the machine's telekinetic attacks, however the more advanced T-Link System imported from the R-3 generated a greater load on Ryuusei's mind than usual, though it seems that he later got used to it. For data gathering, it fought mock battles against Dancouga and Voltes V. It was later sent to intercept an unidentified flying object, which turned out to be Dunbine. Later, Domon Kasshu in his Shining Gundam trespassed on the SRX Team's base in search of his brother and the Devil Gundam, however Ryuusei ended up fighting him anyway as he still needed more close-combat data for the R-1. An unknown machine was soon discovered approaching Japan at high speed from South America, which turned out to be Master Asia and his Master Gundam. R-1 Kai then dueled against Master Gundam, as Master Asia wanted to test Ryuusei's abilities and to see whether or not is he a suitable core for the Devil Gundam. Shortly thereafter, the R-1 Kai is spotted by Walker Gallia, with Jiron Amos and Chill mistaking it for an enemy, escalating into a fight. After the TFA announced the Earth Escape Operation, Ryuusei began to lose his fighting spirit, until Banjou Haran arrived in his Daitarn 3, challenging Ryuusei to a duel in order to raise his spirit up, since Banjou has not accepted defeat just yet. After regaining his resolution, Ryuusei departed with Banjou towards South America to join up with the opponents Ryuusei had fought before (except for Master Gundam) and take part in Operation Super Robot Spirits to defeat Judecca, but not before assisting Shining Gundam in destroying Devil Gundam, which was being used as a power source for the Judecca. Before the final battle, Aya utilized R-1's old T-Link System left behind to synchronize with R-1 Kai's T-Link System, allowing her to amplify Ryuusei's telekinetic powers with her own. Operation Super Robot Spirits successfully ended with the Judecca's defeat at the hands of R-1 Kai. Left floating in space, the R-1 Kai and Ryuusei were then later retrieved by Raidiese F. Branstein in a repaired R-2 and brought home.
Alpha Gaiden[]
The R-1 Kai was discovered in the Future World by the Preventers at a Mountain Cycle. It differentiates from the R-1 through the omission of the combination system, the addition of the GT-Revolvers, and the lack of Ryuusei's personal emblem on the machine. It is unknown whether or not the R-1 Kai is a replicated R-1 or simply just a refurbished R-1 from that world. Its status following the Preventers' final battle against Neo Granzon to protect the Microwave Relay Station on the Moon is not known.
Armaments & Attacks[]
Armaments[]
Head Vulcan Cannon (頭部バルカン砲 | Toubu Vulcan-Hou)
Two rapidly firing machine guns mounted on the R-1 Kai's head. They're not very effective on Personal Troopers and similar sized enemies, but they're good for destroying small fighters and ground targets.
Cold Metal Knife (コールドメタルナイフ)
Handheld Zol Orichalconium combat knives stored within the shoulder booster pods. During most games the R-1 only wields one knife, but in 2nd Original Generation it wields both. When attacking with the weapon, Ryuusei sometimes dubs it as the "Golden Metal Knive" (ゴールデンメタルナイーブ).
Short for "Giant Tonfa Revolver", they are a variant of the G-Revolvers that can also be wielded as tonfas for close combat. They have a slightly different design compared to the G-Revolvers, notably sporting a longer grip for them to be held as tonfas. They are speculated to be quite sturdy due to their functionality as both a shooting and melee weapon. The GT-Revolvers are meant to be used as tonfas after they have run out of ammo, however Ryuusei flexibly uses them as he wishes, smacking the enemy with the Revolvers first before barraging them with bullets. Known as the GT-Revolver Cannons in R-Wing Kai mode.
Boosted Rifle (ブーステッド・ライフル)
A long-range rifle which fires a powerful beam charge, mounted on the side of either shoulder booster pods when not in use. Alpha Gaiden only, MAP Weapon.
Shield (シールド)
A handheld shield which serves as the R-Wing's nosecone. It probably no longer serves as components for the SRX.
Solo Attacks[]
Random Shoot (ランダムシュート)
R-1 Kai blasts the enemy with its GT-Revolvers. Anti-air attack in Spirits, one of Ryuusei's lines when using the GT-Revolver in Alpha Gaiden.
R-Combination (R-コンビネーション)
A T-Link Knuckle attack utilizing both hands punching in succession.
T-Link Knuckle Kai (T-LINKナックル改 | T-Link Knuckle Custom)
Concentrating telekinetic energy into its right fist, R-1 Kai releases a powerful punch. Unlike the original R-1, upon the Knuckle's contact, an energy burst shaped after the Kanji character "破" ("Ha" | Destruction) is also unleashed at the target, as Ryuusei exclaims the same sound.
Tenjou Tenka Nendou Hasai Ken (天上天下念動破砕剣 | Telekinetic Crushing Sword of Heaven and Earth)
Also called the T-Link Sword (T-LINKソード), this is the R-1 Kai's ultimate attack, developed by Ryuusei. Telekinetic force is concentrated between the R-1's hands into the form of a sword, which is then launched at the target. The R-1 can manipulate the sword's flight path with its hands, and once the blade pierces its target its telekinetic energy is released in a powerful destructive burst.
