"In the 21st century, natural disasters around the world have yet to cease. And now, monsters, which were thought to have been figments of the imagination, have appeared. To counter this threat, the United Nations created the UDF, the United Defense Federation. Their most elite counter-monster team is DASH."
- ―Narrator, Ultraman Max
The Defense Action Squad Heroes, abbreviated as DASH, is a special defense force under the UDF. It first appeared in Ultraman Max.[1]
Overview[]
DASH is the specialized defense team established by the UDF Japan Branch to combat monsters. Comprised of experts from UDF members worldwide, they span various fields and undergo rigorous training in intelligence, physical fitness, and other abilities, becoming the primary defensive force against global monster disasters.
The base of DASH is located at the Base Titan of the UDF Japan Branch in Tokyo Bay, Japan, with a command room. They operate on a 24-hour duty system to respond to monster incidents, typically starting work at 10 a.m.
Members of this team possess the most advanced equipment and technology. In events involving combating monsters or encountering aliens, they deploy the large carrier "DASH Mother" carrying the combat aircraft "DASH Bird." These members have higher investigative authority and equipment usage permits than the police or military, ensuring effective response to emergencies, protecting public safety, and maintaining social order under any circumstances.[2]
History[]
Ultraman Max[]
The DASH Mother took off from the Base Titan for a mission to counter monsters.
In the 21st century, due to the effects of human pollution and warfare, the Earth's environment has suffered severe damage. Suddenly, phenomena previously only found in science fiction novels, such as "monsters," have emerged worldwide, as if it were nature's backlash against human behavior. To address this crisis, the UDF Japan Branch established DASH as the primary force to counter monster threats within Japan's borders. After rigorous recruitment exams, a total of four members and one AI robot were selected to join the team.
When Grangon first appeared at Mount Ryugandake in Japan, the UDF Japan Branch immediately dispatched DASH. DASH boarded the small aerial carrier "Dash Mother" and headed to the scene, deploying the combat aircraft DASH Bird 1 and DASH Bird 2 to engage in fierce combat with Grangon. DASH used DASH Bird 1's cooling bombs to freeze Grangon and then used DASH Bird 2's attacks to scatter it into pieces. Although DASH successfully completed their first mission, Lagoras then appeared in the waters off the Izu Peninsula and moved towards Mount Ryugandake.
After Grangon's body fragments made contact with magma and resurrected, the two monsters immediately engaged in mutual attacks in the area, causing DASH Bird 1 and 2 to be caught in the crossfire and crash. In this urgent situation, a civilian named Kaito Touma replaced Mizuki Koishikawa and piloted DASH Bird 1. Kaito's ability to pilot the fighter stemmed from his participation in DASH's entrance exam, equipping him with basic operational skills.
DASH members witnessed the first appearance of Ultraman Max.
However, Kaito crashed during the battle with Lagoras. At that moment, a red orb descended onto Earth, and Ultraman Max appeared before DASH, Grangon, and Lagoras. He used the Maxium Cannon to defeat Grangon and Lagoras. Following this, with DASH's military strength bolstered, they prepared to face more monster disasters, and Kaito became a new member of DASH. Throughout the series, the team frequently undertook monster countermeasures and investigation missions worldwide, their efforts proving crucial in assisting Ultraman Max to achieve victory.Ultraman Max Arrives!
In the final stages of the series, after numerous battles, DASH learned of the sudden appearance of mysterious machines called Auto Maton warning humanity to cease economic activities and abandon civilization worldwide. They claimed that if all destructive economic and war activities harming the environment were not stopped within 30 hours, all UDF bases globally would be destroyed. Although Captain Shigeru Hijikata decided to negotiate with the Delos People, the negotiations ultimately failed, leading to the destruction of the Titan Base during the attack. As Max battled Giga Berserk and was defeated, the influence of the Giga Berserke system spread worldwide, destroying infrastructure systems everywhere.Prelude to Ground Annihilation
In order to explore and safeguard the future of humanity, DASH carried out Operation Max.
Despite this, DASH did not give up. Through an analysis of Max Galaxy, they discovered its ability to provide Max with solar energy. They then devised "Operation Max ," using Max Galaxy to provide energy for Max's resurrection. Eventually, Max was revived and defeated Giga Berserke.
As the battle concluded, all members of DASH witnessed Ultraman Max leaving Earth and took a group photo in Yokohama at night.Hold On To! Future
Members[]
Captain Hijikata
- Main article: Shigeru Hijikata
Shigeru Hijikata is the captain of DASH and mainly commands his team members at the Base Titan.
Although his personality is quite strict and adheres to discipline, he sometimes shows a quick and witty side, making him a beloved and admired leader among the members.
Kenjiro Koba
- Main article: Kenjiro Koba
Kenjiro Koba is a member of DASH, proficient in shooting skills, and can skillfully operate both the regular Dashrizer and the specialized dual guns in battle, making him a key player in the team with outstanding shooting abilities.
In addition to his proficiency in piloting fighter jets, he also possesses rich emotions and strong psychological resilience.
Mizuki Koishikawa
- Main article: Mizuki Koishikawa
Mizuki Koishikawa is a member of DASH and not only is she the team's most outstanding ace pilot, but she also frequently participates in ground combat. In addition, she has excellent abilities in medical work and cooking and is a kind and confident woman.
Sean White
- Main article: Sean White
Sean White is a member of DASH and the only foreign member in the team. He comes from the UDF US branch and was dispatched to Japan. He is a scientist who is good at scientific inventions and assists in medical consultation.
He is mainly responsible for the development of manufacturing weapons and various equipment, and has amazing technical abilities.
Elly
- Main article: Elly
Elly is the humanoid robot of DASH, responsible for controlling the majority of the Base Titan's operations and functions along with the pet robot "Coco". She is also responsible for communication and data analysis, and possesses overwhelming computing abilities.
As a humanoid robot, she is not good at understanding human behavior patterns and subtle emotions, and generally uses polite language when communicating.
Kaito Touma
- Main article: Kaito Touma
Kaito Touma is a new member of DASH. In the past, he became a civilian disaster relief volunteer to protect others from the impact of disasters, and therefore received training to join DASH.
However, he was initially rejected due to failing the final exam. But during an attack, he disregarded everything and piloted a fighter to participate in the battle against Grangon and Lagoras. Afterward, he successfully joined DASH.
He transforms into Ultraman Max.
Arsenal[]
Attire[]
- DASH-Suit : This is a uniform made of new nano polymer, featuring a red and white two-piece jacket paired with black and gray pants. It provides warmth and bulletproof capabilities. In terms of details, the male version has a stand-up collar, while the female version has an open collar. Elly's uniform includes shoulder pads and is worn with tights and a skirt. During combat, members wear additional gear such as Dash gloves, protectors for elbows, knees, and feet. The belt conceals portable food and medicine. An identification badge engraved with the member's name is worn on the left chest.
- DASH Met : Helmets worn by DASH members, they have satellite phones and are built from high density carbon. They have other built-in communication technology and are bulletproof. An oxygen mask can also be installed.
- DASH Glove : The hand gloves worn by DASH members during combat missions.
- DASH Cap : The identification caps worn by DASH members during routine investigation missions.
- ID Card : The UDF allows DASH member to have extra-judicial powers in times of need.
Equipment[]
- DASH Rizer : A multipurpose laser gun, it is the size of a 45. caliber hand gun. The cylinder can be replaced in order to change to a paralyzer, stun gun, or signal bullet mode. It is charged in its holster and kept at full charge.
- Koba Special : A silver version of the DASH Rizer used by member Kenjiro Koba.
- DASH Deringer : A beam cannon developed by Sean, the cartridge can be swapped for a multitude of effects each with the power of an anti-tank gun. Pheromone bullets can also be used with it.
- DASH Pad : DASH members are equipped with foldable multifunctional electronic communication devices. They can use the included stylus for input, perform tasks such as analyzing monster capabilities, material communication, data verification, analysis, GPS functions, and also use it as a music player and gun sight.
- Alien Scanner : One of DASH's detection systems, capable of detecting alien responses.
- Underwater Life Detector : A detection tool used to investigate the bottom of Lake Natugawa.
Mecha[]
DASH Alfa : The Alfa Romeo GT car that can fly with the iron wings. It also can help Ultraman Max fighting his enemy.
- Subtitle: Transformable Special Investigation Vehicle
- Stats
- Length: 4.5 m
- Width: 1.8 m
- Maximum Driving Speed: 750 km/h
- Maximum Flight Speed: Mach 2.5
- Crew: 5
DASH Mother : The red painted plane of DASH. It is the primary weapon for DASH. DASH Birds 1 and 2 can be launched from it.
- Subtitle: Small Airborne Carrier
- Stats
- Length: 40 m (Normal Mode), 25 m (Attack Mode)
- Width: 30 m (Normal Mode), 42 m (Attack Mode)
- Maximum Flight Speed: Mach 3 (in stratosphere), Mach 5 (outside stratosphere)
- Crew: 6
DASH Bird 1 : A red painted jet.
- Subtitle: Transformable Main Fighter
- Stats
- Length: 18 m (Normal and Standby Mode), 11 m (Attack Mode)
- Width: 19 m (Normal Mode), 22 m (Attack Mode)
- Maximum Flight Speed: Mach 5 (in stratosphere), Mach 7 (outside stratosphere)
- Crew: 2
DASH Bird 2 : A blue painted jet.
- Subtitle: Two-Seater Transformable Fighter
- Stats
- Length: 15 m (Normal Mode), 16 m (Attack Mode)
- Width: 15 m (Normal and Standby Mode), 23 m (Attack Mode)
- Maximum Flight Speed: Mach 3 (in stratosphere), Mach 5 (outside stratosphere)
- Crew: 2
DASH Bird 3 : A yellow painted jet.
- Subtitle: Transformable Submarine
- Stats
- Length: 16 m (Drill Mode), 14 m (Submarine and Flight Mode)
- Width: 13 m (Drill Mode), 14 m (Submarine Mode), 15 m (Flight Mode)
- Maximum Flight Speed: Mach 5 (in stratosphere), Mach 7 (outside stratosphere)
- Crew: 2
Merchandise[]
DASH Machine Series[]
- DASH Bird 01 (2005)
- Release Date: July 2005
- Price: 1,980 yen
- JAN/ISBN: 4543112329561
- Materials: ABS, PA
- DASH Machine Series DASH Bird 01 is a DX-sized vehicle toy that is capable of converting into three modes: Normal, Attack or Standby.
- DASH Mother (2005)
- Release Date: August 2005
- Price: 5,170 yen
- JAN/ISBN: 543112329585
- Materials: ABS, PA
- DASH Machine Series DASH Mother is a transforming larger vehicle that is also capable of carrying both DASH Birds 01 and 02 only.
- DASH Bird 02 (2005)
- Release Date: August 2005
- Price: 1,980 yen
- JAN/ISBN: 4543112329578
- Materials: ABS, PA
- The DASH Bird 02 is also released for the DASH Machine Series line.
- DASH Bird 03 (2005)
- Release Date: November 18, 2005
- Price: 1,980 yen
- JAN/ISBN: 4543112349088
- Materials: ABS, PA
- The DASH Bird 03 is also released for the DASH Machine Series line.
- DASH Alfa (2005)
- Release Date: November 18, 2005
- Price: 2,200 yen
- JAN/ISBN: 4543112348265
- Materials: ABS, PA
- The DASH Alfa is also released for the DASH Machine Series line. Unlike the jets, the DASH Alfa is only capable of converting between ground or flight modes.
- DASH Bird β (Beta) (2006)
- Release Date: January 2006
- Price: 2,200 yen
- JAN/ISBN: 4543112398338
- Materials: ABS, PA
- DASH Machine Series DASH Bird β (Beta) is a redeco/retool of the DASH Bird 01, featuring new booster areas.
DX[]
- Motorized Sortie Base DX Base Titan (2005)
- Release Date: September 2005
- Price: 7,920 yen
- JAN/ISBN: 4543112329899
- Materials: ABS, PA
- Accessories: DASH Machines (DASH Bird 01, 02, 03), DASH Mother, three handcars
- Released as part of the DX Series of defense force base toys, the Base Titan features sliding tracks and a motorized elevator feature. It also comes with four DASH Machines; DASH Birds 01 to 03, and a DASH Mother that can only carry one of the units. each DASH Birds also comes with their respective handcars for them to roll onto the base's tracks.
- The fully-colored DASH Birds from the Handy Series Ultraman Max & DASH Machine Set can be used as the figurines' alternatives.
Gallery[]
Ultraman Max[]
Miscellaneous[]
Trivia[]
- In the initial planning stages of the series, the provisional names for this defense team included "SWORD," "ARMS," and "SHIELD."[3]
References[]
- ↑ https://m-78.jp/character/dash/
- ↑ https://hicbc.com/tv/max/contents/udf/frame.php
- ↑ Ultraman Max Max! Max! Max! Kaiju Daigaho pg 68–71
| Defense Teams | |
|---|---|
| Showa Defense Teams | SSSP | TDF (UG, MAT, TAC, ZAT, MAC, UGM) | Science Guard Party |
| Heisei Defense Teams | UMA | WINR | HEART | Mydo | TPC (GUTS, Super GUTS, Black Buster Corps, Neo Super GUTS) | GUARD (XIG) | GOKAZOKU | SRC (EYES, Team SEA), JADF | BCST | TLT (NR) | UDF (DASH) | GUYS | DEUS | ZAP SPACY | Team U | UPG | UNVER (Xio) | VTL | AIB |
| Reiwa Defense Teams | EGIS | GAF (STORAGE) | TPU (GUTS-Select) | SSSP | GGF (SKaRD) | KDF | GDF (SKIP) |
| Other Defense Teams | Inter Galactic Defense Force | Space Patrol | MIGHTY JACK | SRI | SGM | Team Mouri | SAT | SAF | PAT | Koseidon Corps | MAT | SWORD | SSSP | USP | GIRLS |