DASH (Defense Action Squad Heroes)

DASH (Defense Action Squad Heroes) are a special defense force under the UDF (United Defense Federation). They appear in the series Ultraman Max as friends and allies of the titular Ultra.
== Overview ==
Team DASH is the specialized defense team that was founded and established by the UDF Japan Branch to combat monsters and aliens. It is 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 main base of operations for Team DASH is located at the Base Titan of the UDF Japan Branch located in Tokyo Bay, Japan, with a command room. They operate on a 24-hour duty system to respond to all monster incidents, typically starting their work at around 10 a.m. Members of this team possess the most advanced equipment, vehicles, and technology. In events involving combating hostile monsters or encountering hostile alien invaders, they deploy the large carrier "DASH Mother" carrying the small and versatile combat aircraft called "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.
== History ==
=== Origins ===
=== Ultraman Max ===
== Members ==
* Shigeru Hijikata: Captain 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, strategic, and witty side, making him a beloved, admired, and well respected leader among the members of DASH.
* Kaito Touma: Kaito Touma is the main protagonist an he is the newest 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 one day during the first ever kaiju attack, he disregarded everything and piloted a DASH fighter to participate in the battle against Grangon and Lagoras. Afterward, he successfully joined DASH. He transforms into Ultraman Max (who was the one who saved him).
* 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 abilities in piloting fighter jets, he also possesses rich emotions and strong psychological resilience.
* Mizuki Koishikawa: Mizuki Koishikawa is a member of DASH and not only is she the team's most outstanding expert 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. She is later revealed in the series to be a descendant of Alien Satun. She later marries Kaito at the end of the series.
* 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: Elly is the humanoid robot/android of DASH, responsible for controlling the majority of the Base Titan's operations and functions alongside 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 very good at understanding human behavior patterns and subtle emotions, and generally uses polite language when communicating.
* Coco: Coco is a sentient mascot-like support robot of DASH, modified by Sean from a personal robot. Normally, it stays in the command room with Elly, expressing emotions through electronic bleeping sounds and flashing lights.
== Attire ==
* DASH-Suit: It 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: Are 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: Are the hand gloves worn by DASH members during combat missions.
* DASH Cap: Are identification caps worn by DASH members during routine investigation missions.
* ID Card: The UDF allows each DASH member to have extra-judicial powers in times of need via these ID Cards.
== Weapons and Equipment ==
* DASH Rizer: Is 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: It's a type of 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: All 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: The Alien Scanner is one of DASH's most advanced and reliable detection systems, capable of detecting alien responses.
* Underwater Life Detector: The Underwater Life Detector is a small handheld detection tool that was once used to investigate the bottom of Lake Natugawa.
== Vehicles ==
* DASH Alfa: DASH Alfa is a modified Alfa Romeo GT car that can fly with the iron wings. It also can help Ultraman Max fighting his enemy using is hidden pair of laser cannons.
* DASH Mother: DASH Mother is the six manned red painted plane of DASH. It is the primary weapon for DASH. DASH Bird's 1 and 2 can be launched from it. When in combat it serves as a heavy artillery support craft when combating enemy spaceships and kaiju using it's retractable pair of heavy laser cannons.
* DASH Bird 1: DASH Bird 1, is a two manned red painted fighter jet.
* DASH Bird 2: The DASH Bird 2, is a two manned blue painted fighter jet.
* DASH Bird 3: The DASH Bird 3, is a two manned bright yellow painted fighter jet that is capable of transforming from jet mode, to drill tank mode, and also to a submarine mode. It is fast, versatile, and is also heavily armed, thus making it a deadly effective dog fighter in combat, especially when fighting Kaiju or alien invaders.
* DASH Bird β: Is a sleek black colored jet. 
* DASH Ducati: The DASH Ducati is a special motorcycle that is used especially for fast recon missions. It is a used for navigating rough terrain.
== Gallery ==
== Trivia ==
* In the original initial planning stages of the series, the provisional names for this defense team included "SWORD," "ARMS," and "SHIELD."
Category:Ultraman Heroes
Category:Tokusatsu Heroes
Category:Organizations
Category:Dissolved Organization
Category:Monster Slayers
Category:Protectors
Category:Protectors of Innocence
Category:Rescuers