RGM-79[G] GM Ground Type

Model number: RGM-79[G]
Code name: GM Ground Type
Unit type: limited production ground combat mobile suit
Operator: Earth Federation
Dimensions: head height 18.0 meters
Weight: empty 53.8 metric tons; max gross 66.0 metric tons
Construction: lunar titanium alloy
Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 1150 kW
Propulsion: rocket thrusters: 49000 kg total
Performance: thruster acceleration 0.74 G, maximum ground running speed 87 km/h
Equipment and design features: sensors, range 6000 meters
Fixed armaments: 2 x beam saber, stored in recharge slots in leg racks, hand-carried in use
Optional hand armaments: 90mm machinegun, clip-fed, 30 rounds per clip; 305mm bazooka, clip-fed, 7 rounds per clip; large shield; 6-tube missile launcher, fires wire-guided warheads

When the RX-78 Gundam was completed, it was intended purely as an initial-run testbed unit. Following the disastrous encounter with Zeon's "Red Comet" Char Aznable at Side Six, the data acquired from the Gundam was used in construction of a pair of pre-production mobile suits: The RGM-79E for space combat, and the RGM-79[G] for land combat. The GM Ground Type, as it was thusly named, was in many ways a slightly scaled-down Gundam without the technology for use in space combat. The GM Ground Type's heavy armor and substandard thruster output makes it more of a tank than the later-model RGM-79, and while it isn't quite as maneuverable, it makes up for it with its durability.

The GM Ground Type is armored with lunar titanium, making it extremely resilient against ballistic weapons fire. The Gundam's two beam sabers have been moved into armored storage racks on the GM's knees, making for easy access in cramped quarters. This GM is armed with the same stock 90mm machinegun and 305mm bazooka as most GMs, and while the trademark dual 60mm head-mounted vulcans have been deleted, it is also equipped with a long-range 6-tube missile launcher for taking out entrenched targets.

Giving the GM Ground Type's tough lunar titanium armoring, the large tower shield present on most other GMs has been replaced with a much smaller shield primarily intended for blocking melee weapons. Once again, however, the GM Ground Type's subpar reactor output denies it the use of a beam rifle, leaving that still a luxury purely for the RX-78. On the bright side, the GM Ground Type is equipped with arid combat gear, allowing it to function at top efficiency in desert and tropical environments.

90mm machinegun. Standard issue weapon for GM-type mobile suits. It is more compact and easier to manage than the Zaku's 120mm, but it lacks a substantial ammunition supply.

Beam saber. The same sword-type weapon used by nearly all Federation mobile suits. The GM Ground Type is armed with two beam sabers in the same tradition as the Gundam. The GM Ground Type's are mounted in concealed hatches on the sides of its knees.

305mm bazooka. Heavy assault weapon based on the RX-78's original Hyper Bazooka. Highly accurate and quick to reload, but it lacks the higher payload of Zeon's 360mm Giant Bazooka.

6-tube missile launcher. Designed for use when the bazooka's heavy firepower was needed, but pinpoint accuracy over long range was preferred over rate of fire and controllability. It cannot be reloaded in the field.