RGM-79L GM Light Armor

Combat Characteristics
The Federation soon learned that standardizing RGM-79 GM mobile suit gave it some distinct advantages and disadvantages. The GM outclassed its Zaku opponents, but lacked performance in key areas against Zeons more advanced suits.

One of the first varients designed to counter this was developed during the latter part of UC0079 and served as a fast attack unit for hit-and-run raids. This new Mobile suit was dubbed, the RGM-79L GM Light Armor. It was really just a rebuild of the standard GM with only the barest minimum of armor (notably missing armor on the shoulders and ankles), thus reducing its weight and giving it more acceleration and maneuverability. Due to its light weight and nimbleness this variant was favored by many of the Federal Forces' former-fighter-pilots-turned-MS-pilots.

The GM Light type was also outfitted with a beam gun similar to that of the RX-78-2 Gundam's beam rifle, packing a heavier punch, than the GM beam spray gun, but paying the price in more limited ammunition.

History
In the race to adapt its standard RGM-79 GM mobile suit for specialized roles during the latter days of the One Year War, the Earth Federation Forces created a GM variant designed to serve as a fast attack unit for hit-and-run raids, the RGM-79L GM Light Armor. Mounting only the barest minimum of armor (notably missing armor on the shoulders and ankles), thus giving it more acceleration and maneuverability. It also carried a beam gun similar to that of the RX-78-2 Gundam's beam rifle, packing a heavier punch but paying the price in more limited ammunition. Due to its light weight and nibleness, the GM Light Armor was favored by many of the Federation Forces' former-fighter-pilots-turned-MS-pilots, particularly Captain Gary Rogers.