The RGM-79 GM:Close Combat Type (RGM-79 ジム 近接戦闘タイプ?) is a mobile suit appearing in the Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin manga [1]. It was piloted by Master Sergeant Sayla Mass during Operation Star One [2].
Technology & Combat Characteristics[]
The unit was a new GM model with fortified armor on its head, chest, legs, shoulders, arms, and ankles. [2]. In addition to improved armor, this mobile suit's frontal and side skirt armor is able to carry grenades, and is equipped with two beam sabers instead of the standard GM's one. Like the Gundam following its refit at Jaburo, the GM is equipped with a "Core Pod" escape craft. Unlike other GM variants, the Close Combat Type is an improvised battlefield modification, constructed with spare parts and salvaged armor rather than being purpose built.
Armaments[]
- Vulcan Gun
Mounted on the head of the GM Close Combat Type are a pair of shell-firing Vulcan guns, like the Guncannon and the Gundam. These weapons are more useful for shooting down incoming missiles or fighters, and are next to useless against a mobile suit’s armor.
- Beam Saber
The GM Close Combat Type carries a pair of beam sabers on the backpack.
- Hand Grenade
Used against enemy mobile suits or ships, the GM Close Combat Type is armed with eight hand grenades: two on each of the front skirt plating, and two on each of the side skirts.
- Beam Rifle
The GM Close Combat Type is capable of using the same beam rifle as the Gundam.
- Small Shield
The GM Close Combat Type is equipped with a pair of small shields on the arms, allowing a degree of protection in melee combat. Due to the small size of the shields, they're lighter and more maneuverable.
History[]
For Operation Star One, a new GM model with fortified armor had been delivered to the White Base. It was the only one of its kind on the ship, and the pilots there were wondering who would pilot it, some had assumed it would be Job John, implying that he was more reliable than fellow Guncannon pilot Kai Shiden, much to the latter's discomfort. Job John entered the hangar, stating that he would join the new GM team, with "the Princess" piloting the fortified armor model, and Hayato piloting his Guncannon. Yashima had told Bright of Sayla's simulation training and, as White Base were deploying everything they had, Bright had assigned her the new GM model [2].
Though she had prior experience piloting a Core Fighter and Core Booster, the Battle of A Baoa Q was the first time Sayla sortied in a mobile suit. Despite this, she performed very well, at one point defeating a Braw Bro with apparently little effort. Such was the performance of the GM and Sayla's skill in its use that the Braw Bro's pilot, shortly before his defeat, erroneously assumed his opponent to be the infamous "Fed Newtype" Amuro Ray.
Sayla's GM was severely damaged in combat, and she abandoned it - escaping in the Core Pod, which landed on A Baoa Qu. At least one additional unit of this model appeared among the Federation Forces that landed on A Baoa Qu and engaged the defending Zeon forces in the fortress itself.
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ 安彦 良和 (2011-11-25). 機動戦士ガンダム THE ORIGIN 公式ガイドブック 3 (in Japanese). 角川書店. ISBN 978-4047156005. “MECHANICAL EXPLANATION”
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin Chapter 96, A Cosmic Glow, Section III
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