RX-79［G］ Gundam Ground Type

Template:Infobox/Mobile Weapon Ver.2The RX-79[G] Gundam Ground Type (陸戦型ガンダム) is a limited mass production mobile suit first featured in Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team.

Technology & Combat Characteristics

While Project V was underway, the Federation also began production of experimental units using spare parts originally intended for the RX-78 Gundam. Using these parts they built approximately twenty specialized ground combat-model christened the RX-79[G] Gundam Ground Type during the mid UC 0079. The RX-78 development program, in addition to the experimental RX-78 Gundam series, managed to generate a significant stockpile of mobile suit parts. The Federation, not wanting to have such parts go to waste, used these stockpiles to create a line of pre-production mobile suits used to field test mobile suit tactics. In order to cut down on costs, most of the armaments and parts of the Gundam Ground Type were also used for the RGM-79[G] GM Ground Type.

Though in many ways similar to its RX-78-2 predecessor, the RX-79[G] was a bit different in other ways, particularly in its armament. The beam sabers were stored in the legs, as the backpack mounted an equipment rack to carry weapon racks, parachute packs, or other field options. The head vulcan guns were removed, as the head now carried a periscope for underwater and trench warfare. Although sporting a smaller generator than the RX-78, the Ground Type Gundam can still use a beam rifle, though it was often equipped with a 100mm machine gun or a 180mm cannon. Two extra ammunition magazines for the machine gun were placed on the sideskirt armor. A single vulcan gun and a multiple-use "multi-launcher" mounted in the torso's left breast rounded out the suit's armament.

As the RX-79[G] was built out of spare parts from Project V, replacements parts were very limited. Luckily, the GM Ground Type shared 80% of the same parts as the Gundam Ground Type, making field repairs easier but sometimes resulted in a few customized mobile suits such as the RX-79［G］Ez-8 Gundam Ez8 piloted by Kojima Battalion's 08th MS Team commander, Shiro Amada, and Karen Joshua's Gundam with a GM Ground Type head.

Armaments

• Vulcan Gun

Instead of having head-mounted vulcan guns like the RX-78-2 Gundam, the RX-79[G] mounted a single vulcan gun in the left chest. This shell firing weapon has a high rate of fire but little power and can't damage the armor of a mobile suit, though it can damage lightly armored areas such as the sensors. It is ideal for shooting down small, lightly armored targets such as missiles, attack vehicles, etc.

• Multi-Launcher

Mounted in the left chest, under the vulcan gun, this launcher fires a variety of munitions, ranging from grenades to flares and chaff. It can be used for various purposes, such as distracting enemies, or communicating with allies, etc.

• X.B.Sa-G-03 Beam Saber

The RX-79[G] has two beam sabers, one stored in the side of each lower leg. The beam saber is a small device held in the mobile suit's hands when operated and is powered by a rechargeable energy capacitor. It emits a blade of plasma contained by an I-Field and can cut through most armor not treated with anti-beam coating.

• YHI YF-MG100 100mm Machine Gun

The standard armament for Federation mobile suit ground forces that was developed by Yashima Heavy Industries, this weapon is equipped with a box magazine and folding stock, with an emphasis on rate of fire and ease of use. The weapon utilized a smoothbore type barrel and thus lacked rifling. However, combat units could utilize three different types of rounds in this weapon: HEAT (High Explosive Anti Tank), APFSDS (Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding-Sabot), and HESH (High Explosive Squash Head), allowing units to select ammunition according to operational demands. Every Gundam and GM ground type carry two spare magazines on their side skirt armor.

• YHI FH-X180 180mm Cannon

A takedown-type cannon that was developed by Yashima Heavy Industries, as a extended range weapon for use in 1G conditions. The design is thought to be inspired by the Zimmad Corporation’s ZIM/M-T-K175C Magella Top Cannon. The cartridge which projects from the upper side of the weapon is a six-round box magazine. The greatest advantage of this particular model is that the entire weapon can be broken down into compact components and transported in containers equipped on Mobile Suits.

• BLASH XBR-M-79E Beam Rifle

The experimental XBR-M-79E was used extensively with the Federation’s ground forces, created from a redesign of the XBR-M-79-07G model used by the RX-78-2 Gundam. Omitting the 79-07G’s large sensor, this rifle uses the license-built BOWA BP-SS-001 composite sensor system utilized on the BR-M-79C-3 Beam Spray Gun, allowing the weapon to benefit from excellent targeting precision. In telephoto mode, it is possible to shoot from 10 kilometers away, but the accuracy is extremely low and requires experience and advanced skill to hit.

• YHI 6ML-79MM Missile Launcher

A launcher system consisting of multiple missile containers fitted on a base unit. Two to four missiles can be stored within each container depending on the type of warhead selected to meet the needs of the operation.

• YHI ERRL-TYPE.Doc-04/380mm Rocket Launcher

A MS-carried very large rocket launcher independently developed by Yashima Heavy Industries. Developed for use specifically in 1G environments, it is equipped with a number of features, such as a targeting sensor, that give it excellent flexibility. Additionally, the large banana magazine allows for magazine changes to allow for easy reloading. A number of different munitions were prepared for this weapon, including warheads with fins that deploy the stabilize the round after launch, often seen among older generation weapons.

• Gundam Hammer

Essentially a large spiked ball attached to a chain, it serve as a ranged melee weapon. The gundam hammer could either be thrown or swung around the mobile suit itself to damage the enemy units.

• Net Gun

Like its name suggests, this weapon fires nets to trap, immobilize and and disables the enemy; rather than destroy them. Usually used in Ambush and Capture missions.

• RGM*S-Sh-WF/S-00109 Shield

Mounted on the forearm, this shield is commonly used by the Gundam and GM ground type mobile suits. Constructed of Luna Titanium alloy, the shield is designed to primarily protect the cockpit and other sensitive areas. Mount latch and joint/pivot mount position retracted for protection or extended for slashing or punching attacks. Can be thrust into the ground and used as an elevated weapon firing position. Features include top carrying handle and shield claw.

• RGM·S-Sh-WF/S-00116·Ap-A Shield

A reinforced version of the RGM*S-Sh-WF/S-00109 with a small additional armor plate attached to the surface that provides additional protection against projectiles, and increases overall durability. Other features remain the same.

• FADEGEL RGM-M-Sh-003 Shield

The same shield as used by the RGM-79 GM, it is a thick sheet of armor designed to take severe punishment that would normally destroy a mobile suit. Since the introduction of beam weaponry, shields are also treated with an anti-beam coating to withstand several beam shots before the coating wears off. Typically, physical shields can only take so much damage before they succumb to the pressure and break.

Special Equipment & Features

• Head Equipment

Since the RX-79[G] lacked head-mounted vulcan guns, a snorkel camera is attached to the left side of the head. Additionally, there are also optional replacement equipment such as "long-distance communication pack" for the right side of the head and an "added vulcan pod" for the left side of the head.

• Desert Equipment

For combat in desert environments, the RX-79[G] could optionally attach parts such as dust proof filters on the chest intake, and protective covering for the joints and manipulators.

• Weapon Rack

On the back of the RX-79[G] is a weapon rack for carrying weapon containers, parachute packs, etc. In addition, the rack is equipped with a foldable searchlight and certain sections can unfold into a forklift-like mechanism.

• Parachute Pack

An optional back-mounted MS equipment created by the Federation for paradrop missions from the Medea Transport Plane. The Parachute Pack contains three parachutes and four thrusters to help in making a safe descent to the ground. Once touchdown had been accomplished the Parachute Pack would be ejected so not to hinder the mobile suit performance in ground combat. Two types of parachute pack were known to exist.

• Weapon Container

Container for storing spare or additional armament that can be attached to the weapon rack. The container allows the RX-79[G] to carry a variety of armaments and ammunition for both itself and the other members of its squad.

• B Container

History

The RX-79[G] Gundam Ground Type was used most notably by the Kojima Battalion operating in Southeast Asia, which fielded 20 RX-79[G] units, with the other eight participating in various operations on Earth. The Gundam Ground Types were also deployed by the EFF's Experimental Units, with one of them being the platoon commanded by Matt Healy, who was issued a Gundam Ground Type after his RGM-79［G］ GM Ground Type was damaged in battle. Matt and his RX-79[G] unit would participate in the rest of the One Year War, including the Battle of Jaburo. Another unit piloted by Kamuna Tachibana was also stationed at Jaburo as part of its defense line during Zeon's assault of the underground base. The Federation Research and Development used three RX-79[G] units in their EXAM development program (see entry on Blue Destiny below).

Variants

• RX-79［G］Ez-8 Gundam Ez8
• RX-79BD-1 Blue Destiny Unit 1
• RX-79BD-2 Blue Destiny Unit 2
• RX-79BD-3 Blue Destiny Unit 3
• RX-79［G］ SW Slave Wraith

Gallery

Periscope

Desert equipment - hand

Weapon Rack

Parachute Pack (Type 1)

Missile launcher

RGM·S-Sh-WF/S-00116·Ap-A Shield

180mm cannon

X.B.Sa-G-03 beam saber

BLASH XBR-M-79E beam rifle

100mm machine gun

Net gun

Rocket Launcher

Gundam hammer

FADEGEL RGM-M-Sh-003 Shield

Gundam Ground Type with Parachute Pack (Type 2) as seen in the opening of Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team OVA

Gundam Ground Types of Kojima Battalion's the 06th MS Team

Gundam Ground Type fires 180mm Cannon

A trio of Gundam Ground Types

The 06th MS Team's Ground Type, armed with Gundam Hammer

Gundam Ground Type (Desert Equipment) with Hover Truck

Gundam Ground Type (Desert Equipment): head close-up with Shiro Amada

Gundam Ground Type equipped with missile launcher and rocket launcher

Gundam Ground Type (Desert Equipment): Close-Up on Side

Gundam Ground Type (Desert Equipment): Close-Up on Front

Gundam Ground Type (Desert Equipment): sniping with BLASH XBR-M-79E Beam Rifle

Gundam Ground Type Sniping with BLASH XBR-M-79E Beam Rifle

Gundam Ground Type (Desert Equipment) : Equipped with Net Gun

Gundam Ground Types of the 08th MS Team: Sander's unit (right) and Karen's "GM Head" (left)

Karen Joshua's RX-79[G] Gundam Ground Type "GM Head", guarding a RX-75 Guntank Mass Production Type

Karen Joshua's Gundam Ground Type "GM Head" being ambushed by MS-07B-3 Gouf Custom (right)

Sanders' Gundam Ground Type strikes at Apsalus I with Beam Saber

Gundam Ground Type confronting Apsalus II

Gundam Ground Type as seen on Gundam Build Fighters Try

Gundam Ground Type calendar

Art from Gundam Perfect File

Ground Gundam (08th MS Team) VS Apsalus

Gundam Ground Type aiming in Rainy Weather

Gundam Ground Type Damaged

Gundam Ground Type (left) as seen on Gundam: After Jaburo

As seen in Mobile Suit Gundam the 08th MS Team U.C.0079 + α Tribute

As seen in Mobile Suit Gundam the 08th MS Team U.C.0079 + α Tribute

B Container's auto reload feature

Gundam FIX Scene 6 - Gundam Ground Type

Gundam Ground Type Early Design

Gundam Ground Type Early Design

Games

Gundam Versus

Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story Missing Link

Gundam Ground Type as it appears in Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation

SD RX-79(G) Gundam Ground Type as it appears in SD Gundam G Generation Wars

Gunpla

1/144 HG 08MST "RX-79[G] Gundam vs. MS-06J Zaku II" double pack (1996): box art

1/144 HGUC RX-79[G] Gundam Ground Type (2007): box art

1/144 HGUC RX-79[G] Gundam Ground Type (2018): box art

1/144 HGUC RX-79[G] Gundam Ground Type (Parachute Pack) (P-Bandai exclusive; 2018): box art

1/144 HG U.C. Hard Graph "RX-79[G] Gundam The Ground War Set" (2009): box art

1/100 MG RX-79 [G] Gundam Ground Type (2000): box art

SDCS RX-79[G] Gundam Ground Type (2019): box art

RX-79(G) Gundam Enforcement Supply Equipment Type model conversion, based on 1/100 MG RX-79 [G] Gundam Ground Type(modeled by Niini)

RX-79(G) Gundam Enforcement Supply Equipment Type model conversion, based on 1/100 MG RX-79 [G] Gundam Ground Type (modeled by Niini)

RX-79 [G] Gundam Ground Type diorama

Action Figures

Mobile Suit in Action (MSiA / MIA) "RX-79[G] Gundam Ground Type" action figure (Asian release; 2001): package front view.

MSiA / MIA "RX-79[G] Gundam Ground Type" (North American release; 2001): package front view.

MSiA / MIA "RX-79[G] Gundam Ground Type (Desert Version)" action figure (North American release; 2001): package front view.

MSiA / MIA "RX-79[G] Gundam Ground Type GM Head" (North American release; 2001): package front view.

MSiA / MIA "RX-79[G] Gundam Ground Type GM Head" (Asian release; 2003): package front view.

Notes & Trivia

• The Gundam Ground Type is the first production-type Gundam ever.
• The Gundam Ground Type along with its GM counterpart debuted in the Gundam Vs as extras for the Deluxe version of Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation Vs Zeon and remained playable units up until Extreme VS where they became NPC units.
  • Despite having the 08 designation on their shield, none of the pilots from the show were playable until Gundam Vs Gundam.
• The beam rifle used by Gundam and GM Ground Type have three different model numbers from three different sources: "P.B.R-0079/A12 S-000011" from the MG Gundam Ground Type manual, "P.B.R-0079/A12 S-0000204" from the MG Ez8 manual, and "BLASH XBR-M-79E" from Master Archive Mobilesuit - RGM-79 GM. The last model number was also used in Gundam Mobile Suit Bible 15.

References

External links

• RX-79［G］ Gundam Ground Type