Mobile Suit Gundam Technical Manual, Volume 2: The 08th MS Team
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team MS Development History
Topics covered:
1. The Effectiveness of MS Under Earth's Gravity
1a. Ground Battle Use
2. Development of Anti-MS Units
2a. Combat Pod
2b. Federation MS
3. Gundam and GM
3a. RX-78
3b. RX-79
3c. RGM-79 GM
4. Modified Versions
4a. Ez8
4b. Zaku Modified Model
5. Variations
5a. Zaku Variations
5b. Gouf Variations
5c. Dom Variations
6. Amphibious Mobile Suits
6a. M-Series
b. Agg Series
7. Minovsky Craft
7a. Actual Use of Mobile Armor
The Effectiveness of MS Under Earth's Gravity
Ground Battle Use
The One Year War erupted in UC 0079. During the first battles, Zeon Mobile Suits proved to be a reliable combat unit under a variety of conditions. Even in space colonies' artificial gravity, the Zeon MS were able to complete their missions due to this versatility. However, as the battlefields shifted from space to Earth, MS designed specifically for the ground conflict were needed.
Fundamentally, ground-assault Mobile Suits were modified versions of their space counterparts; hence their outer appearance did not change, but many of their components were modified. Generators and cooling systems were added, and the space thrusters were removed. The legs and arms were reinforced to be able to withstand Earth's gravity. In space, MS legs were primarily used as AMBAC (Active Mass Balance Auto Control), but on Earth the legs needed to be strong enough to withstand the Mobile Suit's weight. These ground-model MS were used on Earth during Zeons' initial invasion of Earth and they won many victories against the Federation.
Within the Federation, there were many that questioned the use of a combat unit 18m tall. But the effectiveness of later MS proved these Federation leaders wrong. Combat within the Minovsky particle fields generated by Zeon units was difficult, as detection by radar was extremely hard. Enemy units had to be engaged based solely on visual contact. Since MS had a high point-of-view, they had an advantage with visual sighting. Although MS were huge targets, their speed reached 85km/hr, making them difficult to hit. The giant MS were particulary effective in destroying tank units.
The main threat for MS were air units that attacked from above. However, at the onset of the war none possessed the firepower necessary to penetrate the Mobile Suits' armor. Minovsky particles even made highly explosive guided missiles useless. With heavy armor, and with weapons like the 120mm machine gun, MS basically became walking artillery units.
The Zeons attacked Federation strongholds by deploying MS from massive Gow motherships. The Gows could enter the Earth's atmosphere, land in the target area and deploy their units in blitzkrieg attacks. The success of these missions proved the Mobile Suits' effectiveness under any situation, establishing them as the main source of Zeon military prowess.
MS that were sent down from space did have their limitations compared to ground-battle models. For instance, unlike space, Earth has many deserts, mountains, forests, wetlands, and other extreme environments, and these handicaps could greatly affect the performance of MS. The range of weapons, such as the machine gun and bazooka decreased as well.
On Earth, even Minovsky particles jamming radar, units could be detected by using sonar. Sonar equipment was buried in the Earth, and MS units were located by measuring the seismic waves caused by their movement on the ground. As long as MS were propelled by the use of legs, they were not able to move with total stealth. The Federation specifically used this sonar technology to detect Zeon forces; however, they did not possess sufficient firepower to stop the Zeons' Mobile Suit attacks.
Development of Anti-MS Units
Combat Pod
Until Federation MS were developed, existing technology was used to combat Zeon forces. For example, at the battle of Loum, FF-S3 Saberfish fighters and other conventional spacecraft were the main units deployed by the Federation, but these were not effective against the Zeons' Mobile Suits.
In order to have a temporary defense against the MS, the Federation developed the RB-79K Ball, which was based on the SP-W03 Space Pod. As the main weapon, RX-75 Guntank cannons were used. Different squads, however, relied on different weapons.
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Federation MS
The Federation knew that the Zeons were developing a huge humanoid combat unit. To counter this, the Federation green-lighted "Operation RX," which facilitated the construction of Federation MS. However, since the Federation leaders did not see the Zeon MS as an immediate threat, they did not focus their attention on the project.
By U.C. 0079/1, the One Year War began. Although the Federation had three times the combat units of Zeon, they couldn't effectively fight the MS. Many ships and fighters were lost, forcing The Federation leaders to rush the development of the RX series. The Federation also implemented "Operation V," a plan that called for the creation of spacehips capable of carrying MS. It was now clear that the Federation was quite serious about the development of their own Mobile Suits.
The Federation had collected sufficient data from Operation RX; moveover, they retrieved a wealth of information from the capture of Zeon Mobile Suits. Initially, the Federation was developing three types of MS: a close combat version, a mid-range verion, and an artillery version. Thus, three Federation MS were developed within only three months. Concurrently with the development of the first MS series, the mass-produced units were developed at Jaburo and Luna II.
As tests continued, the close-combat model -- RX-78 Gundam -- demonstrated extremely high potential, and this model became the main focus of development. The mass-production models were planned for construction after the experimental models had been thoroughly tested, but the war forced the Federation to rush their development. Therefore, before the data returned from Colony Side 7, the mass-production models began manufacture.
Due to the construction of their own Mobile Suits, the Federation was able to turn the tide of the war. The Federation rightfully concluded that conventional weapons were now obsolete. The only way to counter an MS was with another MS.
Gundam and GM
RX-78
The Federation's MS development team began the mass production of a close-combat RX-78 Gundam, a mid-range RX-77 Guncannon, and a long-range RX-75 Guntank. It was clear, however, that the Gundam was responsible for most of their victories.
There were a few other RX-78 models, like the RX-78-1 prototype, and the RX-78G-3 Gundam. The G-3 Gundams were used to test Magnet Coating. Since these Gundams were test models, cost was not a factor in their development, and expensive Luna Titanium metal was used. They were equipped with high-output generators and an energy cap that yielded better weapons performance. Beam rifles and other weapons were fitted, giving these Gundams extremely high combat performance. The Federation created these Gundams to be used under any conditions, including underwater, in mid-air, and in space. The Federation used these versatile Gundams to collect data for the mass-production models that were in development.
Gundams were designed as mainly close-combat units, but they could handle several long-range weapons, including bazookas and beam rifles. Gundams were able to attack from a long distance by using the beam rifle, which allowed them to enter the front lines and destroy the remaining Zeon MS in close combat.
The Gundam that Amuro Ray piloted, for instance, destroyed numerous MS, MA, and battleships. This was due to Amuro's amazing piloting skills, but one cannot ignore the Gundams' range of abilities. Clearly, they helped Ray achieve such magnificent feats in battle.
RX-79
While the RX-78 Gundam was being developed, the Federation designers in Jaburo, South America were creating the mass-production model RX-79 Gundam.
This model was developed to stop further Zeon expansion and to test experimental Gundam designs. These mass-produced Gundams were constructed using excess parts from the RX-78 Series but with variable features. Approximately 20 of these Gundams were made, but not all used the same parts. Hence, the abilities of these MS differed from one another, but limiters were placed to equalize their abilities. Such limiters wasted the *RX-78's high performance potential, but several variations were developed for different purposes as a result.
Within these variations, many **RX-78 (G) mass-production Gundams were constructed. These were Ground Battle Gundams that had all of their space-related equipment stripped, and they were further modified to be effective in combat on any terrain. To cut costs, the Core Block System was abolished. Since mass produced Mobile Suits were still considered cost-inefficient, only a few were developed.
*This may be a typo. The correct model may be the RX-79 since this section is discussing the construction, capabilities, and use of the RX-79 Gundam.
**Another possible typo. To your webmaster's knowledge, there is no such thing as the RX-78 (G) Gundam. However, you should take what you have read above as factual information as not all aspects of the One Year War were covered in the animation.
RGM-79 GM
The Federation began Mobile Suit development late, but by utilizing the RX Series data, the Federation completed its MS development.
Simultaneously, based on combat data acquired through encounters with Zeon MS units, a similar MS was in development on Earth. In an attempt to curb the Zeon conquest, Federation forces began developing the RGM-79 (G) pre mass-production. Designed to be a cost effective model, it was slated for the assembly line and featured, low-cost, low-output generators, but was developed on the same production concept as Gundams making many of the models' parts interchangeable. The prototypes' armor was the same Luna Titanium used on Gundams, allowing it to take quite a beating, though later models were outfitted with different armor materials.
The early version of the GM did not have sufficient power for a beam rifle and was outfitted with 100mm machine guns, rocket launchers and beam sabers. The model had good mobility and maneuverability as well, but still proved too costly for mass-production.
The GMs were stationed mainly at the South American Federation headquarters in Jaburo, as well as in Southeast Asia, both of which were hotspots of the Zeon-Federation conflict throughout the One Year War. A similar space counterpart, RGM-79(E), was also produced at Luna II for deployment by the Federation Space Force.
After the development of these pre mass-production models, Jaburo and Luna II provided more cost-effective models. The Core Block System was abolished from the RGM-79 GM series, and their generators were exchanged with smaller ones. Armor material was switched to a regular titanium alloy to cut costs. Still it was now capable of handling beam weapons.
The GM's developmental concept was not like that of the Gundams, which were overly specialized. Rather, the GMs were treated as basic Mobile Suits that had excess armaments removed. Since various types of GMs were going to be produced based on where they were going to be stationed, developers were able to have flexibility with their modifications.
When factories were being upgraded to mass-produce GMs, the developers demanded that the factory production line not change too drastically. The Federation leaders accepted this request, and helped to produce various types of GMs rather quickly. About several hundred GMs were produced during the war, and they helped to gain victories at Solomon and A Baoa Au.
Modified Versions
Ez8
MS on the frontlines also lacked necessary spare parts for repairs and customizing units. Therefore, both the Zeons and the Federation were forced to cannibalize downed MS for equipment and weapons, simply to keep their own units operable on the battlefield.
In addition to assault and combat units, support units responsible for gathering MS were placed at the front for the purpose of collecting these necessary parts. Though an undesirable necessity, this process did allow for personalized variations of MS, incorporating parts from multiple MS, both Zeon and Federation, into units better suited to pilots' skills and needs than a stock machine fresh off the assembly line.
In the Federation's Kojima Squadron, an RX-79 (G) Gundam was rebuilt into the Gundam Ez8 of Second Lieutenant Shiro Amada. The torso was modified and the left chest multi-launcher was done away with in favor of an anti-soldier 12.7mm minigun. In addition to greater mobility and greater defense capability, the unit was better suited for the guerilla fighting style of the 08th.
Also within the squad were Gundam units outfitted with pre mass-production model GM heads.
Zaku Modified Model
Though the Zeons initially designed their MS for conflicts in Space, it did not take long for them to develop units capable of operating within Earth's atmosphere or its varied environments. For support the Zeons were still forced, at times, to rely on older, unspecialized units.
Like the Federation, they quickly adapted their units for different terrains and climates, including better armor and internal modifications as well as dust covers to prevent corrosion of moving parts.
As for weaponry, the Magella Attack's Top cannon was modified for use as an MS weapon, and the bottom section of the tank could be used as a non-combat vehicle. These modifications were first made on the African lines, and then slowly spread globally. Such units did not have a formal model number, since each unit differed slightly, both in appearance and function.
These advances came in civilian machinery as well. The MS-06W Worker Zaku, based on the Zaku tank, was developed and used widely during the Zeon occupation for construction purposes. It was essential in developing new supply routes as Zeon territory spread. But, ironically, as the Zeons conquered more lands, parts necessary for military and civilian MS alike, became scarce.
Variations
Zaku Variations
The Principality of Zeon's MS development went on even after the MS-06 Zaku II was completed. As the Zeon gained more MS data, the Zaku II changed in many different ways. The first variation on the Zaku II was the MS-06E Reconnaissance Type. The recon unit fully utilized the Zaku's mobility by stripping away unnecessary armor. The recon unit, was introduced early in the war and served quite well. Later, an improved version of this unit, the MS-06E3 Zaku Reconnaissance Type (commonly known as "Flipper"), was developed.
As numerous variations of Zaku were being developed, many pilots were demanding an advanced combat unit. By improving the C-Type, the MS-06S Zaku II and the MS-06FS Zaku II were created. Zeon pilots that controlled these improved versions included the "Red Comet" Major Char Aznable, Lieutenant General Degwin Sodo Zabi, and Colonel Garma Zabi.
The problem with this model, however, was that it was considerably slower than the F-Type. Hence, a completely new model, the MS-06R Zaku II, was developed. The thruster was overhauled, giving the unit greater mobility. However, since this Zaku was from a totally new design, mechanics on the battlefield had difficulties servicing it. In addition, not many skilled pilots capable of fully utilizing this model were still alive. Nonetheless, the developers strongly felt that this high-spec Mobile Suit had vast potential, so they remedied the maintenance problem by introducing the MS-06R-1A Zaku II. Sixty units were made, and they were given to legendary, veteran pilots. It quickly established itself as a one-of-a-kind model. After the war, the MS-06R-2 Zaku II was developed, but because of its poor production rate, only four units were ever made.
As the development of MS continued, the Zeon focused on the abilities of NewTypes (NT), humans who had heightened powers of empathy, awareness, and superhuman reaction speed. To utilize NT in the war effort, they developed the Psychommu system for piloting MS. This system would allow the NT to, in part, psychically control Mobile Suits. The MS-06Z Psychommu Zaku was a test unit designed to collect data from experiments with NT pilots.
Even after the development of new MS, the Zaku II was continuously produced due to its remarkable specs. Later, the MS-06F2 Zaku II and MS-06FZ Zaku II KAI were developed.
The Zaku variations were not just for space, but also for Earth-based missions. The MS-06J Zaku II Ground Battle Model was Specifically created for that purpose. After the partial Zeon occupation of Earth, many of these types were produced at various locations on Earth. Also, as an anti-air unit, the MS-06K Zaku Cannon was developed.
Since the conflict on Earth spread worldwide, regional Zaku were in high demand. The Zaku II Ground Model's variation, the Desert Type, was one such unit. These regional types were just variations of Zaku, so it never solved the issue of Zaku's weakness on Earth. This led to the development of the next generation of MS.
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Gouf Variations
Having recognized the Zaku's limitations on Earth, the Zeons began developing two new MS to replace it. They were the YMS-07A Prototype Gouf and the *TMS-08A High Mobility MS. Of these two units, the Gouf was chosen as the Zaku replacement. For the MS-07A Gouf (Test Type), the 5x machine gun was not yet available, but the MS-07B Gouf did have it as a standard weapon. The heat rod weapon on the right arm could discharge a wave of high-voltage electricity through enemy cockpits, disabling their equipment and killing their pilots. Eventually, though, these weapons proved less effective than conventional armaments, and production waned.
The Goufs, originally developed for regional conflicts, were easily modified. The MS-07B3 Gouf Custom was a flexible model with long-range combat abilities. This unit replaced its 5x machine gun on the left arm with a regular hand. It was also equipped with a triple Gatling gun. The MS-07C3 Gouf Heavy Arms version was developed as a heavy weapons model. Instead of having a heat rod, it has a 5x machine gun on both arms. The model lost flexibility, but compensated with increased firepower.
During the development of the Gouf, Mobile Suits on Earth had demonstrated a lack of speed. To overcome this problem, a plan to make flight capable MS was implemented. The MS-07H Gouf Flight Model succeeded in vertical liftoff, but it had many glitches and was never put into production. The Zeons continued to test the flight capabilities of various other MS and continued with their experiments. During one such test, however, the MS exploded in midair, killing its pilot. This accident nearly caused the entire plan for flight-capable MS to be scrapped. Later, the MS-07H8 Gouf Flight Model was developed, and its backpack thruster was given even greater power. In addition, the thermal engine was changed, and wings were added to the unit's back. Still, even with these changes, both the cooling and the fuel systems had a host of problems. Eventually, the flight program was cancelled. However, the data obtained from these flight tests ultimately led to the development of Mobile Suits with hover systems.
*I also believe this is a typo, as 'T' and 'Y' are next to each other on a standard keyboard layout. I'm quite sure that it's the YMS-08A rather than the TMS-08A.
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Dom Variations
The Mobile Suits' decreased maneuverability on Earth was always a problem. The YMS-09 prototype Dom possessed thermal engines on the legs, and it used after-burners to hover. This solved the mobility issue, and later the MS-09 Dom began mass-production.
With its hover capabilities, strong armor, and destructive giant bazooka, it became the Zeons' main Earth-based MS. The Dom was developed as a ground-battle MS, but it had mechanical problems, depending on where it was stationed; hence, different variations were built for different regions.
The MS-09D Dom-Tropical Type was first developed as a regional model. Later, it was followed by the MS-09F/TROP Dom-Tropen. MS-09G Dowadge was also developed as a regional fighter. A fuel tank was added, and hover time was greatly increased. The MS-09H Dowadge KAI was an improved model, equipped with extra boosters on the shoulder. This model was also able to use beam weapons. MS-09R2 Rick Dom II was a space version of the Dom. Its generator, thrusters, and fuel tank were modified.
The Dom proved to be a very deadly unit, and it became the main MS after the Zaku II; however, it lacked beam weapons, and the main unit eventually became the MS-14 Gelgoog. Nonetheless, the Dom was an effective MS, and a few were even witnessed in later conflicts, including the Axis War.
Amphibious Mobile Suits
M-Series
The Principality of Zeon occupied and took control of many factories and bases on Earth. One of the most important was the California Naval Base. This base had a factory to produce submarines, and the Zeons were able to manufacture ten of their own and created aquatic MS.
The only early generation Marine Type Mobile Suit was the MS-06M Zaku Marine. These models were not used as primary combat units, but rather they were test units that collected data. After the tests of the Zaku Marine, several Aquatic MS were developed. One such aquatic MS was the MSM-03 Gogg, and this model was stationed on several submarines.
After the creation of the Gogg, the MSM-04 Acguy was also developed, but it lacked firepower and not many were produced. However, the Acguy had one major advantage - its armor allowed for greater stealth. Hence, the Acguy began operating as a reconnaissance unit.
Out of all the amphibious MS, the most powerful, was the MSM-07 Z'Gok. This MS had high mobility, both underwater and on land. As development progressed, amphibious MS like the MSM-08 Zogok and the MSM-10 Zock were put into combat as well. Zogok was a combat MS based upon the Z'Gok, and its land mobility was improved by sacrificing underwater functionality. Zock, on the other hand, was more like an MA than an MS, and its firepower was greatly improved.
Most amphibious MS units were stationed on Zeon submarines, and their primary missions were to disrupt Federation supply lines and destroy the remaining Federation naval forces. Each Zeon U-con fleet had three submarines, and each submarine was able to carry three to four MS. Later, a massive submarine called "Mad Angler" was developed and 70% of the world's sea fell under Zeon control.
Agg Series
The Agg series MS were modified versions of the M series and were engineered specifically for the invasion of Jaburo with close-range, mid-range and support designations in mind.
The MSN-04N Agguguy was developed as a close-range combat model, and the proven Gouf weapon, the heat rod, was attached. Some Agguguy's, however, utilized Z'Gok's claws instead.
The MSM-04G Juagg was designed as a midrange support unit modified from the regular Acguy and possessing armor as strong as the Gogg's. It features triple rocket launchers on both arms, though some units recieved standard arms for close combat.
Unlike the other units, Juagg and Agguguy, the EMS-05 Agg was developed specifically to tunnel through the rocky terrain surrounding Jaburo as part of Zeons' South American offensive. Hence, the standard version of this unit has almost no combat abilities, but as an option, it can be equipped with missile launchers and other weapons.
Though the units were specifically built with Jaburo's environment and defenses in mind, the Zeons failed in their assault, and there are no records the Agg series' role in the siege.
Minovsky Craft
Actual Use of Mobile Armor
The Zeons' success with Mobile Armor directly led to the creation of the Minovsky Craft system. It was based upon Minovsky physics, utilizing Minovsky particles that react against certain forms of energy. The Minosvky craft lift-generating system allows a warship or Mobile Armor to float effortlessly in Earth's atmosphere. The Minovsky craft system generates an anti-gravity field beneath the vessel, which pushes against the ground and counteracts the pull of gravity. This anti-gravity cushion also serves to protect the vessel during atmospheric re-entry. This system was far from effective on its own, and conventional flight systems had to be used in conjunction with the Minovsky craft system to attain flight.
It was first thought impossible to equip MS with the Minovsky craft because of their size, but Zeon scientists managed to place the system on large-scale MA. During this time, the only two MA equipped with the Minovsky craft were the MAX-03 Adzam and the Apsalus (serial number unknown). Adzam was developed long before other MA, and they were originally used as a moving anti-ground weapon (G87 Luna Tank). This unit was able to fly for a short period of time using the Minovsky craft.
Apsalus, on the other hand, was developed as an invasion MA unit. For this reason Apsalus was designed to enter Federation and attack major Federation then retreat in hit-and-run attacks. Two of the test model Apsalus demonstrated that they Minovsky craft needed improvements. The system used great amounts of energy, and conventional generators were insufficient power sources. Later, Apsalus solved its flight stability problem by using two Minovsky craft engines and by utilizing three MS-09R2 Rick-Dom II generators to compensate for the increased use of power. These were the specs on the final version of Apsalus, but even with this improved Apsalus, the losing Zeon forces could not change the tide of the war.