The YMS-07A Prototype Gouf was a prototype ground combat mobile suit developed by the Principality of Zeon. It was sometimes referred to as the A-type Prototype Gouf.
History
During the One Year War, the MS-06J Zaku II Ground Combat Type was instrumental as Zeon pushed the Earth Federation back in many battle fronts on Earth.
As Zeon’s campaign on Earth progressed, the increasing need for a ground-use mobile weapon led to the development of a ground combat mobile suit. The success of the MS-06F Zaku II led to Zeon modifying it to create variants for specific use. One such variant was the MS-06J Zaku II Ground Combat Type.
Zeon decided to create an improved design that was built with specially for ground combat to replace the J-type Zaku II. The YMS-07A Prototype Gouf was designed based on the frame of the Zaku II.
The YMS-07B Prototype Gouf was a second prototype unit that had additional thrusters in the in the legs to allow it to make jet-assisted jumps. The design of the B-type prototype would become the basis of the mass-produced MS-07B Gouf.
Design
The YMS-07A Prototype Gouf was redesigned based on the Zaku II frame. The Prototype Gouf was developed to be lighter and more manoeuvrable than the Zaku II. The design was included fixed weapons such as the five-barrelled 75mm machine gun and the tentacle heat rod. However, the weapons were still being developed and was unavailable until the development of the mass production version the MS-07B Gouf.
The YMS-07B Prototype Gouf was a second test unit of the Gouf design. It was equipped with leg thrusters to allow it to make jet-assisted jumps.
Armaments
The standard weapon for the Prototype Gouf were still in development so it used the 120 mm machine gun designed for the Zaku II.
120 mm machine gun
The ZMP-50D machine gun was developed specifically for the Zaku II line. It was drum-fed with 100 rounds per drum. It did not require power to be fired. However, that reduced its effectiveness against heavy armour.
ZMP-50D 120 mm machine gun
Shield
The Prototype Gouf had a shield mounted on its left arm. While the shield provided defence against conventional melee weapons and projectile weapons, it was unable to withstand beam weaponry.
Known pilots
Rambal Ral piloted the YMS-07B Prototype Gouf.
Behind the scenes
Kunio Okawara was the original mechanical designer.