AMS-129 Geara Zulu (Guards Type)
Custom general purpose mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics.
The AMS-129 Geara Zulu (Guards Type) was a custom general purpose mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics for Full Frontal’s elite personal guards.
The “AMS” model code indicated it was an Anaheim mass production model, with “129” denoting the model number in the development sequence. The “Guards Type” designation indicated its specialised role as an elite guard unit.
History
The AMS-129 Geara Zulu (Guards Type) was a specialised variant of the Geara Zulu assigned to six elite members of Full Frontal’s personal guard, often referred to as the Royal Guard. It was said that this version reflected the original design specifications envisioned for the Geara Zulu during its early development stages.
To effectively escort Frontal’s high-mobility MSN-06S Sinanju, the Guards Type received major thrust enhancements, including its thigh-mounted main thrusters with design elements reminiscent of the High Mobility Zaku II R-2. Its backpack was also upgraded with an enhanced version of the Geara Doga’s, granting it greater endurance for long-term operations.
The Guards Type was deployed during the Laplace Incident in UC 0096, serving as elite escort units for Full Frontal’s personal forces. The mobile suits proved their worth in various engagements throughout the conflict.
The Republic of Zeon acquired several Geara Zulu (Guards Type) units and deployed them as part of a mobile suit team disguised as remnants of the Sleeves for an operation to capture the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 03 Phenex. The Geara Zulu (Guards Type) units were sent to Side 6 colony of Metis, together with AMS-129 Geara Zulu (Ellic Custom) and MSN-06S-2 Sinanju Stein, to look for the Phenex. In the colony, they engaged the Earth Federation Forces’ Shezarr Unit, who were there for the same purpose. The disguised Republic of Zeon mobile suit team later retreated following the sudden appearance of the Phenex.
Design
The Geara Zulu (Guards Type) was a customised unit that featured improved thrust over the standard Geara Zulu, which allowed it to keep pace with Full Frontal’s MSN-06S Sinanju. The Guards Type also featured larger spike armour and more elaborate chest and wrist markings than the standard model.
Visually, the Guards Type sported a more aggressive appearance, with large spiked shoulder armour on both sides. The improved thrust system gave it a total output of 74,520 kg, significantly higher than the standard Geara Zulu’s 62,100 kg.
The Guards Type had an ultracompact Minovsky power plant that generated an output of 2,670 kW, representing an increase over the standard model’s 2,470 kW output. This enhanced power generation supported the improved thruster systems and additional equipment.
The mobile suit had a standard cockpit in its torso with a panoramic monitor and linear seat. Its standard sensors gave it a detection range of up to 18,200 metres, matching the standard Geara Zulu’s specifications.
Armaments
The Geara Zulu (Guards Type)‘s standard weapons were similar to the base model, with the flexibility to mount various weapon configurations depending on mission requirements.
Beam machine gun
The standard firearm of the Geara Zulu, it rapid fired pellet-shaped beams and its firing and focusing rates were consistent with the standards at the time. By adjusting the irradiation time, the weapon could also function as a beam rifle. The magazine (E-pac) doubled as a foregrip, and had a banana shape, increasing the number of ammunition. Three sets of spare magazines could be mounted on the left and right sides of the front skirt armour.
It had excellent basic design and high expandability. Options for the weapon included a large sensor that directly linked to the mobile suit’s sensor, and a single round grenade launcher unit that was attached to the bottom of the barrel.
Sturm faust
A simplified, disposable rocket launcher. Due to its excellent cost performance, usage of the Sturm Faust continued after the One Year War. As the warhead was not equipped with a guidance device, it was extremely hard to use the Sturm Faust to hit a moving target accurately.
Beam hawk
The beam hawk served as the mobile suit’s primary melee weapon for close-range combat, providing the Guards Type with effective close-quarters capabilities.
Shield options
The Guards Type could mount either the standard shoulder shield or an optional left forearm-mounted shield for enhanced defensive capabilities. The shoulder shield could be mounted on the right shoulder, whilst the optional shield could be mounted on the left forearm for additional protection.
Submachine gun
The Guards Type could be equipped with a submachine gun for close-range engagements, providing additional tactical flexibility in urban or confined combat environments.
Known pilots
- Sergi Helfer
- Cuaron Masuka
Behind the scenes
Katoki Hajime was the original mechanical designer. The design was based on the AMS-129 Geara Zulu (Guards Type) from the Gundam Unicorn novels.
Appearances
See also
External links
- AMS-129 Geara Zulu (Guards Type) on MAHQ
- AMS-129 Geara Zulu (Guards Type) on the Gundam Wiki