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AMX-008 Ga-Zowmn

Mass production transformable mobile suit developed by Neo Zeon.
Jenxi Seow Published 9 Oct 2018 Updated 13 Feb 2025
AMX-008 Ga-Zowmn

The AMX-008 Ga-Zowmn was a mass production transformable mobile suit developed by Neo Zeon. The “AMX” in the model code indicated it was a mobile weapon developed in the Zeon asteroid base Axis, while “008” denoted it was the eighth mobile weapon designed there.

The “AMX” in the model code indicated it was developed by Axis Zeon, while “008” denoted it was the eighth mobile suit design in the series.

History

After Neo Zeon gradually replaced the AMX-003 Gaza-C with the AMX-006 Gaza-D as their mainstay unit at the start of the First Neo Zeon War in UC 0088, engineers on Axis continued developing the Gaza concept. Though the Gaza-D was the most refined transformable mobile suit then, they realised that producing a well-balanced mobile weapon capable in both mobile suit and mobile armor modes would not allow further breakthroughs. Instead, they opted to make some sacrifices.

The engineers developed the AMX-007 Gaza-E and the AMX-008 Ga-Zowmn simultaneously. While both remained transformable, they were not well-rounded designs like their predecessors. The Gaza-E specialised in mobile armor mode, while the Ga-Zowmn excelled in mobile suit mode. Though designed as a general purpose unit, the Ga-Zowmn’s firepower made it popular as an assault mobile suit.

The Ga-Zowmn served throughout the First Neo Zeon War and the Second Neo Zeon War. Units remained in service with The Sleeves in UC 0096. Though it did not carry the Gaza name, it was the last of the Gaza line to be built.

Design

Neo Zeon developed the Ga-Zowmn with high parts commonality with the Gaza-D despite their different appearances, enabling easier production. It featured a revised frame structure with exchangeable shoulder-mounted weapon units instead of the shoulder binders found in many Gaza series units. The missile unit was typically utilized.

The Ga-Zowmn was built with Gundarium alloy alloy armor. For propulsion, it used ten rocket thrusters generating 92,280 kg of total thrust, along with eighteen vernier thrusters and apogee motors for fine adjustments.

The cockpit was moved from the head to a standard position in the torso, featuring a panoramic monitor with linear seat. This was made possible by the radical shift in design compared to its predecessors that had their cockpits in the heads due to their transformation systems.

Armaments

The Ga-Zowmn’s standard weapons were missile launchers and hybrid beam sabers that could function as beam guns and beam sabers for ranged and melee combat. It could optionally equip a hyper knuckle buster effective in either mode.

80 mm vulcan guns

A pair of 80 mm vulcan guns were mounted in the forearms, usable in both mobile suit and mobile armor modes. Each gun carried 800 rounds and was primarily used against light-armored targets or for close-range defence.

Missile launchers

Each shoulder binder mounted a 9-tube missile launcher that fired AMS-06H heavy missiles. These were positioned on the main body in mobile armor mode. The launchers could rotate vertically for a wider firing arc in mobile suit mode.

Beam saber/beam gun

Two hybrid beam sabers were stored in the forearms. When mounted, they functioned as beam guns drawing power from the reactor. In beam saber mode, they could be removed and hand-carried, powered by an E-cap that recharged when stored. Output was rated at 0.62 megawatts.

Hyper knuckle buster

The optional hyper knuckle buster improved upon the Gaza-D’s design. Though its 4.1 megawatt output was lower, it achieved a higher rate of fire and longer range. Unlike its predecessors, it was fully handheld in mobile suit mode and powered by an E-cap instead of the reactor. In mobile armor mode, it mounted on the body as the main cannon.

Known pilots

  • Gottn Goh
  • Creyue Oye
  • Nel Marsen

Behind the scenes

Izubuchi Yutaka was the original mechanical designer, with Akitaka Mika handling cleanup for Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ. Katoki Hajime designed the version seen in Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn.

Variants

Appearances

  • Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
  • Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn