AMX-117L Gaz-L

The AMX-117L Gaz-L was a mass production general purpose mobile suit developed by Neo Zeon for their elite Royal Guard squadron during the First Neo Zeon War.

The “AMX” in the model code indicated it was developed by Axis Zeon, which later became Neo Zeon. The “117” in the model code denoted it was developed based on the RMS-117 Galbaldy β, and the “L” suffix distinguished it from its twin unit, the AMX-117R Gaz-R.

History

Neo Zeon’s elite Royal Guard squadron, charged with the protection of their leader Haman Karn, operated a handful of customised mobile suits during the First Neo Zeon War. One of these units, Lance Gylen’s AMX-117L Gaz-L, was modeled after the Earth Federation Forces’ mass-produced RMS-117 Galbaldy β.

The Gaz-L was designed to operate in tandem with its twin, Nee Gylen’s AMX-117R Gaz-R, the Gaz-L typically escorted either Haman’s AMX-004 Qubeley or Royal Guard leader Chara Soon’s AMX-015 Geymalk on its left flank.

Neo Zeon’s Royal Guard squadron was formed from elite pilots who had proven their loyalty and skill in combat. The Gaz-L and Gaz-R were developed as matched pairs specifically for this prestigious unit, with each mobile suit optimised for close-quarters combat and defensive operations around their commanders.

Lance used this machine with great efficiency during the latter stages of the First Neo Zeon War, but it was ultimately destroyed when Lance was killed by Rakan Dahkaran after a failed suicidal attack. Lance had taken a shot from Rakan that was meant for Chara Soon, demonstrating the fierce loyalty of the Royal Guard members.

After the war, Neo Zeon remnants fielded a variant, the AMX-117LG Gaz-L Grau.

Design

The AMX-117L Gaz-L was developed from the captured design data of the Earth Federation’s RMS-117 Galbaldy β, but incorporated several improvements that reflected Neo Zeon’s advancing mobile suit technology. With a more powerful reactor and armament geared to melee combat, the Gaz-L was highly distinguished by its eye-catching red-on-white paint scheme and the large, flared armor on its left shoulder.

The mobile suit featured Gundarium composite armor that provided excellent protection whilst maintaining reasonable mobility. Its Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor generated an output of 2,130 kW, a significant improvement over the original Galbaldy β. The enhanced power output allowed the Gaz-L to operate its array of high-energy beam weapons effectively.

The Gaz-L stood 22.7 metres tall overall with a head height of 19.0 metres, making it a formidable presence on the battlefield. Its distinctive asymmetric shoulder armor not only provided additional protection but also served as visual identification for allied forces.

Armaments

With a more powerful reactor and a vast number of melee armaments, the Gaz-L is a troublesome enemy at close range. The mobile suit’s standard weapons were hyper beam sabers that could also function as beam cannons, providing both melee and ranged combat capabilities