AMX-117R Gaz-R – MechaBay | Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ

The AMX-117R Gaz-R 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 “R” suffix distinguished it from its twin unit, the AMX-117L Gaz-L.

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, Nee Gylen’s AMX-117R Gaz-R, was modeled after the Earth Federation Forces’ mass-produced RMS-117 Galbaldy β.

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

The Royal Guard squadron represented the pinnacle of Neo Zeon’s mobile suit corps, with pilots selected for their exceptional skill and unwavering loyalty to the cause. The Gaz-R and Gaz-L were developed as complementary units, with each mobile suit optimised for different tactical roles whilst maintaining similar performance characteristics.

Nee used this machine with great efficiency during the latter stages of the First Neo Zeon War, but it was ultimately destroyed by the AMX-004G Qubeley Mass Production Types along with its pilot whilst battling against Glemy Toto’s remnant Newtype battalion of cloned Ple Twos. This destruction occurred during the Neo Zeon civil war that marked the final phase of the First Neo Zeon War.

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

Design

The AMX-117R Gaz-R was an upgraded version of the mass production RMS-117 Galbaldy β, designed as a close-quarter combat machine for defensive purposes. With a more powerful reactor and armament geared to melee combat, the Gaz-R was highly distinguished by its eye-catching blue-on-white paint scheme and the large, flared armor on its right shoulder.

The mobile suit was constructed from Gundarium alloy composite armor that provided superior protection compared to the original Galbaldy β. Its Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor generated an output of 2,130 kW, representing a significant upgrade over Federation mobile suits of the era.

Standing 22.7 metres tall with a head height of 19.0 metres, the Gaz-R possessed an imposing battlefield presence. The distinctive asymmetric shoulder armor served both protective and identification purposes, allowing allies to quickly distinguish between the Gaz-R and its twin, the Gaz-L.

Armaments

With a more powerful reactor and a vast number of melee armaments, the Gaz-R is a troublesome enemy at close range. The mobile suit’s weaponry emphasised close-quarters combat, reflecting the defensive role of the Royal Guard units.

Hyper beam saber/cannon

Two hyper beam sabers are stored on the Gaz-R’s backpack. Their hilts are larger than most other beam sabers’ during the First Neo Zeon War, and are capable of emitting a longer and more powerful beam blade that can easily cut through several layers of armor. These dual-purpose weapons are rated at 3.8 MW in beam cannon mode and 1.0 MW in beam saber mode.

The hyper beam sabers can be combined into a twin beam sword, creating a formidable double-bladed weapon that provides enhanced reach and cutting power. This configuration was particularly effective against multiple opponents or heavily armored targets.

Beam sabers

In addition to the hyper beam sabers, the Gaz-R carried two standard beam sabers stored in recharge racks in the left forearm. These weapons, rated at 0.4 MW, served as backup armaments and provided additional close-combat options during extended engagements.

Heat lancer

The Gaz-R was equipped with a heat lancer stored on recharge racks on the waist armor. This thermal weapon used super-heated elements to pierce through enemy armor, making it particularly effective against mobile suits equipped with anti-beam coating that might resist conventional beam weapons.

Beam rifle

For ranged engagements, the Gaz-R could be equipped with a standard beam rifle powered by rechargeable energy caps. Though the mobile suit’s design philosophy favoured melee combat, the beam rifle provided necessary medium to long-range capabilities for escort duties.

Known pilots

Nee Gylen

Behind the scenes

Original mechanical designers: Masahiko Asano (principal design), Akitaka Mika (cleanup). The design team created the Gaz-R and Gaz-L as a matched pair to represent the elite status and coordination of Neo Zeon’s Royal Guard squadron.

The colour schemes were carefully chosen to distinguish the two units whilst maintaining visual coherence. The blue-on-white scheme of the Gaz-R contrasted with the red-on-white scheme of the Gaz-L, making them easily identifiable on the battlefield whilst emphasising their roles as complementary escort units.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ

External links

AMX-117R Gaz-R on the Gundam Wiki
AMX-117R Gaz-R on MAHQ