Gundam

MS-07B Gouf

★

By Jenxi Seow

Published

Updated

MS-07B Gouf

The MS-07B Gouf was a high performance ground combat mobile suit mass produced by the Principality of Zeon . It was also referred to as the B-type Gouf. The “MS” in the model code indicated that it was a mobile suit. The “07” in the model code indicated that it was the seventh line of mobile suits Zeon developed, and the “B” meant it was the second design of the line.

Contents

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. However, the J-type Zaku II was a ground combat variant modified from the successful MS-06F Zaku II .

MS-07B Gouf from Mobile Suit Variations

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 the product of Zeon’s research and it was then refined into the mass production model MS-07A Gouf .

The A-type Gouf was produced in limited numbers before it was replaced by the MS-07B Gouf. The A-type Gouf did not have the built-in weapons that were designed for the Gouf as the armaments were still under development and some parts were low on supply. The B-type was the final version of the Gouf design.

The Gouf piloted by Ramba Ral notably overwhelmed the Federation’s RX-78-2 Gundam during the One Year War. Back on the Pegasus-class assault carrier White Base Gundam pilot Amuro Ray tried to simulate the Gouf as an improved F-type Zaku II but the Gouf’s performance was far superior to anything the Federation had previously encountered.

The success of the design prompted Zeon to deploy the Gouf all over the world, including Australia and the Gobi Desert. A modified variant the MS-07B-3 Gouf Custom was used in Southest Asia and Europe.

Despite its impressive performance, Zeon felt that the cost of manufacturing it was too high. It was soon replaced by the cheaper and better MS-09 Dom as the mainstay of the Zeon’s ground forces. However, the capability of the Gouf meant that it continued to serve in Zeon ranks even after the war ended.

In UC 0080, the South Seas Alliance deployed Gouf units with hover packs.

MS-07B Gouf

Production overview

Model number: MS-07B
Code name: Gouf
Type: Mass production ground combat mobile suit
Completed: UC 0079
First deployment: UC 0079
Manufacturer: Zeonic Company
Operator: Principality of Zeon
Developed from:
‣ MS-07A Gouf
Developed into: None
Variants:
‣ MS-07B Gouf M’quve Custom
‣ MS-07B-3 Gouf Custom

General characteristics

Crew: Pilot only
Cockpit: Standard cockpit in torso
Head height: 18.2 m
Total height: 18.5 m
Empty weight: 58.5 t
Gross weight: 75.4 t
Armour: Super-hard steel alloy
Sensors: Standard
Sensor range: 3,600 m

Performance

Power plant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor
Power output: 1,034 kW
Propulsion: Rocket thrusters: 40,700 kg total
Max speed: 99 km/h
180° turn time: Unknown
Thrust-to-weight ratio: 0.54 G

Armaments

Fixed
‣ 1 x 75mm five-barrel machine gun
‣ 1 x Heat rod

Handheld
‣ 1 x 120mm machine gun
‣ 1 x Heat sword Type-βIV
‣ 1 x 280 mm Zaku bazooka

Optional
‣ 1 x shield

Design

MS-07B Gouf cockpit

The Principality of Zeon developed the Gouf line of mobile suits for close-quarter combat on Earth. After the success of the YMS-07B Prototype Gouf , the Zeon begun mass production of the design as the MS-07B Gouf.

Using data and design of the leg-mounted thrusters from the YMS-08A High Mobility Test Type, the Gouf could make jet-assisted jumps and had greater manoeuvrability with its powerful backpack. Units used by the South Seas Alliance equipped hover packs that allowed them to fly within atmosphere. These could also carry infantry, allowing the Gouf to act as a mobile personnel carrier.

The Gouf had super hard steel alloy armour. Its rocket thrusters had a combined output of 40,700 kg and provided main propulsion it. The Gouf had a standard cockpit in its torso. Its standard sensors gave it a detection range of up to 3,600 metres.

Armaments

The Gouf was designed with built-in weapons to increase its combat capabilities. It out-performed the MS-06F Zaku II in speed, power output, and melee combat.

The standard weapons used by the Gouf were a ranged weapon and a Heat Sword for melee combat. It had machine guns built into each finger on its left hand and a whip-like heat rod on its right forearm.

It was able to use weapons designed for the Zaku II line and many units were equipped with such weapons as Zeon lacked parts and were unable to produce the newer weapons fast enough.

Dynasty Warriors version

Five-barrel machine gun

The fingers on the left hand of the Gouf were the barrels of a five-barrel 75 mm machine gun. Having the machine gun built into the mobile suit meant that the Gouf was not easily disarmed during combat. However, it was unable to use handheld armaments with the left hand.

Heat rod

The Gouf had a whip-like heat rod mounted on its right forearm. The heat rod was superheated to allow it to cut through most armour. It could also be used to grapple and electrocute its opponents.

The heat rod was retracted into the arm for storage.

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 (Mobile Suit Gundam version)

Heat Sword

The Heat Sword Type-βIV was a battery-powered melee weapon designed for the Gouf. It was based on the Heat Hawk design. It took the shape of a broadsword, giving it a longer reach and larger cutting edge than the tomahawk form of the Heat Hawk.

Heat Sword Type-βIV

Shield

The 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.

Shield of MS-07B Gouf

280 mm Zaku bazooka

The H&L-SB21K/280 mm A-P bazooka was an armour-piercing artillery armament that fired hull-piercing explosive rounds. It was designed for use against enemy ships.

It could only take one front-loaded round each time. Due to the method of reloading and the low ammunitions capacity, the pilot had to be very tactful in using it. A magazine of four rounds was stored on the side hip armour.

The bazooka was clasped on the rear waist armour when not in use.

H&L-SB21K/280mm A-N Zaku bazooka

Known pilots

Variants

MS-07B Gouf M’quve Custom

It was common for high-ranking officers and ace pilot to have customised mobile suits during the One Year War. Colonel M’quve had a personalised Gouf unit that was decorated with ornate markings and engravings. It also sported his trademark antenna shaped in a spearhead that he used in the YMS-15 Gyan .

MS-07B Gouf M'quve Custom

MS-07B Gouf Thomas Kurtz Custom

First Lieutenant Thomas Kurtz piloted a Gouf with custom colour during his time with the 5th Terrestrial Mobile Division of Zeon’s Earth Attack Force.

MS-07B Gouf Visch Donahue Custom

First Lieutenant Visch Donahue was an ace pilot who served under Commander Walter Curtis in the Australian front. Famously known as the Thunderclap in the Wilderness, he was assigned a custom Gouf that bore his personal Wild Thunder emblem on its shield.

Other

Behind the scenes

Kunio Okawara was the original mechanical designer.

Appearances

Anime

Manga

Games