MS-07H Gouf Flight Test Type – MechaBay

The MS-07H Gouf Flight Test Type was a prototype flight-capable mobile suit developed by Zeonic for the Principality of Zeon.

The “MS” in the model code indicated that it was a mobile suit. The “07” model number denoted that it was the seventh design in this series, and the “H” variant code identified it as the flight test variant of the MS-07 Gouf line.

History

Following the Principality of Zeon’s invasion and subsequent occupation of much of Earth during the One Year War, the Zeon military found that their revolutionary mobile suits that proved so effective in space combat were essentially slow-moving targets on Earth. The reduced mobility under gravity significantly impacted their ground operations and tactical effectiveness.

A program was initiated to develop an atmospheric flight-capable mobile suit, and four MS-07B Goufs were modified into the experimental MS-07H Gouf Flight Test Type. The project was led by Colonel Isaac Wormick and undertaken by the MS-07 development team, who established a dedicated department in the 29th Colony Industrial Zone of Side 3.

Mounting aerodynamic control surfaces on its backpack and a pair of powerful thermonuclear jet engines on each leg, the Gouf Flight Test Types were assigned to Zeon’s captured California Base and later transferred to an air force base in Arizona for extensive test flights. The units were transported from Side 3 to Flatnail Airbase in Arizona, North America, where they underwent rigorous testing under Captain Billy Wong Dyke’s test pilot team.

This initial design proved flawed, however, and over the course of its test flight schedule, the Gouf Flight Test Types were refurbished and redesigned, with the last incarnation being the MS-07H-4 model before the program was finally scrapped. The programme ultimately failed due to fundamental design limitations, including mid-air explosions that resulted in pilot fatalities.

After the war, some units came into service with the Earth Federation Forces and remained in use as late as UC 0087, demonstrating the potential of the flight concept despite its initial failure.

Design

The MS-07H Gouf Flight Test Type was developed by modifying existing MS-07B Gouf units to achieve atmospheric flight capability. The most significant modification was the integration of powerful thermonuclear jet engines mounted in enlarged leg units, which provided the necessary thrust for flight operations.

Aerodynamic control surfaces were added to the backpack and positioned strategically to provide stability and manoeuvrability during flight. The mobile suit retained the basic frame and cockpit configuration of the standard Gouf, with a pilot-only accommodation in a standard cockpit located in the torso.

The Gouf Flight Test Type was powered by a Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor with an output of 1,034 kW. The propulsion system combined traditional rocket thrusters with the new thermonuclear jet engines, producing a total output of 50,875 kg thrust. This hybrid propulsion system was designed to provide both atmospheric flight capability and space manoeuvrability.

The mobile suit featured reinforced leg structures to accommodate the powerful jet engines, and rocket verniers were mounted on the backpack and rear waist to provide additional control during flight operations. The overall design philosophy prioritised mobility enhancement while attempting to maintain the combat effectiveness of the base Gouf design.

Armaments

The MS-07H Gouf Flight Test Type’s armaments were simplified compared to the standard Gouf to reduce weight and complexity for flight operations.

5-barrel machine guns

The Gouf Flight Test Type retained the characteristic finger-mounted machine guns of the Gouf series. Two 5-barrel machine guns were integrated into the mobile suit’s manipulator fingers, with the barrels mounted as individual fingers. This configuration allowed for close-range suppressive fire while maintaining the mobile suit’s ability to manipulate objects and weapons.

These finger-mounted weapons were particularly effective in close-quarters combat and could provide covering fire during landing operations or when engaging enemy forces at short range.

Giant bazooka

The mobile suit could be equipped with a giant bazooka as its primary ranged weapon. This large-calibre weapon provided significant firepower against enemy mobile suits and fortifications. The bazooka fired explosive rounds capable of inflicting severe damage on enemy targets.

The giant bazooka was the same model used by other Zeon mobile suits, ensuring logistical compatibility and standardised ammunition supply. When not in use, the weapon could be stored or mounted on the mobile suit’s exterior attachment points.

Known pilots

Billy Wong Dyke

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer for the MSV version.

The MS-07H Gouf Flight Test Type was first introduced in the Mobile Suit Variations design series in 1983, which expanded the One Year War setting with additional mobile suit variants. The design concept explored the logical progression of Zeon’s attempts to overcome the mobility limitations their mobile suits faced in Earth’s gravity.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Variations
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam

External links

MS-07H Gouf Flight Test Type on the Gundam Wiki
MS-07H Gouf Flight Test Type on MAHQ