MS-09G Dwadge – MechaBay | Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ

The MS-09G Dwadge was a mass production ground combat mobile suit developed by the Principality of Zeon. It represented one of the last evolutions of the MS-09 Dom series and the final production model of the Dom line.

The “MS” in the model code indicated that it was a mobile suit. The “09” model number denoted that it was the ninth design in this series, and the “G” variant code identified it as the ground type variant. The name “Dwadge” is alternatively spelled “Dowadge” in some sources.

History

As the last variant of the MS-09B Dom, the Dwadge entered service late in the One Year War in limited numbers. Only approximately 88 units were produced in conjunction with the MS-09H Dwadge Custom, making it a relatively rare mobile suit compared to earlier Dom variants.

Initially, two such units were assigned to Desert Rommel and Karahan of the Rommel Corps stationed in North Africa. These units served as testbeds for the improved design and proved the Dwadge’s effectiveness in harsh ground combat environments.

The mobile suit continued to see action in later conflicts well beyond the One Year War. By the time of the First Neo Zeon War in UC 0088, the Dwadge was operated by several parties, including the new Neo Zeon military, old African-based Zeon remnants from the One Year War, and the civilian African Liberation Front.

The Dwadge’s service life proved remarkably long, with units remaining in use with Zeon remnants as late as UC 0096 during an attack on Australia’s Torrington Base. During this engagement, a Dwadge operated alongside a MS-09F/trop Dom Tropen and an MS-06D Desert Zaku, demonstrating the continued effectiveness of the aging design.

Design

One of the last evolutions of the MS-09 Dom series, the MS-09G Dwadge was designed as an improvement over the well-proven and successful Dom. The relationship between the Dwadge and the MS-10 Pezun Dowadge of Zeon’s Pezun Project remains uncertain, though they are distinct designs.

The Dwadge featured several significant improvements over its predecessor. Most notably, it mounted four vulcan guns in the head compared to the Dom’s two, providing enhanced close-range defensive capability. The mobile suit also carried an external propellant tank on its backpack, extending the operational time for using the Dwadge’s ground-skimming hovering jets.

The design incorporated both titanium alloy and Gundarium alloy in its construction, representing advanced materials technology for its time. The mobile suit featured a panoramic monitor/linear seat cockpit in the torso, providing the pilot with enhanced situational awareness compared to older cockpit designs.

The Dwadge’s propulsion system was considerably more powerful than the standard Dom, with rocket thrusters providing a total output of 104,300 kg. The system included five thrusters rated at 9,300 kg each, six at 8,200 kg each, and two at 4,300 kg each, along with six vernier thrusters and apogee motors for precise manoeuvring.

The rear thermonuclear jet propulsion unit featured dust filters and was equipped with a back-mounted antenna to increase communication capabilities. This was particularly important for extended operations in dusty environments like deserts where the Dwadge often operated.

With a mass ratio of 1.65, the Dwadge achieved an excellent balance between firepower, protection, and mobility. The external propellant tank used a two-layered construction, with one layer containing propellant and the other holding extra coolant, enabling extended hover operations.

Armaments

The MS-09G Dwadge’s standard weapons were four vulcan guns for close-range defence and a heat saber for melee combat, supplemented by a scattering beam gun for tactical applications.

2-barrel vulcan guns

The Dwadge had a total of four vulcan guns mounted in its head, arranged as two 2-barrel units. Each gun was loaded with 800 rounds of ammunition. These projectile weapons were designed for intercepting missiles and destroying lightly armoured vehicles, but were ineffective against the heavier armour of enemy mobile suits.

The increased number of vulcan guns compared to earlier Dom variants provided superior defensive capability against incoming missiles and small craft, as well as improved suppressive fire capability against infantry and light vehicles.

Heat saber

The heat saber was stored in a recharge rack in the backpack when not in use and was hand-carried during combat. This weapon used thermal energy to superheat its blade to melt through enemy armour. The heat saber had a power output of 0.52 MW, making it effective against most contemporary mobile suit armour.

The weapon represented the standard close-combat armament for Dom-series mobile suits and provided reliable melee capability for close-quarters engagements.

Scattering beam gun

A unique weapon mounted in the left side of the Dwadge’s chest, the scattering beam gun was completely incapable of damaging an enemy machine as an offensive weapon. Instead, it produced a bright light that was capable of momentarily blinding eyes and visual sensors.

This tactical weapon provided the Dwadge with a non-lethal option for disrupting enemy targeting systems and creating opportunities for escape or repositioning during combat.

380 mm giant bazooka

The giant bazooka served as the Dwadge’s primary ranged weapon. Fed by a five-round magazine, a single round could blow the torso off of an enemy mobile suit. The barrel was fitted with a thermal sleeve to reduce distortion due to heat, ensuring accuracy during sustained fire.

This weapon used shaped charge ammunition and was a slightly larger version of the giant bazooka used by other Dom variants, reflecting the Dwadge’s role as a heavy ground combat unit.

Heat tomahawk

A large, double-bladed heat weapon exclusive to the Dwadge, the heat tomahawk was much sturdier in design compared to the standard heat saber. This made it better able to withstand the high-powered impacts of melee combat. The weapon had a power output of 0.77 MW, making it more powerful than the standard heat saber.

The heat tomahawk’s double-bladed design and robust construction made it particularly effective against heavily armoured opponents and in prolonged melee engagements.

Optional equipment

The Dwadge could also be equipped with smoke dischargers attached to the giant bazooka for battlefield concealment, and various types of hand grenades for tactical flexibility. Some units carried the same 120 mm machine gun used by Zaku-type mobile suits as an alternative ranged weapon.

Known pilots

Amatha Pola
Gadeb Jasin
Desert Rommel

Behind the scenes

The original mechanical designers for the Gundam ZZ version were Masahiro Oda (principal design), Masahiko Asano (principal design), and Mika Akitaka (cleanup). Katoki Hajime designed the Gundam Unicorn versions.

The Dwadge represents the culmination of Dom series development, incorporating lessons learned from all previous variants. Its distinctive name and imposing appearance made it a memorable design despite its limited production numbers.

Appearances

External links

MS-09G Dwadge on the Gundam Wiki
MS-09G Dwadge on MAHQ