MS-09H Dwadge Custom
Prototype ground combat mobile suit customised by Desert Rommel.
The MS-09H Dwadge Custom was a prototype ground combat mobile suit that was heavily modified by Desert Rommel from a standard MS-09G Dwadge.
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 “H” variant code identified it as Rommel’s custom variant. The name “Dwadge” is alternatively spelled “Dowadge” in some sources.
History
One of the MS-09G Dwadge ground combat mobile suits still in use following the One Year War belonged to Desert Rommel, leader of a band of Zeon remnants still operating in Africa. This unit was originally a standard MS-09G that had been assigned to Rommel during the later stages of the One Year War.
Rommel’s Dwadge was steadily modified and upgraded over the years following the war’s end. Through scavenged parts, stolen Federation technology, and field modifications, the mobile suit was extensively rebuilt to exceed the capabilities of the standard model. By the time of the First Neo Zeon War in UC 0088, his mobile suit was redesignated the MS-09H Dwadge Custom and had become significantly more formidable than the regular Dwadge.
The Dwadge Custom served as Rommel’s personal mobile suit and command unit for his remnant forces, known as the Rommel Corps, operating in North Africa. The mobile suit saw action during various guerrilla operations against the Earth Federation forces in the region.
Rommel’s Dwadge Custom was ultimately destroyed by Jadau Ashta in the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam’s beam saber during the battle known as “The Face of Rommel” in episode 25 of Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ.
Design
The MS-09H Dwadge Custom was based on the MS-09G Dwadge but featured extensive modifications that significantly enhanced its performance. It was equipped with chemical fuel rocket boosters on the shoulders and a duct for exhaust heat effective in local battles such as tropical areas was newly installed in the crotch, making it possible to continuously demonstrate high mobility without being influenced by the environment.
The most significant improvement was the addition of four extra thrusters mounted on the shoulders, each rated at 8,200 kg output. This brought the total thruster output to 128,500 kg compared to the standard Dwadge’s 104,300 kg, representing a substantial increase in mobility and manoeuvrability.
Its generator was also retrofitted and attack power increased due to the implementation of beam weapons, which was a problem for the MS-09B Dom. This addressed one of the key weaknesses of the Dom series, which had traditionally relied on projectile weapons due to power limitations.
The mobile suit retained the titanium alloy and Gundarium alloy construction of the base Dwadge, with a panoramic monitor/linear seat cockpit providing enhanced pilot awareness. The external propellant tank system was maintained to support extended operations in the harsh African environment.
The Dwadge Custom incorporated improved heat management systems, including specialised ducts for exhaust heat dissipation. This allowed the mobile suit to operate at peak performance for extended periods in tropical conditions without suffering from thermal overload.
Armaments
The MS-09H Dwadge Custom’s armament represented a significant upgrade over the standard Dwadge, most notably with the addition of beam weaponry.
Vulcan guns
The Dwadge Custom retained a pair of vulcan guns mounted in its head. These projectile weapons were designed for intercepting missiles and destroying lightly armoured vehicles, but were ineffective against the armor of enemy mobile suits. The vulcan guns provided defensive capability against incoming missiles and served as anti-personnel weapons.
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, with a power output of 0.52 MW. The heat saber provided reliable close-combat capability consistent with other Dom-series mobile suits.
Scattering beam gun
A beam weapon mounted in the left side of the Dwadge’s chest. As an offensive weapon the scattering beam gun is completely incapable of damaging an enemy machine, but it does produce a bright light capable of momentarily blinding eyes and visual sensors. This tactical weapon provided non-lethal options for disrupting enemy operations and creating tactical advantages.
Beam cannon
The most significant addition to the Dwadge Custom’s armament was a large, hand-operated beam cannon with a power rating of 4.7 MW. This was a weapon stolen by the Rommel Corps from the Federation after the One Year War. The beam cannon provided the Dwadge Custom with unprecedented ranged firepower for a Dom-series mobile suit.
The beam cannon was powered by a rechargeable energy cap, allowing for sustained beam attacks without directly draining the mobile suit’s main reactor. This weapon gave the Dwadge Custom the ability to engage enemy mobile suits at long range with devastating effect.
Heat tomahawk
A large, double-bladed heat weapon exclusive to the Dwadge. Being much sturdier in design compared to the heat saber, it is able to better withstand the high powered impacts of melee combat. The heat tomahawk had a power output of 0.77 MW, making it more powerful than the standard heat saber and particularly effective in sustained melee combat.
External propellant tank
An external tank used for propellant storage. This extra propellant greatly extends a mobile suit’s operating range, and enables it to stay in combat longer. When the propellant is consumed, the tank can be discarded to reduce the mobile suit’s weight. This tank uses a two-layered construction, with one layer containing propellant, and the other holding extra coolant.
Known pilots
- Desert Rommel
Behind the scenes
The original mechanical designers for the Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ version were Masahiro Oda, Masahiko Asano, and Mika Akitaka.
The MS-09H Dwadge Custom represents the logical evolution of Zeon remnant forces adapting and upgrading their aging equipment with salvaged and stolen technology. Desert Rommel became an iconic character representing the persistence of Zeon ideology and military capability even after the war’s official end.
Appearances
See also
- MS-09G Dwadge
- MS-09B Dom
- Desert Rommel
External links
- MS-09H Dwadge Custom on the Gundam Wiki
- MS-09H Dwadge Custom on MAHQ