MS-14 Herbert Von Kuspen's Gelgoog – MechaBay

The MS-14 Herbert Von Kuspen’s Gelgoog was a custom high efficiency general purpose mobile suit developed by Zeonic for the Principality of Zeon.

The “MS” in the model code meant it was a mobile suit and the “14” indicated it was part of the Gelgoog development line. This particular unit was a customised version of the standard MS-14A Gelgoog, modified specifically for Colonel Herbert Von Kuspen, commander of the elite Kuspen Battalion.

History

Despite the late introduction of the MS-14A Gelgoog in the One Year War, multiple units were customised for individual pilots. One such unit was painted all silver and piloted by Herbert Von Kuspen, who commanded his own battalion of pilots.

During the final stages of the war, the situation for Zeon became increasingly desperate after the Federation successfully captured the space fortress Solomon. Upon arriving at A Baoa Qu, the 603rd Technical Evaluation Unit ship Jotunheim was visited by Colonel Herbert Von Kuspen, an uptight high-ranking commander from an elite battalion, who immediately attempted to assume command of the ship but met resistance from both Captain Monique Cadillac and Captain Martin Prochnow.

The Kuspen Battalion was attached to the 603rd Technical Evaluation Unit during the final battle. When the Federation launched a large-scale desperate attack on A Baoa Qu from two directions, the Kuspen Combat Battalion was assigned to defend the E field. During the battle, Von Kuspen piloted his custom Gelgoog alongside other defenders.

Von Kuspen refused to accept the surrender order when contact with A Baoa Qu was lost and the command structure collapsed. Despite Prochnow’s insistence that they accept the reality of defeat, Von Kuspen continued fighting. When the Jotunheim encountered a vanguard detachment of the Federation fleet that continued fighting even after a cease-fire was ordered, Von Kuspen’s custom Gelgoog engaged enemy forces.

During the final engagement, Von Kuspen destroyed two RB-79 Ball units and ordered the MP-02A Oggo pilots to defend E field until their troops could safely escape. Although the remaining E field forces successfully held out, Von Kuspen sacrificed himself protecting one of the Oggos, dying in action during the Battle of A Baoa Qu.

Design

Herbert Von Kuspen’s Gelgoog was based on the standard MS-14A Gelgoog but featured distinctive customisations that reflected both its pilot’s status and tactical preferences. The most notable modification was the unit’s distinctive silver paint scheme, which set it apart from standard Gelgoog units.

As a custom unit for a battalion commander, the mobile suit likely incorporated enhanced communication systems and tactical coordination equipment necessary for its command role. However, detailed technical specifications of these modifications remain classified in surviving records.

The mobile suit retained the high-performance characteristics that made the Gelgoog series so formidable, including the powerful reactor and advanced beam weapon systems that had been developed to rival the Federation’s RX-78-2 Gundam.

Armaments

Herbert Von Kuspen’s Gelgoog retained the standard armament configuration of the MS-14A Gelgoog, featuring advanced beam weapons that represented the pinnacle of Zeon mobile suit technology.

Beam naginata

The mobile suit’s primary melee weapon was a beam naginata stored in a recharge rack on the back and hand-carried in use. This double-ended beam weapon, also known as a twin beam sword, featured beam emitters at both ends of an extended handle, allowing for versatile combat techniques and increased reach compared to standard beam sabers.

The beam naginata was powered by rechargeable energy caps and represented one of the most advanced melee weapons developed during the One Year War. Its twin-blade configuration made it particularly effective against multiple opponents and provided tactical advantages in close combat.

Beam rifle

As an optional handheld weapon, the Gelgoog could carry a beam rifle powered by rechargeable energy caps. This represented the first successful implementation of handheld beam weapons for Zeon mobile suits, giving the Gelgoog firepower comparable to Federation units like the Gundam.

The beam rifle’s energy cap system allowed for sustained combat operations without the power limitations that had plagued earlier Zeon designs, making the Gelgoog a truly formidable opponent in ranged combat.

Shield

The mobile suit could optionally mount a shield that could be stored on the backpack when not in use. This provided additional defensive capability during combat operations and could be quickly deployed when facing concentrated enemy fire.

Known pilots

Herbert Von Kuspen

Behind the scenes

The original mechanical designer for the MS-14 Gelgoog line was Okawara Kunio. Herbert Von Kuspen’s custom unit represents one of the personalised Gelgoog variants that appeared in the final stages of the One Year War.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO: Apocalypse 0079

External links

MS-14 Herbert Von Kuspen’s Gelgoog on the Gundam Wiki
MS-14 Herbert Von Kuspen’s Gelgoog on MAHQ