MS-14BR Gelgoog High Mobility R Type
Customised high mobility mobile suit developed by Zeonic Company for the elite Chimaira Corps.
The MS-14BR Gelgoog High Mobility R Type was a customised high mobility mobile suit developed by Zeonic Company for the Principality of Zeon.
The MS-14BR Gelgoog High Mobility R Type was a customised version of the MS-14B Gelgoog High Mobility Type that was outfitted with additional thrusters on its calves for increased mobility and speed. Due to its resemblance to the MS-06R series, it was informally known as the “Gelgoog R”.
The “BR” designation indicated this was a special variant of the MS-14 Gelgoog series, with the “B” denoting the high mobility type and the “R” signifying the enhanced thruster configuration.
History
The MS-14BR was developed during the final stages of the One Year War as part of Zeon’s desperate efforts to deploy advanced mobile suits against the advancing Earth Federation Forces. Two MS-14BR Gelgoog High Mobility R Type were remodelled in Zimmad’s factories, and delivered to the elite Chimaira Corps along with spare parts that were used to upgrade additional units.
One Gelgoog R unit was assigned to Vincent Gleissner of the Marchosias team, and several more to the elite Chimaira Corps. The mobile suit’s deployment was limited due to the war’s conclusion, but it demonstrated the potential for further development of high-performance mobile suits.
Two Chimaira Corps units survived the One Year War and were used by married pilots Aimee Diplome and Siemens Wilhead as late as UC 0090. These survivors provided valuable combat data and demonstrated the longevity of well-maintained Zeon mobile suits in post-war conflicts.
Design
The MS-14BR represented the pinnacle of late-war Zeon mobile suit technology, combining the proven Gelgoog frame with advanced propulsion systems. The most distinctive feature of the Gelgoog R was the installation of large thruster units in the legs, resulting in the removal of armour around the suit’s calves.
This modification significantly enhanced the mobile suit’s acceleration and manoeuvrability, making it ideal for hit-and-run tactics and rapid repositioning during combat. Its operating time has been shortened in exchange for further improvement in manoeuvrability, but lack of propellant is not a problem as the mobile suit is for the ace pilots of the Chimaira Corps.
The design philosophy behind the MS-14BR emphasised performance over endurance, reflecting its intended role as a specialist unit for elite pilots rather than a mass-production mobile suit for general deployment.
Armaments
The Gelgoog R’s armaments included a beam rifle, a beam naginata and a giant bazooka. It could also mount an optional missile pod or carry a 4-tube missile launcher, providing exceptional versatility in combat situations.
Beam naginata
The same close-range melee weapon as used by the standard Gelgoog, the beam naginata was also known as a beam saber. Its handle was about the length of two beam saber hilts and had a beam emitter at both ends, allowing it to generate two beam blades by containing and shaping plasma via an I-Field. The weapon could cut through most armour not treated with anti-beam coating.
Beam rifle
The first portable beam weapon to be successfully mass-produced by the Zeon Army, the beam rifle provided the Gelgoog R with devastating long-range firepower. It was developed by incorporating the Federation’s technical data on energy CAP technology that Zeon obtained via Side 6.
Giant bazooka
A short barrel bullpup-style rocket cannon, this weapon was magazine-fed and launched rocket-propelled shape charges. The giant bazooka provided the Gelgoog R with heavy anti-mobile suit firepower whilst maintaining the mobile suit’s emphasis on mobility.
Ratsriver 3-tube missile pod
An optional 3-tube missile launcher that could be attached to the suit’s forearm instead of the usual verniers. This weapon system provided additional firepower without significantly impacting the mobile suit’s mobility characteristics.
4-tube missile launcher
A weapon created from the demands of Zeon ace pilots to be equipped with a simple, easy-to-use projectile firing weapon on their mobile suits. The 4-tube missile launcher could be easily assembled inside Chimaira Corps’ warship and ready for deployment in a short period of time.
Variants
The MS-14BR represented the pinnacle of Zeon mobile suit customisation, with individual units modified according to pilot preferences and tactical requirements.
Chimaira Corps variants
The Chimaira Corps operated several MS-14BR units with distinctive modifications. Aimee Diplome and Siemens Wilhead’s units survived the war and continued to serve into UC 0090, demonstrating the mobile suit’s exceptional build quality and adaptability.
Vincent Gleissner custom
Vincent Gleissner of the Marchosias team received a specially configured MS-14BR that incorporated unique weapon systems and performance modifications suited to his combat style and unit’s tactical doctrine.
Combat record
The MS-14BR’s limited deployment meant that detailed combat records are sparse, but available data suggests exceptional performance when piloted by skilled aces. The mobile suit’s emphasis on mobility over endurance made it particularly effective in rapid strike operations and defensive actions against superior numbers.
The survival of multiple units beyond the war’s end provided valuable insight into the mobile suit’s capabilities and influenced post-war mobile suit development programmes, particularly those focused on high-performance specialist units.
Legacy
Despite its limited production run, the MS-14BR demonstrated the potential for highly customised mobile suits designed around individual pilot capabilities. The mobile suit’s design philosophy influenced subsequent Zeon and Neo Zeon development programmes, particularly those focused on elite pilot units.
The MS-14BR’s post-war service record validated Zeon’s approach to pilot-centric mobile suit design, proving that properly maintained and upgraded units could remain competitive long after their initial deployment period.
Known pilots
The MS-14BR was operated exclusively by elite pilots from Zeon’s most prestigious units.
Chimaira Corps
The elite Chimaira Corps operated several MS-14BR units during the final stages of the One Year War. Notable pilots included Aimee Diplome and Siemens Wilhead, a married couple who continued to operate their units as late as UC 0090. David Chaseman also served as a Chimaira Corps pilot operating an MS-14BR.
Marchosias team
Vincent Gleissner of the Marchosias team was assigned one of the first MS-14BR units produced, demonstrating the mobile suit’s distribution among Zeon’s elite special forces units.
Behind the scenes
Design evolution
The MS-14BR was originally designed by Okawara Kunio as part of the MSV-R (Mobile Suit Variation-R) line, which expanded upon the original MSV concept with additional variant designs. A separate version was later created by Takigawa Kyoshi for the Gundam Side Stories game series.
Development concept
The MS-14BR was created to represent the pinnacle of late-war Zeon mobile suit customisation, showcasing how limited resources could be used to create highly specialised units for elite pilots. The design emphasised the concept of mobile suits tailored to individual pilot capabilities.
Appearances
The MS-14BR has appeared in various Gundam media, primarily focused on expanded universe content.
Games
- Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: Missing Link
- Various SD Gundam G Generation titles
Publications
- Mobile Suit Variation-R publications
- Gundam Side Stories expanded universe materials
Model kits
Limited model kit releases have been produced, often as conversion kits or limited edition releases focusing on the unique thruster configuration and specialised armaments.
External links
- MS-14BR Gelgoog R on MAHQ
- MS-14BR on The Gundam Wiki