MS-14D Desert Gelgoog
General purpose desert combat mobile suit developed by Zeonic.
The MS-14D Desert Gelgoog was a general purpose desert combat mobile suit developed by Zeonic for the Principality of Zeon during the One Year War.
The “MS” in the model code meant it was a mobile suit, the “14” indicated it was from the Gelgoog series, and the “D” stood for “Desert,” indicating its specialisation for desert and tropical environments.
History
Late in the One Year War, the Principality of Zeon rolled out its final mass production mobile suit, the MS-14A Gelgoog. In order to combat the varied and harsh environments on the Earth, the MS-14D Desert Gelgoog was created for use in desert and tropical locations.
During the One Year War, a very small number of Desert Gelgoogs were used on the African front. In U.C. 0096, a Desert Gelgoog was deployed by Zeon Remnants for the assault on the Federation’s Torrington Base and was destroyed by the RX-160S Byarlant Custom.
Design
A modified version of the Gelgoog for local warfare, the Desert Gelgoog was designed for operation in the desert, with dustproofing measures applied to various parts. To deal with heat problems, the cooling system was strengthened, and the built-in power pipes were exposed to the outside, to thoroughly dissipate heat and cool the machine, making it possible to withstand long hours of operation in the desert.
The mobile suit measured 19.8 meters in head height and weighed 43.7 metric tons empty. To ensure mobility under gravity, thrusters were added to the legs and a backpack was also installed. The arm-mounted jet propulsion systems, which are redundant for sub-gravity combat, have been removed.
A scope was mounted on backpack over left shoulder for enhanced targeting capabilities during desert operations.
Armaments
The Desert Gelgoog retained most of the standard Gelgoog armament with modifications for desert combat.
Armed buster
The left forearm is equipped with the distinctive Armed Buster, a collapsible projectile weapon. A projectile-firing cannon attached to the left forearm, its barrel folds 180 degrees back when not in use. This weapon was specifically designed for the desert environment and provided effective firepower against enemy units.
Twin beam sword
The twin beam sword, also known as a beam naginata, is the Desert Gelgoog’s close-range weapon. Its handle is about the length of two beam saber hilts, and has an emitter at both ends, allowing a single weapon to create two beam blades. It can also generate only a beam blade on one end. When not in use, it is stored on the rear waist armor.
Beam rifle
The first portable beam weapon to be successfully mass-produced by the Zeon Army. It was developed by incorporating the Federation’s technical data on energy CAP technology that Zeon obtained via Side 6. Its performance is comparable to that of the RX-78-2 Gundam’s beam rifle, and boasts a high targeting value thanks to its high-performance sensor.
Auxiliary equipment
A rocket booster for auxiliary propulsion attached to each side of the backpack, and is used for high-altitude jumps under gravity. These boosters provided the additional thrust needed for effective ground combat operations in Earth’s gravity.
Behind the scenes
The MS-14D Desert Gelgoog was originally designed for the Gundam ZZ Mobile Suit Variations and later appeared in the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn OVA series.
Appearances
- Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
- Gundam ZZ Mobile Suit Variations
External links
- MS-14D Desert Gelgoog on the Gundam Wiki
- MS-14D Desert Gelgoog on MAHQ