MSM-03C Hy-Gogg
Mass production amphibious mobile suit developed by Zimmad for the Principality of Zeon.
The MSM-03C Hy-Gogg was a mass production amphibious mobile suit developed by Zimmad for the Principality of Zeon as an improved version of the MSM-03 Gogg.
The “MSM” in the model code denoted it was a Marine mobile suit, “03” indicated it was the third amphibious design series, and “C” signified it was the third major revision of the Gogg line. The name “Hy-Gogg” is a contraction of “High Gogg”, reflecting its enhanced performance compared to the original design.
History
Following their invasion and occupation of many areas of Earth during the One Year War, the Principality of Zeon military began developing amphibious mobile suits to increase its war capabilities in Earth’s oceans and waterways. One of their earliest designs was the MSM-03 Gogg, and whilst being their first truly successful amphibious design, it was handicapped by several problems including being under-powered, having limited armament, and demonstrating poor performance on land.
To overcome these shortcomings, the improved MSM-03C Hy-Gogg was developed and introduced at the end of the One Year War. This machine was designed from scratch and retained only its predecessor’s basic concepts. The result was a smaller, lighter, compact, and more powerful machine equipped with an improved generator and better weaponry. Its agility and mobility in water and on land were also enhanced.
The outer form was refined, making it more streamlined and increasing its water movement speed to 89 knots. Additionally, production costs were reduced due to the implementation of standardised parts, including the cockpit, derived from the United Maintenance Plan. This standardisation effort also improved logistics and maintenance efficiency across Zeon’s mobile suit forces.
Only limited numbers of the Hy-Gogg were built towards the end of the One Year War due to the deteriorating military situation. In December UC 0079, Zeon’s Cyclops Team special forces used three Hy-Gogg units among other mobile suits to attack an Earth Federation Forces military base in the North Pole in an attempt to destroy a prototype mobile suit. The mission failed as the prototype was launched into space before any of the Zeon mobile suits could destroy it.
Design
The MSM-03C Hy-Gogg differed quite significantly from its predecessor in both appearance and capabilities. The design philosophy focused on creating a more versatile amphibious platform that could operate effectively both underwater and on land, addressing the major weaknesses of the original Gogg design.
The mobile suit featured a more streamlined profile optimised for underwater operations whilst maintaining adequate land-based mobility. The improved hull design reduced drag and increased manoeuvrability in aquatic environments, whilst the enhanced propulsion system provided superior performance in both operational modes.
The Hy-Gogg was powered by a Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor rated at 2,735 kW output, providing substantially more power than the original Gogg. This enhanced power generation capability supported both the improved propulsion systems and the upgraded weaponry, ensuring consistent performance across all operational parameters.
The propulsion system featured rocket/hydrojet thrusters generating 86,000 kg of total thrust, with two main thrusters rated at 38,000 kg each and a secondary thruster producing 10,000 kg. Nine vernier thrusters and apogee motors provided precise manoeuvring capability, essential for the complex three-dimensional movement required in amphibious operations.
Armaments
The MSM-03C Hy-Gogg’s standard weapons were beam cannons mounted in the hands for ranged attacks, and vice claws for close combat, supplemented by torpedo launchers and machine cannons for various tactical situations.
Beam cannon
The mega particle guns mounted in the original Gogg’s stomach were moved into the Hy-Gogg’s hands, allowing for much greater flexibility in attacks. These beam cannons were mounted in the forearms and could be aimed independently, providing the pilot with superior targeting capability compared to the fixed-mount weapons of the original design.
The hand-mounted beam cannons offered significant tactical advantages, allowing the Hy-Gogg to engage targets whilst maintaining mobility and defensive positioning. The improved mounting system also protected the weapons from damage that might occur with torso-mounted systems during close combat engagements.
Vice claw
Mounted on the forearms, the vice claws were improved versions of the original Gogg’s iron nails and could be used as simplified manipulators or as close combat weapons. The arms’ new joints improved the vice claws’ combat capabilities, providing greater flexibility and striking power in melee engagements.
The vice claws served dual purposes as both weapons and utility tools, allowing the Hy-Gogg to manipulate objects and perform construction or demolition tasks when required. This versatility made the mobile suit valuable for missions beyond pure combat operations.
Torpedo launcher
The MSM-03C mounted four torpedo launchers in its main body, providing substantial underwater firepower capability. These weapons were specifically designed for engaging enemy vessels and underwater installations, giving the Hy-Gogg effective long-range strike capability in its primary operational environment.
The torpedo launchers could engage both surface and submerged targets, making the Hy-Gogg an effective submarine hunter and naval interdiction platform. The weapons were integrated into the mobile suit’s hull design to maintain hydrodynamic efficiency whilst providing adequate ammunition storage.
120 mm machine cannon
Two 120 mm machine cannons were mounted in the main body, providing additional firepower against lightly armoured targets. These weapons complemented the beam cannons by offering sustained-fire capability and ammunition-based weaponry that did not drain the mobile suit’s power reserves.
The machine cannons were particularly effective against aircraft, small vessels, and infantry formations, providing the Hy-Gogg with comprehensive anti-personnel and anti-vehicle capability across multiple engagement ranges.
Hand missile unit
The Hy-Gogg could mount a large hand missile unit over each arm, equipped with a set of blow-away panels to protect the mobile suit from the blast of the rather large and heavy missile when launched. These optional weapons provided heavy strike capability against fortified positions and large enemy vessels.
The hand missile units represented a significant escalation in firepower, allowing the Hy-Gogg to engage targets that would otherwise require dedicated artillery or air support. The protective panels ensured that the mobile suit could survive the weapons’ use whilst maintaining operational capability.
Hydrojet booster pack
An optional back-mounted booster device could be equipped for enhanced mobility operations. This jet pack contained a pair of chemical rockets, which the mobile suit used to launch out of the water and glide to a landing. It was also equipped with a searchlight for night operations and reconnaissance missions.
The hydrojet booster pack significantly expanded the Hy-Gogg’s operational envelope, allowing it to conduct amphibious assault operations and transition rapidly between underwater and land-based combat zones. The expended jet pack was detached and discarded after use, preventing unnecessary weight retention.
Known pilots
- Mikhail Kaminsky
- Andy Strauss
- Gabriel Ramirez Garcia
Behind the scenes
Yutaka Izubuchi was the original mechanical designer for the MSM-03C Hy-Gogg, creating a design that successfully addressed the limitations of the original Gogg whilst maintaining the distinctive Zeon amphibious mobile suit aesthetic.
The Hy-Gogg’s design has been noted for its unique appearance and practical approach to amphibious warfare, influencing later amphibious mobile suit designs in the Universal Century timeline.
Appearances
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket
- Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: Missing Link
See also
External links
- MSM-03C Hy-Gogg on MAHQ
- MSM-03C Hygogg on the Gundam Wiki