MSM-07E Z'Gok Experiment
Mass production amphibious mobile suit developed by MIP as an experimental improved version of the Z'Gok.
The MSM-07E Z’Gok Experiment (also known as Z’Gok-E) was a mass production amphibious mobile suit developed by MIP as an experimental improved version of the MSM-07 Z’Gok.
The “MSM” in the model code denoted it was a Marine mobile suit, “07” indicated it was the seventh amphibious design series, and “E” signified it was an experimental variant. The name reflects its role as a testbed for improvements to the basic Z’Gok 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 the most successful designs was the MSM-07 Z’Gok, though MIP continued to improve this model throughout the conflict.
The MSM-07E Z’Gok Experiment was developed as an experimental improved version of the MSM-07 Z’Gok. Besides improved beam cannons in its arms allowing for rapid-fire capability, the original Z’Gok’s head-mounted missile launchers were also replaced with torpedo launchers for additional firepower when operating underwater.
To allow for better cruising range underwater, the suit’s main propulsion systems were relocated from the back to the legs to create a more streamlined body shape. Its limbs were also designed to be retractable for the same reason, enabling the mobile suit to achieve superior hydrodynamic efficiency during underwater operations.
The thrusters built into its back were meant for jumping and various ground-based movements, and greatly boosted the suit’s mobility on land. The Z’Gok E used a standardised cockpit with the introduction of the United Maintenance Plan, and was powered by an improved generator which enhanced overall performance compared to the original design.
One unit was piloted by Hardie Steiner, the leader of the elite Cyclops Team. In December UC 0079, the Cyclops Team launched an attack on the Earth Federation Forces’ Antarctic Base, which was about to launch the RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1 “Alex” into space. While the two MSM-03C Hy-Gogg units piloted by Mikhail Kaminsky and Gabriel Ramirez Garcia attacked surface targets, the Z’Gok-E entered an underground passage with Andy Strauss’ Hy-Gogg.
Design
The MSM-07E Z’Gok Experiment featured many improvements over its predecessor, with the most visible being the ability to draw its arms and legs up closer into its body, making the Z’Gok Experiment more streamlined and faster while moving underwater. This retractable limb system was a significant innovation that addressed one of the primary limitations of the original design.
The enhanced generator output was significantly improved compared to the original Z’Gok, with the power plant rated at 2,570 kW. This increased power generation supported both the improved propulsion systems and enhanced weaponry, ensuring the mobile suit could maintain peak performance during extended operations.
Propellant storage for its thrusters was moved from its main body into tanks mounted inside the arms, with energy caps installed in the hand-mounted beam guns. This arrangement allowed the weapons to store up power from the generator and discharge rapid-fire, machine gun-like bursts when required, significantly enhancing the mobile suit’s sustained firepower capability.
The propulsion system featured rocket/hydrojet thrusters generating 112,000 kg of total thrust, with four main thrusters rated at 20,000 kg each and two secondary thrusters producing 16,000 kg each. Nine vernier thrusters and apogee motors provided precise manoeuvring capability. This enhanced propulsion arrangement enabled the Z’Gok-E to achieve a maximum water speed of 118 knots, substantially faster than the original design.
Armaments
The MSM-07E Z’Gok Experiment’s standard weapons were beam cannons mounted in the hands for ranged attacks, torpedo launchers for underwater combat, and vice claws for close combat engagements.
Beam cannon
The Z’Gok-E featured improved beam cannons mounted in the forearms, representing a significant advancement over the original Z’Gok’s mega particle cannons. These enhanced weapons allowed for rapid-fire capability, providing the mobile suit with sustained beam weapon firepower that could engage multiple targets effectively.
The beam cannons incorporated energy capacitor systems that allowed them to store power from the mobile suit’s generator and discharge it in rapid bursts. This innovation provided the Z’Gok-E with machine gun-like beam weapon capability, a significant tactical advantage in both underwater and surface combat operations.
Torpedo launcher
The original Z’Gok’s head-mounted missile launchers were replaced with six torpedo launchers for additional firepower when operating underwater. These weapons were specifically optimised for aquatic combat operations, providing the Z’Gok-E with effective long-range strike capability against enemy vessels and underwater installations.
The torpedo launchers represented a significant improvement in underwater combat effectiveness, as they were designed to function optimally in the aquatic environment where the Z’Gok-E spent much of its operational time. This weapon system complemented the beam cannons by providing ammunition-based firepower that did not drain the mobile suit’s energy reserves.
Vice claw
Mounted on the forearms, the vice claws were improved versions of the original Z’Gok’s iron nails. The vice claws could be used as simplified manipulators and as close combat weapons, providing the mobile suit with both utility and combat capability.
The arms’ new joints improved the vice claws’ combat capabilities, offering enhanced striking power and greater flexibility in close combat situations. The improved articulation also made the vice claws more effective as manipulation tools for construction and demolition tasks.
Hydrojet booster pack
An optional back-mounted booster device used by both the MSM-03C Hy-Gogg and Z’Gok-E provided enhanced mobility capabilities. 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 Z’Gok-E’s operational capabilities, allowing it to conduct rapid transitions between underwater and land-based operations. The expended jet pack was then detached and discarded after use, preventing unnecessary weight retention during subsequent operations.
Known pilots
Behind the scenes
The MSM-07E Z’Gok Experiment was designed to address the limitations of the original Z’Gok whilst maintaining the distinctive characteristics that made the design successful. The experimental nature of the mobile suit allowed designers to incorporate more advanced technologies and design concepts that would later influence subsequent amphibious mobile suit development.
The mobile suit’s retractable limb system and improved propulsion arrangement demonstrated significant innovation in amphibious mobile suit design, establishing design principles that would be carried forward into later Universal Century amphibious mobile suits.
Appearances
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire
See also
- MSM-07 Z’Gok
- MSM-03C Hy-Gogg
- Cyclops Team
External links
- MSM-07E Z’Gok Experiment on MAHQ
- MSM-07E Z’Gok-E on the Gundam Wiki