RGM-79C[G] GM Ground Type-C – MechaBay

The RGM-79C[G] GM Ground Type-C was a mass production ground combat mobile suit produced by the Earth Federation Forces as a variant of the RGM-79C GM Type C.

The “R” in the model code meant it was a Federation model¹ and the “GM” indicated that it was a Gundam mass production mobile suit. The “79C” in the model code denoted that it was developed from the RGM-79C GM Type C, and the “[G]” suffix indicated that it was a ground type mobile suit.

History

The RGM-79C[G] GM Ground Type-C was a ground combat variant of the GM Type C produced by the Earth Federation Forces. It was upgraded with dustproof treatment that focused on the joints, modification to the soles and the equipping of a larger backpack. Some of these changes can also be seen in other GM type mobile suits that were upgraded for ground combat, making it evident that compatibility was maintained.

In August UC 0080, the assault carrier Spartan came under attack on Earth from mobile suits belonging to the breakaway South Seas Alliance. Due to the extensive repairs needed on the RX-78AL Atlas Gundam, Io Fleming used a GM Ground Type-C to assist in the Spartan’s defence. The units on the assault carrier Spartan were equipped with assault rifles for mid-range interception, while the units deployed on the landing craft over the sea were equipped with long range beam rifles and missile launchers for long-range attacks.

In the manga, two units were later seen in the Spartan’s full-scale assault of Taal volcano to stop the Psycho Zaku Mk-II units’ launch into space.

Design

The RGM-79C[G] GM Ground Type-C is a ground combat variant of the GM Type-C produced by the Earth Federation Forces. It was upgraded with dustproof treatment that focused on the joints, modification to the soles and the equipping of a larger backpack.

The mobile suit had a standard cockpit in its torso. The design maintained compatibility with other GM type mobile suits that were upgraded for ground combat, allowing for standardisation of parts and maintenance procedures.

The manga version has a different color scheme from the OVA version, reflecting different operational requirements or unit markings.

Armaments

The GM Ground Type-C’s standard weapons were a beam saber for melee combat and various ranged weapons depending on mission requirements.

Long-range beam rifle

A large beam rifle with a longer effective range than normal beam rifles. This weapon was optimised for long-range engagements and provided the GM Ground Type-C with enhanced striking capability at extended distances. Units deployed on landing craft over the sea were equipped with these rifles for long-range attacks.

Assault rifle

A bullpup style firearm, it is equipped with a grenade launcher underneath its barrel. It is the same weapon as used by the RX-78AL Atlas Gundam. This weapon was primarily used by units aboard the assault carrier Spartan for mid-range interception missions.

Missile launcher

A handheld multi-tube missile launcher can be used for long-range attacks. This weapon provided the GM Ground Type-C with area effect capabilities and was particularly effective against grouped enemy targets.

Beam saber

A close combat weapon that emits a blade-shaped beam from the hilt when drawn. The beam saber was stored in a recharge rack and provided the mobile suit with melee combat capability when engaged at close range.

Shield

A piece of equipment that increases the GM Ground Type-C’s defensive capability, it is mounted on the left forearm and/or handheld. The shield provided protection against enemy fire and could also be used as a striking weapon in close combat.

Known pilots

Io Fleming

Behind the scenes

Yasuo Ohtagaki was the original mechanical designer for the Gundam Thunderbolt version.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt (anime)
Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt (manga)

External links

RGM-79C[G] GM Ground Type-C on the Gundam Wiki
RGM-79C[G] GM Ground Type-C on MAHQ

Federation in Japanese is renpou, hence the use of “R”. ↩