RGM-79FP GM Striker
Close combat mobile suit developed by Earth Federation Forces.
The RGM-79FP GM Striker was an armoured close combat mobile suit based on the RGM-79C GM Type C. Developed during the One Year War by the Earth Federation Forces, it was designed to counter the close combat advantage of Principality of Zeon mobile suits through enhanced armor and specialised weapons.
Development and design
From the data collected by the RX-78-2 Gundam and the RX-79[G] Gundam Ground Type, the Earth Federation Forces recognised the frequent occurrence of close combat during mobile suit battles, as well as the effectiveness of Zeon’s close combat-specialised mobile suits like the MS-07B Gouf.
The GM Striker’s torso, arms and legs were equipped with wearable armor. To protect the suit whilst approaching an enemy, the armor absorbed the shock from an attack and directed it outward through the explosives that line its interior. To compensate for the added weight, the backpack and legs were fitted with more powerful thrusters.
Model number
The model number RGM-79FP follows Earth Federation Forces designation conventions:
- R = Renpou (Federation)
- G = General purpose
- M = Mobile suit
- 79 = Development number sequence
- F = Field type
- P = Prototype/special variant
Technical specifications
The GM Striker maintained the basic frame of the GM Type C but featured significant modifications for close combat operations. The added armor increased the empty weight to 44.1 metric tons, rising to 50.2 metric tons with the full armor package deployed.
Performance
The enhanced thruster output of 92,000 kg total compensated for the additional mass from the wearable armor system. This thrust-to-weight ratio allowed the GM Striker to maintain competitive mobility despite its heavy protection.
The combat visor provided enhanced targeting capabilities for close-quarters engagements, whilst the wearable armor system offered protection during assault operations against Zeon positions.
Armament
Fixed armament
The GM Striker retained the standard Federation mobile suit armament of twin head-mounted vulcan guns for point defence and anti-personnel operations. The beam saber was stored in a recharge rack on the right side of the backpack, allowing for quick deployment in close combat situations.
Optional armament
The GM Striker’s signature weapon was the twin beam spear, which featured two beam sabers mounted on a movable rod. This innovative design gave the pilot the option of using short or long reach modes, effectively cancelling out the close combat advantage that Zeon mobile suits typically enjoyed.
For ranged engagement, the GM Striker could carry a 100mm machine gun, providing suppressive fire whilst closing distance to enemy positions. The machine gun featured a folding stock for improved handling.
The GM Striker could equip either a spike shield mounting pile bunkers for offensive operations or a grab shield featuring a large claw for capture missions. These shields demonstrated the Federation’s tactical flexibility in adapting equipment for specific mission requirements.
Operational history
California Base recapture
The GM Striker was deployed during the Earth Federation Forces’ attack to reclaim the California Base. This operation showcased the mobile suit’s effectiveness in urban combat and close-quarters battle scenarios.
One unit was notably used by Yuji Alkana of the Nemesis team during these operations. The GM Striker’s performance in recapturing California Base validated the design concept and led to further development of close combat Federation mobile suits.
Later development
The GM Striker platform proved successful enough to warrant further development. The design evolved into the RGM-79FC Striker Custom in UC 0084, featuring enhanced weapons and improved performance.
Additionally, the RGM-79FP GM Striker Kai was later fielded by the True Federal organisation, demonstrating the continued relevance of the basic design concept into the post-war period.
Known pilots
- Yuji Alkana (Nemesis team)
- Robert Hartley
- Barry Abbot
Variants
- RGM-79FC Striker Custom: Enhanced version with improved armament and Gundam-like head
- RGM-79FP GM Striker Kai: Post-war upgrade with interchangeable equipment
- RGM-79FP GM Striker Test Color: Special test configuration
Behind the scenes
The RGM-79FP GM Striker was designed by Katoki Hajime as part of the Harmony of Gundam design series. The mobile suit appeared in various media including Mobile Suit Gundam - Acguy: 2250 Miles Across North America and Mobile Suit Gundam: We’re Federation Hooligans!!
The design emphasised the Earth Federation Forces’ adaptation to the realities of mobile suit combat, moving beyond the simple mass production philosophy of early GM units to create specialised variants for specific tactical roles.
Appearances
- Harmony of Gundam
- Mobile Suit Gundam - Acguy: 2250 Miles Across North America
- Mobile Suit Gundam: We’re Federation Hooligans!!
- Mobile Suit Gundam Katana
See also
- RGM-79C GM Type C
- RGM-79FC Striker Custom
- Earth Federation Forces
- One Year War
External links
- RGM-79FP GM Striker on MAHQ
- RGM-79FP GM Striker on The Gundam Wiki | Fandom