RGM-79[G] GM Sniper – MechaBay | Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team

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

The “R” in the model code meant it was a Federation model¹ and the “GM” indicated that it was a mass production Gundam mobile suit. The “79” in the model code denoted it was developed in UC 0079, and the “[G]” suffix designated it as a ground type.

History

Although the experimental RGM-79[G] GM Ground Type was serving well as a general-purpose ground combat unit, the Earth Federation Forces found themselves needing specialised units for specific mission roles. The RGM-79[G] GM Sniper was developed to fill the long-range fire support role.

At least four RGM-79[G] GM Ground Types of the Kojima Battalion were outfitted as GM Snipers and were instrumental in the destruction of the Principality of Zeon’s experimental mobile armour Apsaras III and Shiro Amada’s RX-79[G]Ez8 Gundam Ez8 during the final battle at the Apsaras production facility.

The GM Sniper proved effective in its intended role, providing long-range fire support for Federation ground forces and eliminating high-value targets from beyond the range of enemy weapons.

Design

The RGM-79[G] GM Sniper was essentially a modified GM Ground Type optimised for long-range combat operations. The mobile suit had improved sensor accuracy and an operating system specifically designed for using the long-range beam rifle.

The mobile suit’s cooling equipment and power transmission system were also tuned with usage of the long-range beam rifle in mind. These modifications allowed the GM Sniper to maintain weapon effectiveness during extended engagements whilst managing the increased heat generation from the powerful beam weapon.

Besides these changes and the different colour scheme, the GM Sniper’s basic performance was the same as that of the GM Ground Type. The mobile suit retained the Luna Titanium alloy armour and robust construction of its base model.

The GM Sniper featured enhanced sensor systems optimised for target acquisition at long range. The mobile suit was painted in a distinctive camouflage scheme to reduce its visibility during sniper operations.

Armaments

The GM Sniper’s standard weapons were two beam sabers for close combat and a long-range beam rifle as its primary weapon.

Long-range beam rifle

The GM Sniper carried a long-range beam rifle mounted with a high-powered scope, allowing the pilot to hit distant targets with pinpoint accuracy. The rifle could be powered via one of two methods.

The first method involved charging the rifle’s E-cap for more than two minutes, after which it could only fire two shots per charge. The second method bypassed the E-cap and connected the rifle via cable to an external power supply and cooling system. This second method had higher output, range and longer beam irradiation time, allowing the weapon to destroy a space cruiser in a single shot.

The rifle was equipped with an advanced targeting system that worked in conjunction with the GM Sniper’s enhanced sensors to provide exceptional accuracy at extreme ranges.

Beam sabers

The GM Sniper was equipped with two beam sabers stored in recharge racks in the legs. These provided close-range combat capability should enemy forces close to melee range.

The beam sabers used an I-field to contain Minovsky particles within the shape of a blade. Minovsky particles broke down matter at a molecular level, meaning the beam saber could cut through almost any material.

100 mm machine gun

The standard armament for Federation’s mobile suit ground forces during the One Year War that was developed by Yashima Heavy Industries. Though the GM Sniper was never seen using the 100 mm machine gun in The 08th MS Team, maintenance scenes showed that the weapon was available for use when needed.

Short shield

The GM Sniper could be equipped with the same short shield used by the GM Ground Type. Mounted on the forearm, this small, light shield was constructed of Luna Titanium alloy and designed to protect critical areas whilst not interfering with the mobile suit’s sniping operations.

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer. The GM Sniper was designed for Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team.

Though the GM Sniper was never seen using the 100 mm machine gun in The 08th MS Team, in Episode 2, a 100 mm machine gun with a green magazine can be seen next to three GM Snipers undergoing maintenance.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team

External links

RGM-79[G] GM Sniper on the Gundam Wiki
RGM-79[G] GM Sniper on MAHQ

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