RGM-79[M] GM Marine Type – MechaBay

The RGM-79[M] GM Marine Type was a mass production amphibious mobile suit developed by the Earth Federation Forces as one of several underwater RGM-79 GM variants created during the One Year War.

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 “79” in the model code denoted that it was developed from the RGM-79 GM, and the “[M]” suffix stood for “Marine”.

History

The RGM-79[M] GM Marine Type was one of several underwater RGM-79 GM variants created by the Earth Federation Forces during the One Year War in UC 0079. The Earth Federation Forces also created two other underwater GM variants: the RAG-79 Aqua GM and RGM-79U GM Sloep.

The GM Marine Type is based on the RGM-79C[G] GM Ground Type-C and modified for operations in marine environment. While it is a different machine from the RAG-79 Aqua GM, another GM-type unit for use in marine environment, the two does share similar shape and equipment.

In August UC 0080, multiple RGM-79[M] GM Marine Types were dispatched by the assault carrier Spartan for a patrol mission near Antarctica. They were then ambushed by several MSM-07 Z’Gok piloted by Zeon remnants and suffered heavy losses, with many units crushed by sinking icebergs.

Design

The GM Marine Type is equipped with hydrojets on its shoulders, knees and backpack to propel itself underwater. The suit’s shoulders and back were modified to equip two hydrojet thrusters for underwater propulsion. Its legs were also equipped with fins to aid in movement.

The mobile suit was specifically designed for amphibious operations, with sealed joints to prevent water ingress and specialised propulsion systems optimised for underwater movement. The design maintained the basic GM frame while incorporating the modifications necessary for marine operations.

Armaments

The GM Marine Type’s armaments were modified for underwater use, carrying specialised weapons designed to function effectively in marine environments.

Needle gun

A handheld, aquatic firearm that fires solid, needle-shaped projectiles. The RGM-79[M]‘s armaments were modified for underwater use, as the suit carried a needle gun in place of a beam spray gun, which was less effective in the water. The same type of weapon is also used by the RX-77AQ Guncannon Aqua.

The needle gun was specifically designed for underwater combat, where beam weapons would be less effective due to the medium’s interference with particle beams. The solid projectiles maintained their effectiveness underwater and provided reliable firepower against enemy amphibious mobile suits.

Vulcan guns

Two vulcan guns were mounted in the head, providing close-range defensive fire. These weapons retained their effectiveness underwater and served as point defence against enemy mobile suits and torpedoes.

Behind the scenes

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

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt (anime)

External links

RGM-79[M] GM Marine Type on the Gundam Wiki
RGM-79[M] GM Marine Type on MAHQ

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