RGZ-91 Re-GZ – MechaBay | Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack

The RGZ-91 Re-GZ was a pre-mass production transformable mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics as a simplified version of the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam.

The “R” in the model code meant it was a Federation model¹ and the “G” indicated it was part of the Gundam series. The “Z” denoted its transformable capabilities similar to the Zeta series. The “91” indicated it was the 91st design in this particular development line. The name “Re-GZ” stands for “REfined Gundam Zeta”.

History

A prototype mobile suit intended for mass production, Anaheim Electronics’ RGZ-91 Re-GZ was developed as a simplified version of the AEUG’s MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam used in the Gryps Conflict and the First Neo Zeon War. The Re-GZ eliminated the costly and complex transformation systems used by the Zeta Gundam, instead docking with a specialised “Back Weapon System” (or “BWS”) unit which allowed the Re-GZ to assume a waverider-like form for additional mobility.

As the mobile suit’s weapons couldn’t be used in this docked configuration, the BWS was armed with beam weapons and missile launchers, giving the Re-GZ considerable firepower in waverider mode. In the end, however, the Re-GZ was still deemed too expensive to facilitate mass production, and the design project was dropped.

The Re-GZ prototype ended up being employed by the Earth Federation Forces’ Londo Bell task force during the Second Neo Zeon War in UC 0093, piloted first by renowned Newtype ace Amuro Ray, and later by mobile suit pilot Kayra Su when Amuro switched to the RX-93 ν Gundam. Test pilot Chan Agi also piloted the unit during testing phases.

A second unit was in service on the Londo Bell flagship Ra Cailum during the Laplace Incident of UC 0096, though it was not deployed during the conflict. The original Re-GZ also served as the inspiration for another Londo Bell suit in use during the same period: the fully transformable RGZ-95 ReZEL.

Design

The Re-GZ was developed by Anaheim Electronics as a simplified variant of the company’s masterpiece, the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam. Consideration for mass production was taken into account, and it aimed for a lower cost than the Zeta Gundam whilst retaining its transformation ability and high performance.

The mobile suit was powered by a Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor rated at 2,550 kW and had a total thrust output of 89,600 kg. It featured Gundarium alloy armour and had an impressive sensor range of 14,200 metres. The cockpit was located in the torso and featured a panoramic monitor with linear seat.

Unlike the Zeta Gundam’s complex internal transformation mechanism, the Re-GZ achieved its waverider mode by docking with the Back Weapon System. This external unit contained additional thrusters, weapons, and fuel tanks, allowing the combined form to achieve high-speed flight whilst maintaining combat capability through the BWS’s integrated weapons.

Armaments

The Re-GZ’s standard weapons were beam sabers for melee combat and a beam rifle for ranged attacks, supplemented by vulcan guns and grenade launchers.

Beam rifle

The Re-GZ was equipped with a standard beam rifle for mid-range combat. The rifle was powered by an energy capacitor system and provided reliable firepower against enemy mobile suits. When not in use, the rifle could be stored on the shield or in hand.

Vulcan guns

Two vulcan guns were mounted in the head, operable only in mobile suit mode. These rapid-fire weapons were primarily used against lightly armoured targets and served as an effective point-defence system against incoming missiles and small craft.

Beam sabers

The Re-GZ carried two beam sabers for close combat. These weapons used an I-field to contain Minovsky particles within the shape of a blade, capable of cutting through most materials. The sabers were stored in recharge racks when not in use.

Grenade launchers

Four 2-tube grenade launchers were mounted on hip armour plates, operable only in mobile suit mode. These provided the Re-GZ with area-effect firepower and were particularly effective against groups of enemies or for suppressing enemy positions.

Shield

The Re-GZ was equipped with a standard shield for defence. The shield was capable of withstanding beam attacks and could also store the beam rifle when not in use, providing convenient weapon storage and quick access during combat.

Dummy launchers

Mounted in the hands, the dummy launchers could deploy chaff or decoy devices to confuse enemy sensors and tracking systems. This was particularly useful when operating in high Minovsky particle density environments.

Back Weapon System

The optional Back Weapon System (BWS) was the Re-GZ’s most distinctive feature. When docked, it transformed the mobile suit into a waverider configuration for high-speed atmospheric and space flight. The BWS contained additional thrusters, fuel tanks, and integrated weapons including beam cannons and missile launchers, significantly enhancing the Re-GZ’s firepower and operational range in this mode.

Known pilots

Amuro Ray
Kayra Su
Chan Agi

Variants

RGZ-91B Re-GZ Custom

An improved version that integrated the BWS into the mobile suit’s main body, allowing for full transformation like the original Zeta Gundam. It featured enhanced weapons and was designed specifically for Amuro Ray, though the project was shelved with the completion of the RX-93 ν Gundam.

Behind the scenes

Yutaka Izubuchi was the original mechanical designer for Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack.

The Re-GZ is called a “Gundam wannabe” by Gyunei Guss in Char’s Counterattack and Beltorchika’s Children, reflecting its status as a compromise design that couldn’t quite match the performance of a true Gundam.

Appearances

External links

RGZ-91 Re-GZ on the Gundam Wiki
RGZ-91 Re-GZ on MAHQ

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