RX-81LA G-Line Light Armor – MechaBay | Battlefield Record UC 0081

The RX-81LA G-Line Light Armor was one of the many variations of the RX-81 G-Line and was based on the concept of the RGM-79L Light Armor. Developed by the Earth Federation Forces, the Light Armor configuration emphasised using lightweight construction and powerful thrusters for hit-and-run tactics.

Development and design

The G-Line Light Armor’s design emphasised high mobility and maneuverability, drawing inspiration from the earlier RGM-79L GM Light Armor. In order to reduce the suit’s weight, its armor was made very thin compared to other G-Line variants.

The backpack was equipped with a stabiliser unit specifically designed for high mobility movement. This configuration made the Light Armor ideal for reconnaissance missions, hit-and-run attacks, and rapid battlefield data gathering operations.

Despite its light armor construction, the mobile suit was still capable of taking damage from standard Zeon weapons such as the MS-06 Zaku II machine gun with relatively minor damage, demonstrating the effectiveness of Luna Titanium even in reduced thickness.

Model number

The model number RX-81LA follows Earth Federation Forces experimental designation conventions:

R = Renpou (Federation)
X = Experimental
81 = Development sequence number
L = Light armor configuration
A = Armor variant

Technical specifications

The G-Line Light Armor maintained the basic specifications of the RX-81 G-Line whilst reducing weight through thinner armor construction. At 36.0 metric tons empty weight, it was lighter than other G-Line variants, allowing for superior acceleration and maneuverability.

Performance

The enhanced sensor range of 11,000 meters was superior to many contemporary mobile suits, reflecting the Light Armor’s role in reconnaissance and battlefield assessment. The powerful reactor output of 1,580 kW provided excellent thrust-to-weight ratio for the lightweight frame.

Due to its overall high performance characteristics, the G-Line Light Armor was typically assigned to experienced or ace pilots who could maximise its potential in high-speed combat situations.

Armament

Fixed armament

The G-Line Light Armor retained the standard Federation mobile suit armament configuration. Twin head-mounted vulcan guns provided point defence capabilities, whilst two beam sabers stored in backpack recharge racks offered close combat options.

The shield mounted on the left forearm provided basic defensive capabilities despite the mobile suit’s emphasis on mobility over protection.

Optional fixed armament

The modular backpack design allowed for multiple weapon configurations depending on mission requirements. Gatling smashers provided rapid-fire suppression capabilities, whilst missile launchers offered medium-range engagement options.

For heavy fire support, an assault cannon could be mounted on the right side of the backpack, though this configuration reduced the mobile suit’s mobility advantage.

Optional hand armament

The G-Line Light Armor could carry various hand weapons suited to different tactical situations. The heavy rifle served as the primary ranged weapon, providing excellent firepower whilst maintaining the mobile suit’s mobility.

For close combat operations, the heat lance offered an effective melee weapon that could penetrate enemy armor. The assault shotgun provided devastating close-range firepower for urban combat or boarding actions.

Operational history

Phantom Sweep operations

In UC 0081, Phantom Sweep team pilot Hugues Courand used the G-Line Light Armor during the hunt for the Zeon remnant group known as the Invisible Knights. The mobile suit’s high mobility and enhanced sensors made it ideal for tracking and engaging the elusive Zeon remnants.

The G-Line Light Armor’s performance during these operations demonstrated the value of specialised configurations over general-purpose designs. Its ability to rapidly respond to intelligence reports and conduct reconnaissance missions proved crucial to the Phantom Sweep team’s success.

Known pilots

Hugues Courand (Phantom Sweep team)

Variants

The G-Line Light Armor was part of the broader RX-81 G-Line development programme, which included multiple configuration options:

RX-81ST G-Line Standard Armor: Balanced configuration
RX-81AS G-Line Assault Armor: Heavy assault variant
RX-81FC G-Line Full Custom: Advanced configuration

Behind the scenes

The RX-81LA G-Line Light Armor was originally introduced in Okawara Kunio’s M-MSV design series. The mobile suit was later redesigned and updated by Katoki Hajime for the video game and manga Mobile Suit Gundam: Battlefield Record UC 0081.

Although a standard configuration exists for the G-Line Light Armor, it was usually depicted in its missile launcher configuration in various media, reflecting its role as a long-range support unit.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam: Battlefield Record UC 0081

External links

RX-81LA G-Line Light Armor on MAHQ
RX-81LA G-Line Light Armor on The Gundam Wiki | Fandom