TMF/A-803 LaGOWE

The TMF/A-803 LaGOWE was a custom ZAFT quadrupedal ground combat mobile suit designed specifically for Andrew Waltfeld, a ZAFT commander known as the Desert Tiger, during the First Alliance-PLANT War in Cosmic Era 71. The LaGOWE was an enhanced variant of the TMF/A-802 BuCUE, featuring improved performance and capabilities tailored to Waltfeld’s tactical requirements and combat expertise. The mobile suit’s name stood for “Land Gundam Of Waltfeld Engineering”, reflecting its custom nature and its pilot’s engineering input.

Model Code Explanation: The “TMF” designation indicated a ZAFT Terrestrial Maneuver Fighter, whilst “A-803” was its model number. “LaGOWE” was the codename, an acronym for “Land Gundam Of Waltfeld Engineering”, reflecting its custom design and association with its pilot.

History

The LaGOWE was developed as a custom mobile suit for Andrew Waltfeld, designed to provide enhanced capabilities beyond the standard BuCUE. The mobile suit incorporated Waltfeld’s input and engineering expertise, resulting in a unit optimised for his combat style and tactical approach to ground warfare, particularly in desert environments.

The LaGOWE entered service in CE 71 and was deployed to North Africa, where Waltfeld commanded ZAFT operations against Earth Alliance forces. The mobile suit’s enhanced performance and custom design reflected Waltfeld’s status as an elite commander and his reputation as the Desert Tiger, demonstrating ZAFT’s willingness to provide specialised equipment to their most effective officers.

The LaGOWE served as Waltfeld’s personal mobile suit throughout his command in North Africa, participating in numerous engagements against Earth Alliance forces, including battles against the Archangel and its mobile suits. The mobile suit’s performance demonstrated the effectiveness of customised equipment in the hands of skilled pilots.

Following Waltfeld’s defeat by Kira Yamato and the GAT-X105 Strike Gundam, the LaGOWE was destroyed, marking the end of Waltfeld’s command in North Africa and his subsequent defection to the Three Ships Alliance.

Design

The LaGOWE was based on the BuCUE’s quadrupedal design but featured numerous enhancements and modifications that improved its performance. The mobile suit’s frame was reinforced and upgraded, providing better durability and combat effectiveness whilst maintaining the stability and mobility advantages of the quadrupedal design.

The LaGOWE’s custom design incorporated improvements to its propulsion systems, armour, and weapon systems, resulting in superior performance compared to standard BuCUE units. The mobile suit’s enhanced capabilities reflected Waltfeld’s combat expertise and his requirements for a mobile suit capable of operating effectively in challenging desert environments.

The mobile suit’s appearance maintained the BuCUE’s distinctive quadrupedal silhouette whilst incorporating design elements that distinguished it as a custom unit. The LaGOWE’s colour scheme and markings reflected its association with Waltfeld, emphasising its role as a commander’s personal mobile suit.

Armaments

The LaGOWE’s standard weapons were dual 110mm machine guns for ranged attacks, a 460mm bazooka for heavy firepower, and a 2-tube missile launcher for additional combat capabilities.

110mm machine gun

The LaGOWE was equipped with dual 110mm machine guns, providing effective firepower against ground targets. The weapons’ placement and the mobile suit’s stable platform allowed for accurate fire whilst maintaining high mobility.

460mm bazooka

The LaGOWE could be equipped with a 460mm bazooka for additional firepower against heavily armoured targets and installations. This weapon provided the mobile suit with enhanced combat capabilities when facing formidable opponents.

2-tube missile launcher

The LaGOWE featured a 2-tube missile launcher, providing additional firepower and versatility in combat. This weapon enhanced the mobile suit’s effectiveness in various combat scenarios, allowing it to engage targets with different types of weaponry.

Known pilots

• Andrew Waltfeld – ZAFT commander known as the Desert Tiger, the LaGOWE’s primary and only known pilot

Variants

• TMF/A-802 BuCUE – The base mobile suit from which the LaGOWE was developed

Behind the scenes

The LaGOWE was designed by Kimitoshi Yamane for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. The mobile suit’s name “LaGOWE” is an acronym for “Land Gundam Of Waltfeld Engineering”, reflecting its custom nature and association with Andrew Waltfeld’s character.

The LaGOWE’s design emphasised its role as a custom commander’s unit, demonstrating how specialised equipment could enhance the effectiveness of skilled pilots in the Cosmic Era timeline.

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny
• Various video games including SD Gundam G Generation series

External links

• TMF/A-803 LaGOWE on the Gundam Wiki
• TMF/A-803 LaGOWE on MAHQ