YMS-07A Prototype Gouf

The YMS-07A Prototype Gouf was a prototype ground combat mobile suit developed by the Principality of Zeon during the One Year War. It was developed from the MS-06J Zaku II Ground Type.

The “Y” in the type code indicated it was a prototype, while “MS” designated it as a mobile suit. The “07” model number denoted it was the seventh design for this type, and the “A” variant code meant it was the first of the design.

History

As the Principality of Zeon expanded its control over Earth during the One Year War, the Zeonic developed a new ground combat mobile suit to supplement and eventually replace the MS-06J Zaku II Ground Type.

The YMS-07A Prototype Gouf was essentially a redesigned Zaku with more efficient use of equipment and space, making it lighter and more manoeuvrable. Two additional test units were created to evaluate different aspects of the design: the YMS-07A-0 for mobility testing and the YMS-07B-0 for tactical assessment.

After completing test operations, the Prototype Goufs were used as the basis for further development or equipped for actual combat before being deployed to the front lines.

Design

The YMS-07A Prototype Gouf featured several improvements over the MS-06J Zaku II Ground Type, including enhanced mobility and armor. Distinctive design elements included spiked shoulder armor, a 360-degree rotating mono-eye sensor, and a head-mounted blade antenna.

As a prototype, it retained some elements of the Zaku II J Type, such as the power pipes in the legs. The Prototype Gouf was lighter than its predecessor, resulting in extra space within its body. In the third and later models, this space was utilised to mount finger machine guns and a heat rod as fixed armaments.

Armaments

The Prototype Gouf’s standard weapons were the M-120A1 120 mm machine gun for ranged combat and an optional shield for defence.

120 mm machine gun

The M-120A1 120 mm machine gun was the same portable firearm used by the Zaku II. It could switch between semi-automatic and automatic fire modes and was fed from a 100-round drum magazine. While ineffective against Luna Titanium alloy alloy armor, it could still damage lighter armored targets with sustained fire.

280 mm Zaku bazooka

The H&L-SB25K/280 mm A-P Zaku bazooka was a portable, physical projectile weapon primarily used for anti-ship combat in hit-and-run attacks. While it could be employed against enemy mobile suits, hitting moving targets proved challenging.

Shield

A defensive armament that could be mounted on the left forearm, the shield was primarily designed for close combat protection rather than long-range defence.

Known pilots

• Ramba Ral

Variants

• MS-07A Gouf
• MS-07B Gouf
• MS-07H Gouf Flight Test Type

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer.

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Variations

External links

• YMS-07A Prototype Gouf on the Gundam Wiki
• YMS-07A Prototype Gouf on MAHQ