YMS-07B-0 Prototype Gouf (Tactical Demonstrator) – MechaBay

The YMS-07B-0 Prototype Gouf (Tactical Demonstrator) was a prototype mobile suit based on the MS-06F Zaku II with fully revamped armor, propulsion devices, cooling devices, and cockpit layout. Apart from the YMS-07A-0 Prototype Gouf (Mobility Demonstrator) produced for mobility demonstration, the YMS-07B-0 was created specifically to test new fixed weaponry systems.

The “Y” prefix indicated it was a prototype mobile suit, “MS” designated it as a mobile suit, “07” indicated it was the seventh mobile suit design, “B” denoted the tactical demonstrator variant, and “0” indicated it was the initial prototype.

History

The YMS-07B-0 Prototype Gouf (Tactical Demonstrator) was developed by Zeonic Company as part of their efforts to create a superior ground combat mobile suit. Its forearms used the same attachment method as the Mobile Worker MW-01 Model 01 Late Type, with the right forearm containing a prototype heat rod, while the left contained a 3-barrel machine gun.

In UC 0082, Anaheim Electronics, having absorbed Zeonic Inc., began compiling a history of the development of mobile suits. Footage of the Prototype Gouf Tactical Demonstrator was found amongst the data collected from the Side 3 extra banchi once known as the Dark Colony.

In the footage, the Prototype Gouf was engaging in simulated combat against a RTX-65 Guntank Early Type, and was able to disable it using its heat rod. According to a Zeonic technician, the test pilot of the unit seen in the footage was Ramba Ral. This was supported by the fact that the Prototype Gouf was painted blue and had the identification number “31”, same as Ramba Ral’s MS-04 Bugu. However, there was no other evidence supporting this theory, and the truth remains unknown.

The test data gathered from the YMS-07B-0 proved instrumental in developing the production MS-07B Gouf, which incorporated many of the weapons systems first tested on this prototype.

Design

The YMS-07B-0 represented a significant evolution from the Zaku II, featuring comprehensive improvements across all major systems. The mobile suit incorporated fully revamped armor providing better protection whilst maintaining mobility, improved propulsion devices for enhanced ground performance, and advanced cooling devices to handle the increased power output.

The cockpit layout was redesigned to accommodate the new weapons systems and provide better pilot interface with the sophisticated targeting systems required for the prototype weaponry. The overall design philosophy emphasised close combat effectiveness whilst maintaining the versatility that made Zeon mobile suits effective.

The modular forearm design was a key innovation, allowing for different weapon configurations to be tested and evaluated. This system would later influence the development of the production Gouf’s integrated weapons systems.

Modular Forearm System

The most distinctive feature of the YMS-07B-0 was its modular forearm attachment system, inherited from the Mobile Worker MW-01 Model 01 Late Type. This system allowed for rapid reconfiguration of the mobile suit’s primary armaments depending on mission requirements.

Armaments

The YMS-07B-0 carried a sophisticated array of weapons designed to test the viability of built-in armament systems for mobile suits.

Prototype heat rod

Prototype heat rod, mounted in right forearm was a flexible, retractable weapon that could be used as either a superheated slicing weapon or a grappling weapon with electric shock effect. This represented the first successful implementation of a heat rod system on a mobile suit, providing both offensive and tactical capabilities.

3-barrel machine gun

3-barrel machine gun, mounted in left forearm provided rapid-fire capability for close to medium-range engagements. This weapon system allowed the Gouf to maintain sustained fire whilst keeping its manipulator hands free for other weapons or tasks.

Shield

Shield provided defensive capability and could mount spare equipment. The shield design was optimised for the Gouf’s close combat role whilst maintaining compatibility with existing Zeon weapons systems.

Heat hawks

2 x heat hawk served as backup melee weapons. These superheated axes could be stored on the waist armor racks or on the reverse side of the shield, providing additional close combat options.

Known pilots

Ramba Ral (unconfirmed)

Behind the scenes

The YMS-07B-0 was part of the Mobile Suit Discovery design series, which focused on obscure MSV designs recreated in the stellar style of The Origin kits. The flexible prototype heat rod and leg attachments are exchangeable, with many motion gimmicks adopted for reproducing dynamic poses.

YMS-07B-0 Prototype Gouf