RGM-79D GM Cold Climate Type
Code Name: GM cold climate type
Unit Type: mass production cold climate combat mobile suit
Suit Organizational Type: Federation Type
Manufacturer: Earth Federation Forces
Operators: Nocturne Alliance, Earth Federation, Order of the Light, Russian Federation, Intercolonial Unified Coalition
First Deployment: UC 0079
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso
Dimensions: head height 18.0 meters
Weight: empty 44.7 tons; max gross 58.7 tons
Construction: titanium/ceramic composite on semi-monocoque frame
Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 1250 kW
Propulsion: rocket thrusters: 4 x 15000 kg; vernier thrusters/apogee motors: 5
Performance: maximum thruster acceleration: 1.02 G; 180-degree turn time: 1.6 seconds; maximum ground running speed 116 km/h
Equipment and Design Features: head-mounted sensors, range 5790 meters
Fixed Armaments: 2 x 60mm vulcan gun, fire-linked, mounted in head; beam saber, power rated at 0.39 MW, stored in recharge racks on rear waist armor, hand-carried in use
Optional Fixed Armaments:
Optional Hand Armaments: 90 mm machine gun w/grenade launcher
Technical and Historical Notes: While the RGM-79 GM proved itself to be a highly capable MS, the introduction of Zeon's MS-09 Dom on Earth saw the need for a more maneuverable and better-performing mobile suit to counter the agile and well-armed Dom. A variant of the GM, the RGM-79D GM Cold Climate Type had increased thruster power and maneuverability, and some were modified for harsh climate conditions, most notably cold weather combat. The RGM-79D could be equipped with a variety of weaponry, including two types of 90mm machine gun, grenades, head-mounted vulcan guns, and beam sabers. The RGM-79D was introduced late in the war, with at least three units assigned to Lieutenant Yu Kajima's MS combat testing squad. Yu Kajima's unit quickly proved the value of the new model GM in combat, destroying several Zeon mobile suits in defense of a Federal Forces base, including several MSM-03C Hygoggs and three Doms. Other units were deployed to guard important Federation Forces bases, such as the Arctic base where research and development of the RX-78NT-1 G-4 Gundam "Alex" was carried out.