Technology & Combat Characteristics
Designed based on the data of the MS-09R-2 Rick Dom II, the AMX-009 Dreissen is however much more similar in function to its distant ancestor, the MS-09B Dom, as it was designed with high speed ground combat in mind. Although larger than the Dom and Rick Dom II, the new materials used in Dreissen's construction make it much lighter and thus more agile. Unlike both the Dom and Rick Dom II, the Dreissen was designed with close combat in mind, but it proved to be a versatile suit thanks to the triple beam cannons mounted in its arms. Although developed with an emphasis on ground combat, it can also operate in space without issues.
During the First Neo Zeon War, the beam cannons on the Dreissen's forearms have exposed power supply cables, which could render the weapons inoperable if the cables are damaged during combat. Later, the Neo Zeon remnant group, the Sleeves, resolved this weakness by housing the cables internally in the arms. The Sleeves also enhanced the cannons' output and created armament holsters that can be attached to the suit's back in place of the tri-blades. These holsters are used to carry weapons such as the heat saber or the newly designed giant bazooka.
History
When Neo Zeon forces launched its war against the Earth, it rolled out a number of new mobile suits designed for ground combat and one of them was the AMX-009 Dreissen. Although initially produced in small numbers, the Dreissen's excellent performance and adaptability made it a popular and versatile mobile suit, and it was soon mass-produced for both ground and space combat.
The Dreissen was first seen aboard the Sadalahn-class battleship, with one unit piloted by Rakan Dahkaran, commander of the Mindra. During the AEUG's first attempt at disrupting Neo Zeon's invasion of Earth, Rakan and his Dreissen battled against Judau Ashta's MSZ-010 ΖΖ Gundam, proving how formidable the Dreissen is in close combat. However Judau's growing combat skill and the ZZ Gundam's sheer firepower eventually overwhelmed the Dreissen. Though the Dreissen was destroyed, Rakan managed to escape.
Shortly after, the Dreissen was put into full mass production and participated in various battles of the First Neo Zeon War. Near the end of the war, a large number of Dreissens were taken and used by Glemy Toto's splinter faction during the brief civil war amongst the Neo Zeon's forces. These machines were repainted with a gray color scheme.
In U.C. 0096, the Neo Zeon remnant group, the Sleeves, utilized several surviving Dreissens as part of their mobile suit forces. These units were given a new color scheme and have the group's distinctive markings on their body. Some of these units were deployed to defend against the Federation's attack on Palau. One Dreissen, used by veteran pilot Zamu Samu, fought against the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam and was destroyed by the Gundam's beam gatling gun.
In the manga version of Gundam Narrative, three customized Dreissens operated under the command of the Republic of Zeon's Zoltan Akkanen. The Dreissens were piloted by Birgitte Knudsen, Malik Hugo and Sikh Hugo.
