Technology & Combat Characteristics
Since it is based on the F71 G-Cannon, the armament of the F71B G-Cannon Magna is largely similar to that of the original unit. Both units feature two forearm-mounted double beam guns, two beam sabers and a beam rifle. The G-Cannon Magna however lacks the head-mounted vulcan guns of the original unit, while the two backpack-mounted quadruple machine cannons became an optional equipment. Instead, it has two beam cannons, which, like the machine cannons are mounted over the shoulders of the suit. These cannons are based on know-how gained from the RXF-91 Silhouette Gundam's VSBRs and served as a low-cost version. Data that Anaheim Electronics illegally obtained from the Earth Federation's Strategic Naval Research Institute is also incorporated into the suit, resulting in it having higher reactor output, which ensures that it has high maneuverability even without removing the beam cannons.
History
Built by Anaheim Electronics, the F71B G-Cannon Magna is an upgraded variant of the F71 G-Cannon and was based on data illegally obtained from the Earth Federation's Strategic Naval Research Institute. Field testing of the G-Cannon Magna began in November of UC 0122 and entered the final stages of testing in February of UC 0123.
The field testing took place at the uninhabited Zebra Zone in Side 3, based out of the Anaheim Electronics owned freighter Bladewood. The test pilot and commander of the Bladewood's mobile suits was Karl Subit. At the Zebra Zone, the Anaheim crew engaged in combat with members of the Crossbone Vanguard's Dark Tiger Squadron. Days later, the G-Cannon Magna was damaged by Baz Galemson's RX-99 Neo Gundam.