Technology & Combat Characteristics
Although the MS-09 Dom was developed for ground combat, it was expected that the MS would wear out and break down rapidly in desert and hot areas such as Africa, so development of a localized warfare version was also underway at the same time, resulting in the MS-09F/TROP Dom Tropen. In other words, the Dom Tropen is a version of the Dom optimized for tropical and desert environments. Like the MS-09G Dowadge, the Dom Tropen was developed to meet the demands of high performance for land combat. It was based on the MS-09F Dom Funf, and its structure took into consideration aerodynamics, ease of maintenance, and expandability, based on operational data obtained from MS-09 Dom as well as the YMS-09D Dom Tropical Test Type which was deployed in Africa and other fronts.
The Dom Tropen featured several major design differences from the Dom. Firstly, its head structure was closer to that of the MS-09R-2 Rick Dom II, with a sub-sensor equipped on top. Secondly, dust-proof air filters and expanded cooling devices were installed in various parts of the body, and its armor was made into blocks to simplify maintenance, making it easier to remove sand that gets inside the armor. Thirdly, an improved air intake filter for the thermonuclear jet hover engine in the legs was adopted as a measure against fine sand dust, and the leg armors were shaped with a high surface effect suitable for operating in desert environment. Fourthly, Dom Tropen's redesigned cockpit was said to be the second production type based on the United Maintenance Plan, making it easier to transition when learning how to pilot the machine, which was unique and different from the Zakus and Goufs. Last but not least, Dom Tropen's compatibility with equipment had been thoroughly improved, and most weapons other than beam weapons could be used without adjustment.
The Dom Tropen weighted 44.8 tons, significantly lighter than the Dom's 62.6 tons. Considering the Dom's characteristic of hovering on ground, the lighter weight of Dom Tropen directly translated to greater maneuverability and allowed for more ammunition to be carried. Despite Dom Tropen's thruster output (47,200 kg) being lower than that of the Dom's (58,200 kg), its lighter weight likely improved its maneuverability over the latter. Overall, the Dom Tropen succeeded in acquiring performance that was more suited to the tropical and desert area where it was deployed.
History
Dom Tropens were manufactured at the California Base MS factory on the West Coast of North America and they were mainly deployed to the North African front. During the Battle of Jaburo on November 30, UC 0079, half of the seven Dom-type mobile suits deployed were Dom Tropen. Other instances of Dom Tropen's deployment included: one unit was assigned to 2nd. Lt. Sandra of Midnight Fenrir Corps, while another unit was piloted by her former Fenrir teammate 2nd. Lt. Sophie Fran during Operation Silver Lance in U.C. 0084. Another two units, piloted by Delaz Fleet's Gaily and Adamski, would participate in the theft of the RX-78GP02A Gundam "Physalis" from the Earth Federation Forces' Torrington Base in October U.C. 0083. Another four units were seen aiding the defense of Zeon's underground Kimbareid Base in eastern Africa.
In U.C. 0096, a Dom Tropen was used by the Zeon Remnants to attack the Federation's Torrington Base in combination with a MS-09G Dwadge and a MS-06D Desert Zaku. They were later destroyed by the regrouping Federation Forces during their counterattack.