Technology & Combat Characteristics
A mass-produced MS of the Earth Federation Forces manufactured in Jaburo. Unlike the Guncannon, which specialized in medium-range firepower support without focusing on MS battles, this machine is based on the RX-78-02 Gundam, which was basically designed as a multirole machine that can be equipped with various equipment changes depending on the battle situation, such as anti-ship and anti-fighter battles, while assuming MS battles as its "main weapon". The GM was much lighter than the Gundam, and sported a backpack equipped with five primary thrusters – with three gimballed for downwards or forwards propulsion and one on each side of the backpack for maneuvering. The afts of the calves held extendable thrusters for additional forward thrust, and a pair of thrusters were built into each of the soles of the mobile suit's feet.
In order to rebuild the strength of the Federation Forces as quickly as possible, its structure was simplified and costs were reduced with an emphasis on productivity, so it is a step behind the Gundam, especially in armor strength and reaction speed. Even so, it has become an MS with sufficient performance to serve as a mainstay weapon, and with data from actual battles with the Gundam inherited, it has been completed as a machine with specifications that exceed those of the Zaku II, albeit slightly. It is also equipped with a beam spray gun and a core pod as standard equipment, making it suitable for pilots with low skill levels.
History
The GM was first seen at the Battle of Jaburo. One unit was destroyed after failing to attack a Z'Gok piloted by Char Aznable.
Two GMs would be destroyed by a Zaku II piloted by Cucuruz Doan while investigating Alegranza, the island known as the "Island of no return".
Several GMs would be stationed at the Casablanca Front in Morocco, neutralizing Zeon forces, until almost all were destroyed by Zaku II High Mobility Surface Types piloted by the Brown Southern Cross team.
Many GMs would participate in Operation Odessa, proving themselves as a worthy mass production mobile suit for the Federation. However, as the battle came to a close, many would be destroyed by a squadron of MS-09 Doms and MS-07B Goufs led by M'Quve in his Gyan, while buying time for the retreating Zeon forces as they head for space.
In the late stages of the war in December of UC0079, GMs and RB-79 Balls as their support units, would participate Operation Star One in the Battle of Solomon and the Battle of A Baoa Qu.
