Technology & Combat Characteristics
The EFF MS development plan was changed due to the theft of the RX-78-02 Gundam and the Pegasus-class, which forced the Federation to base their further development on the RX-77-02 Guncannon and use available operational data from the previously built test units, especially the Gundam. The result was a mobile suit that combined the mobility and close combat capabilities of the Gundam, while retaining the firepower and durability of the Guncannon.
The Light Cannon sported relatively balanced performance, capable of engaging in both close combat and mid range combat. The Light Cannon has modified arms and legs, while the chest, head, and main armament come from the Guncannon. The backpack sported a beam saber on the left side and a beam cannon on the other side. Like its predecessors, the Light Cannon also retains the Core Block System, which can act as escape craft system ensuring its pilot survival.
History
in U.C. 0079 the Light Cannon was deployed and became the Earth Federation's main mass-produced MS, participating in numerous battles against the Principality of Zeon. During the First Battle of Solomon, a tri-colored Light Cannon piloted by Sayla Mass was responsible for the death of Zeon Vice Admiral Dozle Zabi, the commander in charge of Solomon base. Sayla's Light Cannon would also participate in the defense of Solomon during the operation to drop Solomon on Zeon's lunar base Granada. During the battle it manage to ambush Char Aznable's gMS-α Red Gundam using the Gundam Hammer, but due to the Gundam's superior performance, its right arm was sliced off by the Red Gundam's beam saber. Sayla's unit was forced to retreat after the damage it sustained, collapsing the nearby tunnel using her unit's beam cannon to cover the withdrawal.