Technology & Combat Characteristics
The RGM-79C GM Type C “Wagtail” is a modified form of the moderately damaged GM Type C [Keraunos Squad], still piloted by Van Asiliaino. The high-mobility test equipment known as the “Wagtail Unit,” which had not been selected during the tryouts for the Karaba–Anaheim Electronics “GM III Project,” was obtained from Anaheim and forcibly attached to the machine. Its nickname, “Wagtail,” comes from the code name of this test unit. The Wagtail Unit was developed by staff from the La Vie en Rose–class dock ship Rosa Gigantia as a mobility enhancement system for the GM series within the GM III Project, with the goal of giving a GM the performance level of a high-end machine. It was sent to the Keraunos specifically so its capabilities could be tested in actual combat.
The backpack, shoulder thrusters, and leg verniers were reinforced, and the legs were extended and fitted with new thermonuclear rocket engines. Combined with increased propellant capacity, this gave the machine mobility that could be considered excessive for a GM Type C—though it also made the unit highly sensitive and difficult to control. In addition, because the GM Type C’s frame was not originally designed to support the Wagtail Unit, the added parts must be operated with a limiter. The Wagtail Unit was planned to incorporate Gundarium γ, and some sources suggest that future upper-body parts using this material may eventually be developed.
Due to the modifications, the original motion control program installed in the Wagtail could no longer be used. A new program had to be created by having AIs battle each other in virtual space. In its first sortie immediately after the program’s completion, the thrusters failed to synchronize during full boost, causing the machine to jump forward on brute force alone and making accurate rifle aiming difficult. However, these issues were gradually corrected as the learning computer accumulated real combat experience.
The Wagtail’s armament includes an enhanced rifle that appears to be a GM II beam rifle fitted with an extended barrel and an RX-78-type circular sensor. It also carries a curved anti–beam coated shield used by the GM Command and GM Custom, with the upper half removed to prevent interference with the shoulder thrusters. In addition, it mounts a total of four beam sabers—two on the shoulders and two on the back of the shield. The sabers on the shield can be used even while still attached. The enhanced rifle, which is normally fired in triple-burst mode (three consecutive shots), has been confirmed to switch between semi-automatic (single-shot) mode and triple-burst mode.
History
Rivaling with Titan’s Hi-Zack and the GM Quel, Van Asiliaino realized the limits from a difference in basic specs of his GM Kai, so he took the opportunity to make large scale improvements on his half-damaged unit. With the help from the mysterious sponsor Van is able upgrade his GM Kai into the RGM-79C GM Type C "Wagtail". Improvements made to the Wagtail included more thrusters, improved verniers, an improved engine system, a larger propellant capacity, and an elongated leg frame.