Technology & Combat Characteristics
Developed as part of the Federation Forces Reconstruction Project that began in U.C. 0081, the design of the RGM-79N GM Custom was based on the RGM-79SC GM Sniper Custom, the RGM-79G GM Command, the RGM-79GS GM Command Space Type, and the RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1. It was developed at Augusta Base and incorporated many parts that were developed for Gundam NT-1, which was originally considered for mass production. Because of this, the GM Custom's specifications were considered top class even among Augusta series mobile suits, which were already renowned for their high performance. Its thrust was almost twice that of previous GMs and its generator output rivalled Gundam type mobile suits, making it one of the Federation's highest performing mass production unit prior to the Delaz Conflict.
Additionally, Magnet Coating was said to be applied to the shoulder and elbow joints to improve their flexibility. However, the GM Custom's specifications did not excel at any one aspect and was derided as "remarkable for being unremarkable" by some. Also, its high performance came at the price of high production cost. As a result, even though it was planned for mass production, only a small number of units were manufactured and assigned to ace pilots. Various aspects of these units, such as the trims of the sub thrusters, and the response and torque of the actuators in the four limbs, were adjusted to better suit their pilots. Following the end of the Delaz Conflict, the Titans took over the project and made some changes to the GM Custom's designs, creating the RGM-79Q GM Quel.
History
In U.C. 0083, the nuclear weapon-equipped RX-78GP02A Gundam "Physalis" was stolen by the remnants of the Principality of Zeon, Delaz Fleet. Three GM Customs were deployed to the Albion, a Pegasus-class assault ship that was tasked with retrieving the stolen Gundam, and were piloted by Captain South Burning, the ship's MS Squadron Commander, and Lieutenants Alpha A. Bait and Bernard Monsha, and they fought numerous battles with the Delaz Fleet. During a battle in space, Captain Burning's machine was hit in the right abdomen by rounds from a 110mm machine cannon on the Lieutenant Colonel Cima Garahau's MS-14Fs Gelgoog Marine Commander Type. At first, the machine was fine, but on the way back to the Albion, the damage spread and caused an explosion, killing Captain Burning, and the unit was lost. The two remaining GM Customs remained in service with the Albion until the end of the Delaz Conflict.
In U.C. 0087, several surviving machines were deployed by the AEUG against the Titans and Axis Zeon forces during the Gryps War. These units were outfitted with panoramic cockpit monitor, linear seat, a new color scheme and used the same beam rifle as the RMS-179 GM II.
