Technology & Combat Characteristics
Unsatisfied with the performance of the RGM-79 GM, a number of Federation ace pilots requested an improved version of the mobile suit. As a result, two modified GM variants were produced: the RGM-79L GM Light Armor and the GM Sniper Custom. Despite its name, the GM Sniper Custom was a general-purpose unit capable of long-range sniping, medium-range support, and close-range combat.
Compared to the base GM, the GM sniper Custom featured more powerful thrusters on its backpack, which rivalled the RX-77-2 Guncannon in terms of output; additional high-output thrusters on the back of the leg; a pair of powerful cooling units were mounted on the waist armor, allowing stable operation in situations that would otherwise be overtaxing; and an additional armored visor, equipped with an original image sensor and dedicated enhancer, was fitted on its head. Although this visor was meant only for protecting the dual camera eyes during close range combat, it could exhibit extremely high precision when used with the R-4 Type Beam Rifle.
History
After the Battle of Solomon, modification of the RGM-79 into the RGM-79SC GM Sniper Custom took place at the newly captured Solomon and Luna II. 24 early production units were produced by Luna II as part of the third production run. In total, less than 50 GM Sniper Customs were constructed due to cost issues. The unit piloted by Lieutenant Francis Backmeyer was said to be the most heavily armed, and roughly half of all units imitated his loadout.
The GM Sniper Customs were mostly assigned to escort fleets and defend transport ships in dangerous space sectors. A small number was assigned to special forces units to carry out sabotage and surprise attacks on Zeon forces stationed at each Side. Pleased with the Sniper Custom's performance, the EFSF headquarters ordered the development of an improved version for the attack on the Zeon homeland, which eventually became the RGM-79SP GM Sniper II. Later, a large number of GM Sniper Custom and its variants participated in the Battle of A Baoa Qu, including Francis Backmeyer's unit.