Technology & Combat Characteristics
The Earth Federation Forces high command was satisfied with the high performance of the prototype RX-78 and immediately requested the developers to submit a mass production plan. Although the Federation initially strongly desired to mass-produce the RX-78 directly, they abandoned the plan due to excessive costs and low production efficiency, instead deciding to develop two routes: one was a light MS that improved productivity by simplifying the structure, and the other was a heavy MS with heavy armament and high output. At the same time, they reduced production costs by maximizing the commonality of parts between the two models. The final products were the RGM-79 GM and the RGM-80 G-Armor.
The RGM-79 GM benefited from the simplified structure, and its development progressed smoothly, beginning deployment in the second half of 0079; however, the RGM-80 suffered from insufficient generator power due to heavy armament, and the development of its portable weapons (originally planned to be equipped with a large-caliber beam emitter) was delayed.
History
The RGM-80 G Armor was an alternative to the RGM-79 GM for the Earth Federation Forces' mass produced mobile suit. However, unlike the GM, the G Armor experienced a delay in production. As such, only three prototypes were completed before the war ended, and the project was terminated. Prototype Unit 1 and Unit 2 were experimentally assigned to the renowned "White Base" Newtype force for combat deployment (Unit 1 was piloted by Second Lieutenant Amuro Ray , and Unit 2 by Second Lieutenant Sleggar Law; Unit 2 was destroyed in the Battle of Solomon). According to development department records, Unit 3 rolled off the production line in early 0080, but its current whereabouts are unknown.