Technology & Combat Characteristics
A RGM-86RF GM III Powered equipped with enhancement parts that follow in the footsteps of the FSWS plan, granting it heavy armor and heavy firepower. The FSWS plan's added armor and weaponry were originally researched by the Earth Federation Forces during the One Year War for its Newtype Corps. After the Gryps War, the added armor, which has high resistance to projectiles, was deemed to be dead weight due to the proliferation of beam weaponry. However, interest in the armor was revived with the development of anti-beam coating technology.
This Full Armor Unit equipment is basically a further development of the FA-78-1 Full Armor Gundam's, but its design concept has evolved from one based on 'Protection' to one that focuses on 'Undefeatable'. Built into the equipment are several E-packs for the beam weaponry and propellant tanks, boosting the mobile suit's output and making it a speedy unit despite its bulky look. The GM III Powered Full Armor's cockpit hatch is not covered by added armor. Instead, the angle of the added armor surrounding the hatch is calculated to provide cover and to improve the pilot's chance of escape. To better protect the head sensor, an added mask is fitted to deflect enemy attacks.
In terms of weaponry, the GM III Powered's backpack's beam saber racks are replaced by a composite equipment unit containing a beam cannon, additional E-pack, propellant tank, and thrusters. The presence of the beam cannon is also an improvement from the original FSWS plan's rocket cannon. The two beam sabers are replaced with a more powerful double beam saber located on the left forearm's added armor. Additionally, a double beam rifle with attached shield is located on the right forearm's added armor, six grenades are stored on the side armor and multiple missile launchers are located on the added chest, left shoulder and leg armor.
As this Full Armor Unit is a general purpose equipment, it can be fitted on all GM III units. However, due to its high piloting requirement, only a limited number was produced. The GM III Powered Full Armor is commonly called "Bulldog" due to its appearance.
History
Londo Bell pilot Ubaldo Molina fought using the RGM-86RF•FA GM III Powered Full Armor (Bulldog) due to his preference for the GM series against the recommendations of his mechanics that it is already obsolete compared to newer mobile suits