Story:

The Gouf's big problem was in the interaction between its engine and frame. In simple terms, the amount of energy that the engined delivered was too much for the frame, and threatened to tear the suit apart under its own movement. Increasing the durability of the frame to meet stress demands negated cost effectiveness. Likewise, reducing the suit's engine output negated the physical advantages that the Gouf's high output had over other production models. It also limited its arsenal choices, making it apparent that there was no middle-ground for the machine. So, hoping to avoid a complete loss, the company had the alterations made, though it meant increasing the production cost of one Gouf to equal that of four Zakus.

Even with the modifications, however, some instabilities remained and the Gouf was finally deemed unmarketable. However, it's transformation from a preproduction model to a testbed ironically helped to flesh out its current arsenal. The four-barrel beam gun on its right arm, a rapid-fire weapon that can shred mobile suits at close range, was one of several weapons that could not be adapted to Zaku packs. Likewise, the Strike Chain, which can either carry a stinging electric charge that disrupts a target's systems, or a lethal thermal charge to dice it apart, was deemed too integral for the open-ended Zaku, but remained on the Gouf.

Ultimately, technicians found that these items, including the folding heat sword "Vajra" and a high-mobility flight pack, were the least likely combination to cause trouble for the Gouf's delicate engine. Trials with other Zaku weaponry revealed that, over short periods, the mobile suit only caused damage to itself with energy overloads. When this layout of equipment was tested together, however, the results were spectacular. While the individual weapons lacked the shear power of some pieces of Zaku equipment, together they proved twice as deadly. Combined with the fact that it has speed and strength that rivals the pirate unit Alastor's Alter Drive, and the Gouf has redeemed itself.