| Model number: RGM-86R Code name: GM III Unit type: mass production general purpose mobile suit Manufacturer: Earth Federal Forces Operator: Earth Federal Forces Accommodation: pilot only, in panoramic monitor/linear seat cockpit in torso Dimensions: overall height 18.6 meters; head height 18.0 meters Weight: empty 38.6 metric tons; max gross 56.2 metric tons; mass ratio 1.29 Construction: titanium alloy/gundarium alloy on semi-monocoque frame Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 1560 kW Propulsion: rocket thrusters: 4 x 20300 kg; vernier thrusters/apogee motors: 8 Performance: maximum thruster acceleration: 1.45 G Equipment and design features: sensors, range 10900 meters Fixed armaments: 2 x 60 mm vulcan gun, fire-linked, mounted in head; 2 x beam saber, power rated at 0.4 MW, stored in recharge racks in backpack, hand-carried in use Optional fixed armaments: 4-tube medium missile pod, 3 round magazine per tube, mounts on shoulder; 15-tube small missile pod, mounts on shoulder; 2 x 2-tube large missile pod, mounts on hip armor; 1 x shield, mounted on either forearm Optional hand armaments: beam rifle, power rated at 2.8 MW, powered by rechargable energy cap |
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| Another entry in a long line of mobile suits descended from the Earth Federal Forces' first mass production mobile suit, the RGM-79 GM, the RGM-86R GM III was introduced during the Neo Zeon War. Unlike the RGM-79R GM II, which was only a minor improvement over the original GM, the GM III was a major improvement, incorporating a more powerful reactor, better sensors and armor, and a 37% increase in thruster speed/acceleration (thanks to a backpack design based on the one used on the RX-178 Gundam Mark-II). The GM III could also be fitted with a variety of missile launchers, giving the mobile suit a much more flexible mission role as either a close-combat or fire support unit. The GM III design proved to be a major success, and the model would remain one of the Earth Federal Forces' mainstay mobile suit for several years. |