Only in Gundam can being ground-based mean you’re kind of OP. We break down the RX-79 Ez-8 Gundam.
Most Gundams are known for having some kind of highly specialized advanced system that makes them feel like they’re in a class all their own. Whether this is some kind of neural interface that breaks down the barrier between Gundam and pilot, or just the ability to control a bunch of drones and/or shoot missiles in an area flooded with Minovsky particles, depends on the individual model.
But Mobile Suits that bear the Gundam name typically have something that makes them stand apart. Which is why it’s remarkable that one has the distinction of just being a well-made, and kind of flexible Mobile Suit that was repaired and retrofitted with actual armor, and not just relying on the plot. This is, of course, the RX-79 “Ex-8” Gundam from 08th MS Team.
The RX-79 “Ez-8” Gundam, Design & Capabilities
From the surface, the RX-79 is nothing much to write home about. It’s a “ground type” mobile suit that stands a littl shorter than some of the later models in the Universal Century, coming in at only 18 meters tall with an empty weight of 51.5 metric tons.
Powered by a thermonuclear fusion reactor, not some special energy drive or anything, it has the same 1380 kW power output that many other mobile suits of its era share. It’s even armored in Luna Titanium and a Super-Hard Steel Alloy.
As for equipment? Its gear is also surprisingly mundane. The Ez-8’s primary armament consisted of a YHI YF-MG100 100mm Machine Gun, developed by Yashima Heavy Industries and capable of mounting three kinds of ammunition, letting it bring anti tank, armor piercing, or high explosive rounds as the mission dictated, a BLASH XBR-M-79E Beam Rifle, though this one had a slightly upgraded sensor system, and an RGM*S-Sh-WF/S-00109 Shield.
But what made the RX-79 stand out was the care its crew gave to it. Using some fairly ingenious adaptations, the 08th MS team was able to outfit the RX-79 Gundam with a surprising number of scrappy modifications. For instance, its chest armor plating was reinforced with two Zaku II shoulder shields welded together. The suite of head sensor systems were modified and then replaced with a pair of 35mm vulcan guns. A 12.7mm vulcan gun was mounted in its chest for anti-personnel combat.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a Gundam if it didn’t also carry a beam saber. In this case, the Ez-8 carried two, both stored in its lower leg compartments, resembling a knife kept in a boot.
Elbow Grease Will Go A Surprisingly Long Way – History Of The Ez-8
The RX-79 Gundam’s nickname, Ez-8, came from its designation as “extra-zero-8” – the squad from the coalition of Volunteers considered the Gundam as an extra memeber of the 08th MS Team. And as point of fact, the original RX-79 was all but destroyed in a deadly ambush on a prototype Zeon mobile armor, and had to be rebuilt from scavenged/fallen mobile suit parts.
Pilot Shiro Amada’s combat data was scanned and integrated alongside feedback from the pilot – allowing the RX-79 as it was reforged/rebuilt to be lighter and slightly more mobile. A little better at communications, as well. This was necessary given the harsh, jungle environments it was often fighting in.
Perhaps the most famous battle was when Shiro Amada piloted the Ez-8 against Norris Packard and the MS-07B-3 Gouf Custom in a daring city fight to try and protect a bunch of guntanks. The Gouf Custom proved to be more than a match for the other members of the team, and Packard nearly defeated Amada.
In fact, it was love, of all things, that kept Amada alive. Ultimately, the Ez-8 triumphed over the Gouf Custom, enjoying a triumphant moment, before being damaged beyond repair in fight against the Apsaras III, which saw the Ez-8 go tumbling into a volcano alongside its opponent, though the Ez-8’s crew was able to survive, escaping before the fall.
Time to go watch 08th MS team again!
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