AS SEEN IN GUNDAM NARRATIVE:

AS SEEN IN HATHAWAY’S FLASH:

Head Height: 22.0m
Base Weight: 29.0t
Full Weight: 60.0t
Generator Output: 3,245kW
Thruster Overall Propulsion: 79,500kg
Sensor Effective Radius: 21,300m
Armor Material: Gundarium Alloy
Armaments:

beam saber
beam rifle
60mm vulcan guns
90mm short machine gun
grenade launcher
shield

The FD-03 Gustav Karl was a Federation Forces general-purpose mobile suit that was officially adopted and deployed into combat in U.C.0097. Developed through a different production line from the RGM-96X Jesta, which was developed and deployed around the same timeframe, this suit was a direct, enhanced descendant of the RGM series.

While maintaining the versatility that is characteristic of the GM-line of mobile suits, the features of this machine include a mammoth 22m body, thick silhouette, high-output generator, and basic specs comparable to those of a Gundam type. A total of 11 thrusters are installed (main and sub), and relatively large attitude control verniers are equipped on both shoulders as well as the skirt, ensuring sufficient mobility and maneuverability for such a large and heavy unit. Although the catalog specs surpassed the Jegan-type from the same era, structurally, it was only a second-generation mobile suit, with no new technologies being introduced.

Early deployment of this machine took place in U.C.0096, with at least two units undergoing functional testing at the Cheyenne Base in North America. Although officially adopted the following year, their production numbers and equipment was limited. In the same year, at least two major incidents occurred. One involved a unit being destroyed while assigned to an escort mission involving Martha Vist Carbine through Colorado. In the other, three units were leaked to the anti-Federation organization EARM, but all were allegedly wiped-out in combat with the “Lightning,” a reproduction unit of the MSZ-006 Z Gundam.

In U.C.0105, the Circe Unit (formerly Kimberly Unit) is a squadron known to have several Gustav Karl units assigned to it in the Pacific Region. It is believed that the total number of units is roughly 30, which fought against the anti-Federation organization known as Mufti. In the years following the Mufti Uprising, units are still seen in operation around U.C.0111 at various maneuvering grounds and training sites.

It is also theorized that lightly armored versions exist. While they have the same basic structure as their heavy counterparts, they have a more slender frame. The only differences are said to be the symmetrical V-shaped antenna, being equipped with a main vernier and beam saber rack on the legs, and the omission of fixed firearms.

A heavily armored head based on the GM-line. The V-shaped antenna on the forehead is asymmetrical. The effective radius of the main sensors is equivalent to the Nu Gundam. The main camera equipped in the head covers a much wider area. While the asymmetric V-shaped antenna is equipped on the Commander unit, standard units have a rod antenna on the left side instead. The standard units are also referred to as “Dora Karl.” Early deployment units are equipped with two, 60mm vulcan guns in the head, however, later versions have been reduced to a single barrel with a larger cowl. The vulcans are a gatling gun used to attack or deter soft targets.

Defense equipment (external armor) that is connected to the left shoulder. Originally, the flexible shield was attached via a moveable arm on the backpack. Now, the connecting portion allows for independent articulation much like a binder. It is unknown whether there is an AMBAC system.

As indicated above, the hip-mounted beam saber compartment and grenade launcher have been indicated. Instead of the hip-latch type like the Jegan, the multipurpose grenade launcher adopts a set of forearm mounted launchers as seen with the Z Gundam and whatnot. This allows for a wider field of fire.