MS-16 GEARA DOGA
ABOUT THE VARIATION TYPES

The Geara Doga serves as Neo Zeon’s mass-produced combat mobile suit in Char’s Counterattack, set in Universal Century 0093.
This mass-produced mobile suit, a descendant of the iconic MS-06 Zaku from the original Mobile Suit Gundam, bears the designation MS-16. The model number was one of the vacant numbers in the former Principality of Zeon’s mobile suit lineup, with Gelgoog being MS-14, Gyan MS-15, and Galbaldy (the development base for Galbaldy β in Zeta Gundam) being MS-17, suggesting its development plan existed since the One Year War. Judging from this model number, this suggests that the Geara Doga’s creation stems not from Haman’s Neo Zeon, but from the hands of engineers with direct ties to the former Principality of Zeon.

Visually, the Geara Doga appears as the next evolutionary step in the Zaku lineage, following the progression from Zaku to Hi-Zack to Marasai. Its arsenal of firearms speaks volumes about its design philosophy – a versatile war machine built for adaptability on the cosmic battlefield.

Gone are the days when mobile suit variations were solely the domain of Kunio Okawara’s MSV designs. Now, in an era where countless variations haunt the imaginations of fans like restless spirits, even the original designers and Director Tomino himself can be caught unawares by the Geara Doga’s independent evolution. Such is the nature of Gundam’s ascension to the pantheon of pop culture and major brand synonymous with robot anime.

Allow me to illuminate the Geara Doga’s conceptual birth. Development began in late April of the previous year, alongside its mechanical counterparts. The directive was clear: create a mass-produced mobile suit in the vein of the iconic Zaku. My initial sketches featured what I dubbed the Type-F, a head reminiscent of a Castro-style cap. The vision included subtle variations: Char’s unit with a horn-less Sazabi-inspired helmet, escort units sporting German tanker-style headgear. However, Director Tomino’s discerning eye saw a different path, and we settled on a design evocative of German military helmets.

Unable to completely abandon the Castro-cap concept, I’ve cleaned it up here. Imagine, if you will, a single hatch atop the head – a missile launch port reminiscent of a nuclear submarine’s vertical launch system. The emblem adorning the left side, a fusion of “N” and “Z,” proudly declares its Neo Zeon allegiance.

While the body design remains largely unchanged from the initial draft, subtle refinements – such as the sharpened knee and leg nozzles, and the more pronounced left shoulder – came at Tomino’s behest. Just as Zeon’s mobile suits evolved from the Zaku, this Geara Doga forms the basis for all of Neo Zeon’s mobile suits. Its movable frame birthed the Newtype-specific Jagd Doga, which in turn led to the psycho-frame-equipped Sazabi – the ultimate realization of Newtype-exclusive design. The Alpha Azieru can also be considered a mobile armor developed as a Psycho Doga.

If we were to draw parallels, the Sazabi stands to the Geara Doga as Char’s custom Gelgoog did to its mass-produced counterpart. Pre-production briefings called for “a red mobile suit with ample volume, its head shaped like Char’s old helmet.” Initially, I attempted to marry this concept with the face of the Hyaku Shiki, but the iconic mono-eye ultimately prevailed.

Now, I’ll summarize the unit explanations for the variations of the Geara Doga.

●MS-16G (TYPE-G)

The most widely produced variant of the Geara Doga. Commander units feature an identification antenna on the crown, though this doesn’t warrant a separate model number. However, due to delays in developing the Type-S intended for Char’s squad, some Type-G’s received enhanced generators (thermonuclear fusion reactors) for improved performance are informally referred to as the Type-S. Rezin Schnyder’s personal unit was one such modified G Type. These upgraded Type-G, reserved for squadron leaders (commanders) and above, can wield higher-output beam rifles.

●MS-16F (TYPE-F, TYPE-E)

Born from the tactical need for surprise attacks, this variant sports a pod housing four anti-ship missiles atop its head, functioning akin to a carrier-based strike aircraft. However, recurring accidents due to wiring deficiencies prevented it from achieving its expected combat effectiveness. Later, a reconnaissance variant was developed, retaining the head shape but fitted with internal radar. For identification, this Type-E has its crown painted red.

●MS-16S (SS-type)

Slated for deployment with Char’s special forces upon Sazabi’s completion. Its head unit, slightly larger than its brethren, houses advanced electronic systems designed to pierce through the communication-disrupting veil of Minovsky particles. All units are painted in brown hues. As it never saw actual deployment, its intended weaponry remains incomplete. While Type-F and Type-G utilize a titanium alloy and ceramic composite armor, only the Type-S adopts Gundarium alloy.