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GNX-708T Commando GN-X
Model number: GNX-708T
By the late UC 230s, the majority of large-scale mobile suit battles fought by the Earth Union were completed and done with. With defense and security analysts predicting that warfare would begin moving into a lower-intensity, more asymmetrical method, secret development of GN-powered mobile suits intended for small-scale and clandestine operations was begun. The Commando GN-X is a heavily modified variant of the original version with a variety of adjustments and purpose-built components meant for special combat applications. The largest departure from the original GN-X is the ability to attach a large self-powered "attack unit" meant to increase the mobile suit's speed and firepower, as well as to enable amphibious operations and other features. On its own, the Commando GN-X is heavily oriented towards close combat - the Union's usual doctrine of massed squadron attacks with overwhelming firepower is not well suited towards low-key operations. The mobile suit is armed with a unique and highly specialized weapon system referred to as the "GN stiletto", which actually mounts three different weapons in one unit. A standard-size GN vulcan is installed at the bottom of the weapon, while a GN beam saber is mounted directly above it - the beam saber can be activated from its fixed position, or the entire stiletto can be rotated to allow it to be grasped and held in the conventional style. Finally, an impressively-sized solid GN blade is attached at the opposite end of the vulcan and beam saber. When deployed, the blade snaps forward following the line of the mobile suit's arm, a configuration that permits for very forceful swings and rapid thrusts. Although the particle ports for a beam rifle and shield are still installed in the Commando GN-X's arms, the mounting of the GN stilettos prevents their effective use. Two large GN vulcans, designed to give the mobile suit some medium-range firepower, are mounted in the hip area to help compensate for this. The attack unit is a crucial part of the Commando GN-X's combat ability. Firstly, it is well armed by itself, mounting four GN beam cannons and a pair of missile launchers in its spike-like forward binders. Secondly, it serves as a vehicle to greatly increase the Commando GN-X's overall speed in both atmospheric and space situations thanks to the large number of GN verniers mounted on its rear section. Furthermore, the attack unit incorporates a number of features derived from the Trilobite mobile armor, including the ability to efficiently cycle water through its thrusters to enable aquatic operations, making it the Earth Union's first totally amphibious mobile suit. Finally, the attack unit is equipped with a GN stealth system that can disperse a very large amount of charged particles from its condensers - such a maneuver is capable of jamming radio communication and washing out radar and infrared scanners, allowing a single Commando GN-X to be nearly as effective at electronic warfare as a Union battleship. In all cases, the Commando GN-X is intended to remain mated to the attack unit during approaches or for high-speed assaults and ejecting it for close-range battles where greater maneuverability is required. After being ejected, the attack unit can be remotely recalled to the Commando GN-X or a friendly vessel or mothership nearby if required to do so. Because the attack unit is able to store a large amount of condensed particles and transfer them to the mobile suit, the Commando GN-X lacks the large particle storage tanks and supplementary GN verniers that earlier GN-Xs used - the deletion of the large X-shaped components was necessary to allow docking with the attack unit, but also significantly reduces the mobile suit's overall weight, making the Commando GN-X very light and nimble on its feet or in aerial maneuvers. On paper, the Commando GN-X is a very powerful and effective weapon, with excellent firepower and speed while mated to the attack unit and lightning-quick handling and close-combat ability on its own. However, it does require a high degree of skill to properly utilize both weapons - knowing when to detach from the attack unit and when or if to recall it can be a crucial part of maximizing the mobile suit's combat capability, and inopportune use of the GN stealth system can be just as disorganizing to friendly forces as it can to the enemy. To wit, the Commando GN-X is only employed by Union special task forces and other groups who require its various unique features, and will likely never see general adoption among the regular armed forces.
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