Model number: ZGMF-1017M
Code name: GINN Hi-Mobility Type
Unit type: limited production high maneuverability mobile suit
Manufacturer(s): PLANT Asimov Design Bureau
Operator(s): numerous
First deployment: UC 216
Retired: UC 218
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso
Dimensions: overall height 21.3 meters
Armor materials: low-density ceramic composite
Powerplant: high-efficiency battery unit; some later models outfitted with ultracompact nuclear or fusion reactor, output range 1450 - 1700 kW
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown
Fixed armaments: heavy sword, stored on waist, hand-carried in use; 76mm machine carbine, magazine-fed, 40 rounds per magazine, stored on rear waist, hand-carried in use
Optional hand armaments: 27mm experimental anti-amor rifle, magazine-fed, 120 rounds per magazine, can mount heavy sword as bayonet; beam rifle, 20 round charge

Technical and Historical Notes

With the outbreak of war between the major post-Interregnum governments of the Earth Sphere, most began accelerated developments of newer and more capable mobile suit designs. ZAFT's GINN was one such mobile suit, serving as the base model for a number of newer and more capable versions and follow-on models.

The GINN Hi-Mobility Type began as a testbed for certain in-development technologies that would later be applied to ZAFT's METEOR mobile suit enhancement unit, but when it became clear that an extremely capable weapon had been created, the Asimov Design Bureau was given the go-ahead to produce limited numbers for use by commando units and other experienced pilots. Overall, the standard GINN's body has been modified to mount a significantly more capable array of thrusters and motors, including four miniaturized "lightwave engines" of the same type used on the METEOR. This provides the Hi-Mobility Type with an incredible level of both acceleration and maneuvering ability - in spite of the significantly greater level of control offered by their Coordinator pilots, ZAFT was still forced to issue G-suits and install software limiters in the GINNs much as the Earth Sphere Alliance had to do for its own extremely mobile Taurus. In the end, ZAFT opted instead to push for the development of an entirely new series of mobile suits, and the Hi-Mobility Type was quietly removed from service.

Because of the unusual shape of its body and the giant "lightwave engine" thrusters, the Hi-Mobility Type is only able to arm some of the basic GINN's handheld weaponry. Initially, it was also armed with an experimental anti-armor rifle, a design offshoot of the similar sub-caliber rifle used by the Ocher GINN emphasizing a fast rate of fire and excellent armor penetration over pure destructive power. To better equip the mobile suit for extremely fast attacks, the standard heavy sword could be mounted under the anti-armor rifle like an oversized bayonet, allowing the Hi-Mobility Type to instantly produce a melee attack, particularly effective as part of a high-speed strike. Later versions of the GINN, specifically those modified to utilize a reactor power supply, could also be equipped with a fairly standard beam rifle, although these never saw combat under ZAFT's flag.

After the climactic end of the Space War in UC 224, PLANT and Cloud Nine formally normalized relations, and ZAFT was disbanded later that year. Of particular consequence was the loss of the military PLANT where METEORs were built, which also effectively ended the supply of replacement parts for the Hi-Mobility Type as well, resulting in most being sold off as surplus after the war. A limited number have turned up in the hands of renegade forces operating in space, especially the Lee's Longknives group based in the former asteroid base Artemis. By the present date, how many remain in operation is unknown, but it is likely that those that remain are functioning solely on the providence of other Hi-Mobility Types being cannibalized for parts.

Lineart

27mm anti-armor rifle
76mm machine carbine
Beam rifle
Head detail
Heavy sword
Lightwave engines
Rear view