Different models of shield during and after OYW.

[False Prophet]

So, I notice that the Gundam and the standard GM are mainly depicted with that one-piece looking, flat red shields. But then there the GM variants (like the GM Command), all of which belonged to the later part of the war, using a convex shield with two prongs at the bottom (possibly taking inspiration from the Gundam Ground Type's Shield.)

But interestingly enough, the GM II later on still use the GM's flat shield. And by this point, if you look at it, designs of shield had become hybrid of these two notion: A shield with a body not too curve, having prongs at the bottom, etc (Like the Gundam 7th's shield.) Of course, there is exceptions, for example, the Gundam MK-II uses a model not unliek that of the GM Command.

So, do you think of the change of shield design signify anything?

[Arsarcana]

One can probably explain the GM II having the original GM shield as its default equipment in real-world terms because it was created next and the various GM series machines that come alongside/in-between the two in-universe were developed later. From an in-universe perspective I imagine it has to do with coverage and possibly pilot skill/preference. Since the standard shield is bigger and heavier it offers more protection but also affects mobility more, so a better pilot might opt for a smaller one (we see the GM II is also able to equip the smaller 'Ground Type' shield) to reduce the mass weighing down the arm and trust in their skill to make effective use of the smaller shield.

Another advantage of the 'Ground Type' shield which later designs tend to share is that the pronged end can be driven into the ground and the shield used as a sort of tripod for the MS' weapons while they're kneeling or prone, giving the suit some protection and the weapon some more stability while firing. And as an added bonus, the reduced cross-section means that the tips of the shields make for more effective ramming weapons in a pinch.

One last thing that comes to mind for things like the GM Command's shield design specifically is mass reduction. Cutting a little bit of armor off the ends and the sides doesn't seriously impact the area the shield protects but it does make the thing lighter.

[Seto Kaiba]

So, I notice that the Gundam and the standard GM are mainly depicted with that one-piece looking, flat red shields. But then there the GM variants (like the GM Command), all of which belonged to the later part of the war, using a convex shield with two prongs at the bottom (possibly taking inspiration from the Gundam Ground Type's Shield.)

But interestingly enough, the GM II later on still use the GM's flat shield. And by this point, if you look at it, designs of shield had become hybrid of these two notion: A shield with a body not too curve, having prongs at the bottom, etc (Like the Gundam 7th's shield.) Of course, there is exceptions, for example, the Gundam MK-II uses a model not unliek that of the GM Command.

So, do you think of the change of shield design signify anything?

The Master Archive books for the RGM-79 series do describe several of the shield models in detail, though there isn't any real indication of why you might choose one shield design over another apart from appropriateness to the unit's mounted weapons and maybe a preference for slightly thicker armor in one design or another.

[JEFFPIATT]

So, I notice that the Gundam and the standard GM are mainly depicted with that one-piece looking, flat red shields. But then there the GM variants (like the GM Command), all of which belonged to the later part of the war, using a convex shield with two prongs at the bottom (possibly taking inspiration from the Gundam Ground Type's Shield.)

But interestingly enough, the GM II later on still use the GM's flat shield. And by this point, if you look at it, designs of shield had become hybrid of these two notion: A shield with a body not too curve, having prongs at the bottom, etc (Like the Gundam 7th's shield.) Of course, there is exceptions, for example, the Gundam MK-II uses a model not unliek that of the GM Command.

So, do you think of the change of shield design signify anything?

The Master Archive books for the RGM-79 series do describe several of the shield models in detail, though there isn't any real indication of why you might choose one shield design over another apart from appropriateness to the unit's mounted weapons and maybe a preference for slightly thicker armor in one design or another.

it could be as simple as the roll out plant and local supply chain. the RGM·S-Sh-WF/S-00109 short shield and the gm sheld both have the option to dock to armor hard-points unlike the Gundam shield that only has a handle.

[False Prophet]

A recent scan from Anaheim Log (https://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/gu ... 0627041502) shows that the GM Type C can use the Nemo's shield. So it seems that logistic factors more than the overall design when it comes to shield.

[Wingnut]

A recent scan from Anaheim Log (https://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/gu ... 0627041502) shows that the GM Type C can use the Nemo's shield. So it seems that logistic factors more than the overall design when it comes to shield.

Slight divergence here, but what are those new things on the inner shoulders/neck?

[PowerdGNFlag]

A recent scan from Anaheim Log (https://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/gu ... 0627041502) shows that the GM Type C can use the Nemo's shield. So it seems that logistic factors more than the overall design when it comes to shield.

Slight divergence here, but what are those new things on the inner shoulders/neck?

Can't really say for sure given the image size but it could only be a vulcan pod or sensor equipment.

[bilbros]

Those devices are called "sensor light".

[JEFFPIATT]

https://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/gu ... pe_C_2.png
this link loads the image at full size. it's logical that as the nemo was meant to reuse GM equipment to save costs that gm units could use nemo equipment if that was what they had at that base.