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Pilot / Francis Backmeyer
Another version of the GM designed for skilled pilots was the Sniper Custom. This high-performance variant featured powerful backpack rockets, supplemental leg thrusters, and an improved generator capable of powering a full-scale beam rifle. To compensate for the new generator's increased heat, extra cooling systems were installed in the Sniper Custom's waist and legs. The end result was a GM that was almost the equal of the RX-78 Gundam, but its high cost meant that fewer than 50 units were produced.
Each Sniper Custom was tuned specifically for its pilot, and there were several different versions of this mobile suit, but the one used by 1st Lieutenant Francis Backmeyer was fairly typical. Backmeyer's heavily-armed Sniper Custom was equipped with a face guard, a fixed beam saber on its left forearm, and attachment points for a bazooka and a couple of spare beam guns.
When armed with a long-range beam rifle, this version was referred to as the "Sniper" type. When used to escort Federation fleets through enemy territory, it was called the "Interceptor" or "Guard" type. The Sniper Custom was also used by Federation special forces for raiding missions against Zeon-occupied space colonies.
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