RB-79 Ball

Model number: RB-79
Code name: Ball
Unit type: combat support mobile pod
Manufacturer: Earth Federation Forces
Operator: Earth Federation Forces
Rollout: UC 0079
First deployment: UC 0079
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in body
Dimensions: overall height 12.8 meters
Weight: empty 17.2 metric tons; max gross 25.0 metric tons
Armor materials: unknown
Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 400 kW
Propulsion: rocket thrusters: 24,000 kg total
Performance: 180-degree turn time 2.2 seconds
Equipment and design features: sensors, range 4,000 meters
Fixed armaments: 180mm recoilless cannon, mounted on body
Optional fixed armaments: 2 x machine gun, mounted on arms

With the Earth Federation Forces on the offensive and taking the war to the Principality of Zeon’s home territory, the EFF needed to field more guns to support its somewhat limited number of RGM-79 GM mobile suit units. Their answer was to refit approximately 1,200 civilian model SP-W03 Space Pods with armor plating and a 180mm recoilless cannon. Despite their limited firepower and low maneuverability, the EFF deployed this RB-79 Ball as mobile fleet defense units, protecting ships while the GM mobile suits went on the attack. The EFF also produced several variants throughout the war, including the RB-79C, RB-79F, RB-79G, RB-79K, RB-79[M] and RB-79M models. Although the Ball became obsolete once the EFF developed more GM variants, the C-type Ball remained in service as late as UC 0083 when Zeon’s Delaz Fleet launched Operation Stardust.

Pilot(s): Hiden, Chiba, Paul Mercury
First appearance: Mobile Suit Gundam
Original mechanical designer: Kunio Okawara (Mobile Suit Gundam version)

Rear view (Version 1)