Model number:Â RB-79
Code name:Â Ball
Unit type:Â combat support mobile pod
Manufacturer:Â Earth Federation Forces
Operator:Â Earth Federation Forces
Rollout:Â UC 0079
First deployment:Â UC 0079
Accommodation:Â pilot only, in standard cockpit in body
Dimensions:Â overall height 12.8 meters
Weight:Â empty 17.2 metric tons; max gross 25.0 metric tons
Armor materials:Â unknown
Powerplant:Â Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 400 kW
Propulsion:Â rocket thrusters: 24,000 kg total
Performance:Â 180-degree turn time 2.2 seconds
Equipment and design features:Â sensors, range 4,000 meters
Fixed armaments:Â 180mm recoilless cannon, mounted on body
Optional fixed armaments:Â 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)
Director(s):
Yoshiyuki Tomino
Ryoji Fujiwara (movie 1)
Writer(s):
Yoshiyuki Tomino
Masaru Yamamoto
Kenichi Matsuzaki
Yoshihisa Araki
Hiroyuki Hoshiyama
Mechanical Designer(s):
Kunio Okawara
Yoshiyuki Tomino
Character Designer:
Yoshikazu Yasuhiko
Musical Composer(s):
Yuji Matsuyama
Takeo Watanabe
Format:
43 episodes; 3 compilation movies
Airdates:
Japan 04.07.1979 – 01.26.1980
U.S. 07.23.2001 – 09.12.2001
Theatrical Release:
Japan 03.14.1981 – 03.13.1982
MAHQ is now officially on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mahqdotnet.bsky.social.
Our future on this cursed app is unclear, but expect more posts over there.
Cutaway diagram of the VF-1J Valkyrie Fighter Mode from “This is Animation Special: Macross Plus”(1995). Larger versions on my DA profile:
https://www.deviantart.com/marchly/art/Macross-VF-1J-Valkyrie-Cutaway-Diagram-detailed-973372931
https://www.deviantart.com/marchly/art/Macross-VF-1J-Valkyrie-Cutaway-Diagram-clean-973371729
Art by Kiyomi Tanaka. Original concept by unknown Macross fan. Image built by me
#Gundamn278; Next Episode! With our special guest, Sophia, we finally tackle the second half of the latest chapter of the #Gundam Franchise; #WitchFromMercury! Join us live on 07/20/2023 @ 10:15 p EDT! #MAHQ #Mecha #Anime #Podcast #G_Witch
Live Stream: https://youtube.com/live/fqw4pnuOYF4?feature=share
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