General and Technical Data Model number: RB-79Code name: BallUnit type: combat support mobile podManufacturer: Earth Federation ForcesOperator: Earth Federation ForcesRollout: UC 0079First deployment: UC 0079Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in bodyDimensions: overall height 12.8 metersWeight: empty 17.2 metric tons; max gross 25.0 metric tonsPowerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 400 kWPropulsion: rocket thrusters: 24000 kg totalPerformance: 180-degree turn time 2.2 seconds Equipment and design features: sensors, range 4000 metersFixed armaments: 180mm recoilless cannon, mounted on body Technical and Historical Notes With the Earth Federation Forces on the offensive and taking the war to the Principality of Zeon's home territory, the Federation Forces need to field more guns to support its somewhat limited number of RGM-79 GM mobile suit units. Their answer is to refit approximately 1200 civilian-model space construction SP-W03 Mobile Pods with armor plating and a 180mm recoilless cannon. Despite their limited firepower and low maneuverability, the Federation Forces deploy this RB-79 Ball as mobile fleet defense units, protecting the Federation's ships while the GM mobile suits go on the attack. The Federation also produces several variants throughout the war, including the RB-79C, RB-79F, RB-79K and RB-79M models. Although the Ball becomes obsolete once the Federation develops more GM variants, the C-type Ball remains in service as late as UC 0083 when Zeon's Delaz Fleet launches Operation Stardust.