RB-79N Fisheye – MechaBay

The RB-79N Fisheye was a variant of the standard Ball deployed by the Earth Federation designed for underwater combat.

The “N” variant code denoted it as the naval variation of the RB-79.

History

See also: History of RB-79 Ball

The One Year War began with the Earth Federation at a severe disadvantage, lacking mobile suits to counter Zeon’s advanced forces. Though the Federation developed the RX-78-2 Gundam, its high costs prevented mass production. Even their standard RGM-79 GM was not manufactured fast enough for widespread deployment.

The Fisheye was developed in early UC 0079 specifically to counter Zeon’s growing U-Type Submarine fleet and MS-06M Zaku Marine Type units. As an underwater variant of the Ball series, it used the advantage of its small size and high speed to make hit-and-run attacks against Zeon naval forces.

In August UC 0079, a significant battle occurred when the experimental QEX-04M Aegir, operated by the 603rd Evaluation Unit, attacked a Federation supply fleet. The ensuing confrontation pitted the Aegir against the 666 Unit, culminating in the mutual destruction of both units. This battle marked a turning point in underwater combat strategy.

Following these encounters, the Federation shifted its naval strategy to focus on harbor defense, as Zeon’s aquatic mobile suits and mobile armors proved increasingly dangerous in underwater combat. The Fisheye’s attack role was gradually taken over by more advanced units like the RAG-79 Aqua GM, RAG-79-G1 Gundam Marine Type, and later the RX-77AQ Guncannon Aqua.

Despite being superseded in frontline combat, the Fisheye remained in Earth Federation Force service well after the War, with some units still seeing combat as late as UC 0083.

Design

See also: Design of RB-79 Ball

The RB-79N Fisheye was developed as an underwater variant of the standard RB-79 Ball mobile pod. The Federation chose the Ball for this modification due to its inherent airtight construction, making it an ideal candidate for underwater operations.

The Fisheye underwent extensive modifications to adapt to underwater combat conditions. Engineers increased the generator output to 425 W,from the standard Ball’s 400 kW.

The most visible change was the replacement of the dual thrusters with a single large propeller that delivered 29 knots of speed, complemented by four stabilizers for improved underwater maneuverability.

A powerful searchlight was installed beneath the cockpit to aid in deep-water operations. The unit’s manipulator arms were significantly enlarged to enhance its melee combat capabilities, while the standard 180 mm cannon was replaced with a twin harpoon launcher, better suited for underwater engagement.

The Fisheye’s design prioritized combat effectiveness over operational range, resulting in limited cruising capabilities. To compensate for this limitation, these units were typically deployed from larger vessels such as submarines or aircraft carriers. This operational constraint actually proved advantageous, as it allowed the Fisheye to conserve power for combat operations while being rapidly transported to engagement zones by their carrier vessels.

Experienced pilots often enhanced their units with camouflage paint schemes. The notorious 666 Unit even adorned their Fisheyes with mermaid emblems and their squadron number to instill fear in their opponents.

Armament

Unlike its space counterparts, the Fisheye was equipped with specialized underwater weaponry. Since beam weapons were ineffective underwater, the Fisheye was equipped with harpoons and claws.

Harpoons

The Fisheye had a twin harpoon launcher, commonly known as the Long Spear system. This weapon was specifically chosen due to the ineffectiveness of beam weapons underwater during the early stages of the One Year War.

The launcher could fire multiple harpoon-s in rapid succession, providing both range and penetrating power against enemy submarines and aquatic mobile suits. These were particularly effective against the hulls of Zeon’s U-Type submarines, allowing Fisheye units to execute quick strike missions without prolonged engagement.

Claws

Complementing its ranged weaponry, the Fisheye had enlarged manipulator arms featuring reinforced combat claws. These were designed for both utility and close-quarter combat, capable of tearing through enemy armor plating and submarine hulls.

When combined with the unit’s superior maneuverability and small profile, these melee weapons made the Fisheye particularly deadly in ambush scenarios. Veteran pilots often used the claws in conjunction with the unit’s powerful searchlight, blinding enemy units before closing in for devastating close-range attacks.

Variants

Behind the scenes

Yanase Takayuki is the original mechanical designer.

Appearances

Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO 603

External links

RB-79N Fisheye on Gundam Wiki
RB-79N Fisheye on MAHQ