Baund Doc
The Baund Doc is a prototype transformable mobile armor featured in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, developed by the Titans' Oakland Research Institute. Designated as NRX-055, it incorporates a psycommu system specifically intended for Newtype and Cyber-Newtype pilots. Characterized by its highly asymmetrical silhouette—pairing a slender upper torso with a massive lower body skirt—the machine is capable of shifting between Mobile Suit and Mobile Armor configurations. Throughout the story, units were assigned to pilots such as Gates Capa, Rosamia Badam, and Jerid Messa.
Overview
The Baund Doc is a prototype transformable mobile armor featured in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, developed by the Titans' Oakland Research Institute. Designated as NRX-055, it incorporates a psycommu system specifically intended for Newtype and Cyber-Newtype pilots. Characterized by its highly asymmetrical silhouette—pairing a slender upper torso with a massive lower body skirt—the machine is capable of shifting between Mobile Suit and Mobile Armor configurations. Throughout the story, units were assigned to pilots such as Gates Capa, Rosamia Badam, and Jerid Messa.
Appearance
In Mobile Suit mode, the machine possesses a uniquely asymmetrical build featuring a streamlined torso contrast with a heavy, rounded lower skirt. Its right arm ends in a massive claw, while the left arm carries a shield equipped with a mono-eye sensor. Three distinct color schemes exist for the units: grey for Unit 1, red for Unit 2, and yellow for Unit 3. Upon transforming into Mobile Armor mode, the upper body folds 90 degrees to the right inside the rear of the skirt armor, the left arm shield serves as the main camera head, and both legs function as claws.
Abilities
Equipped with a psycommu interface, the machine emits psycho-waves that bind the pilot's awareness, placing high strain on the aviator. Because its right arm is built as a claw, hand-held weaponry is restricted to its left manipulator, which holds a compact beam rifle and a beam saber. It carries a high-output scattering mega particle cannon integrated into its shield for wide-area coverage. In Mobile Armor mode, its legs function alongside the right claw as effective melee weapons.
Background
Developed by the Oakland Research Institute based on the Principality of Zeon's former Grublo mobile armor, three Baund Doc units were produced in total. Unit 1 was co-piloted by Gates Capa and Lauren Nakamoto to wirelessly control the Psycho Gundam Mk-II, while Unit 2 was initially assigned to Rosamia Badam. Following her departure, Jerid Messa took control of Unit 2 as his final machine. In the climate of the Gryps Conflict, Jerid engaged Kamille Bidan's Zeta Gundam in combat, ultimately meeting his end when a rifle strike knocked his unit into the exploding wreckage of the battleship Radish.
Relationships
Jerid Messa, Rosamia Badam, and Gates Capa serve as the primary pilots of this unit. Gates Capa operated Unit 1 alongside Lauren Nakamoto in a two-seater setup. Jerid Messa inherited Unit 2 after Rosamia Badam, ultimately using it to clash with Kamille Bidan and his Zeta Gundam during their final confrontation.
Trivia
The machine was designed by mechanical illustrator Makoto Kobayashi. Due to similarities in transformation and model numbers, it is thought to share a conceptual origin with the Rosette TR-4 [Dandelion] from ADVANCE OF Z. Its distinctive layout inspired various later machines across side stories, such as the Muttoo in Turn A Gundam. Pop culture lore notes its debut coincided in 1985 with the release of a hit single by the Japanese band HOUND DOG, leading to fan speculation regarding its naming.
