Kapool

Overview

The Kapool (model number AMX-109) is an amphibious mass-production mobile suit developed by Neo Zeon, featured in Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ and subsequent Universal Century titles. Recognized by its spherical main body, it offers high underwater mobility and pressure resistance. In Turn A Gundam, unearthed units known as the "Kapool" are recovered from mountain ruins and fielded by the Earth Militia.

Appearance

The machine's defining feature is its spherical main body featuring a single eye. Its extendable arms end in heavy claws (Iron Nails) and can retract into the body. The chest armor slides open to the sides to reveal an eight-tube missile launcher, while a Sonic Blast emission port is situated in the abdomen. During underwater travel, it transforms into a compact cruising mode by stowing its arms inside the body and folding its legs. Aside from standard units, a custom silver-painted variant also exists.

Abilities

Its smooth spherical body minimizes water resistance and provides exceptional pressure resistance, allowing for superior mobility underwater. It can reconfigure into a streamlined cruising form by folding its limbs. Its onboard armament includes an eight-tube missile launcher concealed behind sliding chest armor and an abdominal Sonic Blast. For close combat, its claws are sharp and durable enough to pierce Gandarium alloy armor. With modified propulsion systems, it is also capable of operating in zero-gravity space environments.

Background

Developed by Neo Zeon at Axis, the Kapool inherited design concepts from the One Year War's Goggy and Hy-Gogg lines. Because it was engineered in space at Axis, Earth-bound Zeon remnants initially mistrusted its aquatic capabilities, often preferring the Zaku Mariner. During the First Neo Zeon War, it was fielded by figures such as the young fisherman Taman and Phaeton Rafe Argis. Remnant units later joined the attacks on Dakar and Torrington Base in UC 0096. Millennia later in the Correct Century, excavated units were reclaimed by the Earth Militia and piloted by Sochie Heim and Miashei Kune.

Relationships

In Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ, the young fisherman Taman piloted a Kapool passed down from a Neo Zeon commander before destroying it following a conversation with Judau Ashta. Phaeton Rafe Argis operated a custom silver unit. In Turn A Gundam, the unearthed machines were primarily piloted by Earth Militia members Sochie Heim and Miashei Kune.

Trivia

Engineers formerly associated with Zimmad Company are said to have been involved in its development. While its derivative forms—such as the Kapool from Turn A Gundam and the Momokapool from Gundam Build Divers—have received official plastic model kits, the original AMX-109 Kapool design has never been released as an individual model kit.