Xamel
The YMS-16M Xamel is a prototype long-range support heavy mobile suit from the Principality of Zeon, featured in works such as the OVA series Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory. Developed near the end of the One Year War at the California Base, it features a massive build significantly larger than standard units and carries a signature heavy cannon folded on its back. During the Delaz Conflict, a surviving unit was deployed by the Delaz Fleet to deliver devastating long-range bombardment.
Overview
The YMS-16M Xamel is a prototype long-range support heavy mobile suit from the Principality of Zeon, featured in works such as the OVA series Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory. Developed near the end of the One Year War at the California Base, it features a massive build significantly larger than standard units and carries a signature heavy cannon folded on its back. During the Delaz Conflict, a surviving unit was deployed by the Delaz Fleet to deliver devastating long-range bombardment.
Appearance
Standing at a head height of 27.0 meters with a base weight of 75.0 metric tons and a full load of 121.5 metric tons, the Xamel possesses a massive trapezoidal silhouette featuring a single red eye unit. Mounted on its back is a massive 680mm cannon that folds when transported and unfolds for firing. Its body also incorporates a shoulder-mounted 8-tube missile launcher, a 20mm vulcan gun, thermonuclear jet engines in its legs for hover movement, and a tandem two-seater cockpit.
Abilities
The Xamel specializes in extreme long-range bombardment using its primary 680mm cannon, capable of destroying fortified command posts in a single shot. Its complex weapons control is managed via a two-seater cockpit accommodating a pilot in front and a gunner in back, though it can be switched to single-pilot operation. Utilizing thermonuclear jet engines in its legs, it achieves hover movement at speeds up to 220 km/h despite its size. Its close-range armament is limited to a shoulder 8-tube missile launcher and a 20mm vulcan gun; while technically compatible with beam sabers, in actual combat it relies on physical tackles, leaving it vulnerable in melee engagement and dependent on spotter units for precision fire under Minovsky particle dispersion.
Background
Developed late in the One Year War as a long-range artillery machine inheriting elements from the YMT-05 Hildolfr, only three units were reportedly produced. Following the war, one unit operated by Zeon remnants eventually joined the Delaz Fleet. Piloted by Lieutenant Bob, it participated in the assault on the Earth Federation's Torrington Base, wiping out its command structure from afar. It subsequently covered the retreat during the theft of the Gundam GP02A, holding off pursuing forces before being defeated in close-quarters combat.
Relationships
Lieutenant Bob of the Delaz Fleet served as the pilot of the Xamel. During the raid on Torrington Base, the unit acted alongside Dom Tropen forces as a rearguard to buy time and cover the escape of Anavel Gato after he hijacked the RX-78GP02A Gundam GP02A Physalis.
Trivia
During the initial draft design stage, the unit was designated as the Melza Un Kanone. Weapons and derivative concepts based on the unit have appeared across various side stories and related media, including the standalone Xamel Cannon reused by other mobile suits, as well as variant machines like the Rhinoceros and Super Xamel.