The RX-78GP03 Gundam "Dendrobium" is the third unit of the Gundam Development Project, and the combination of the mobile suit unit - the RX-78GP03S Gundam "Stamen" - and the armed base "Orchis".
The goal of the Gundam Development Project was to create the most powerful mobile weapon. To that end, Unit 1 focused on maximizing the maneuverability and mobility of a mobile suit, while Unit 2 sought to combine the strongest mobile weapon with the strongest strategic weapon. Finally, Unit 3 sought to combine the versatility of a mobile suit with the heavy firepower of a mobile armor.
Developed for base defense in space, the Gundam "Dendrobium" consisted of two parts: the mobile suit Gundam "Stamen" and the Armed Base "Orchis". The "Orchis" was essentially a massive mobile arsenal, featuring a variety of weapons and allowing the "Dendrobium" to switch to different weapons after deployment for different battle scenarios, from long range to close range combat. In addition to its massive array of weapons, the "Orchis" also boasted impressive mobility thanks to its large propellant capacity, and was able to rival a Zeon mobile armor in combat abilities.