Japanese model manufacturer Wave and Chinese model manufacturer Orange Cat Industry have officially announced their jointly developed new model kit from the popular light novel series "Full Metal Panic!". The "ARX-8 Laevatein & XL-3 Emergency Deployment Booster Final Battle Specification" is slated for release in July 2026.
Following Mithril's development failures and the death of chief developer Baly Morata, the ARX-8, successor to the ARX-7 Arbalest, was never supposed to exist. However, the AI "AL" aboard protagonist Sousuke Sagara's Arbalest, dissatisfied after its defeat by Leonard's Belial, redesigned the ARX-8. It named the new unit "Laevatein," and with the assistance of Hunter Gubin, Mira Kudan, and others, the machine was finally completed.
This unit boasts unprecedented, overwhelming power and can wield a vast array of armaments via support arms beneath its shoulders. However, the side effects include massive heat generation and a reduced operational endurance of just 30 hours. Upon activating the Lambda Driver, "heat sink cables" resembling a ponytail emerge from its head, and its shoulders can mount "Fairy's Feather" equipment, which nullifies the Lambda Drivers of surrounding units.
The jointly developed "ARX-8 Laevatein & XL-3 Emergency Deployment Booster Final Battle Specification" model kit stands approximately 24 cm tall at 1/35 scale. Its design is based on official concept art and its appearance in the series, assembled from over 1300 parts. In addition to multi-colored molded parts, it includes pre-painted metallic and gradient-colored components, allowing for a highly accurate out-of-box build. An included LED unit enables the eyes and cockpit screen to light up.
Beyond its impressive size, the model boasts high-density detailing and extensive articulation. Included water-slide decals allow for the reproduction of the unit's markings on its exterior armor. The surrounding armor panels feature interlocking mechanisms that move with each joint, enabling dynamic and natural combat poses. The internal articulated frame is constructed from various gray and metallic parts, showcasing intricate mechanical details and truss structures. Furthermore, numerous exterior armor panels across the body feature deployment gimmicks, allowing the kit to display the internal frame as if undergoing maintenance.
The incredibly rich array of weapon accessories includes the "XL-3 Emergency Deployment Booster," "165mm Multi-Purpose Demolition Howitzer," "76mm Shotgun," "40mm Assault Rifle x2," "Wire Gun x2," "20mm Gatling Gun," "Black Mamba Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles," "Monomolecular Cutter," "Anti-Tank Dagger," "Fairy's Feather," "Heat Sink Cables," a dedicated display stand, and an articulated Sousuke Sagara pilot figure (in pilot suit). This comprehensive set allows collectors to recreate the Laevatein's Final Battle Specification, fully equipped with its flight unit and extensive armaments.
ARX-8 Laevatein & XL-3 Emergency Deployment Booster Final Battle Specification
Suggested Retail Price: First-run limited special price 14,300 JPY (tax included)
Release Date: July 2026
Product Specifications: 1/35 Scale Model Kit, Approximately 240mm Tall
©Shoji Gatoh・Shiki Douji／KADOKAWA／FMP!4