DZ-001 Delta Zayin

The DZ-001 Delta Zayin was a transformable mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics for the mercenary organisation Argent Keil in UC 0096. This custom mobile suit served as the signature unit of the shadowy mercenary group and was known for its distinctive silver colouring.

The “DZ” designation combined “Delta” from its lineage and “Zayin”, the seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The “001” indicated it was the first and primary unit of this configuration.

Development history

The Delta Zayin is an advanced iteration of the TMS (Transformable Mobile Suit) MSN-001A1 Delta Plus delivered to Argent Keil by Anaheim Electronics (AE) under a clandestine agreement, utilising non-standard exterior components.

Originally, Anaheim Electronics intended to develop this model using data from the unbuilt MSN-001 Delta Gundam, a design shelved at the blueprint stage. Due to the secretive nature of the agreement between Anaheim Electronics and Argent Keil, the Delta Zayin incorporated numerous non-standard components that distinguished it from conventional Delta series mobile suits.

At Argent Keil’s behest, the upgrades were modified to include a more iconic Gundam-style head, close-combat enhancements to the primary weapon, and advanced defensive systems featuring an I-field and psycho-frame.

Design features

Frame and construction

A modified Delta Plus unit provided by Anaheim Electronics to Argent Keil. Due to the circumstances of the secret agreement, non-standard parts are used for the machine’s exterior. The mobile suit retained the basic transformable frame of the Delta Plus whilst incorporating significant modifications.

The head was diverted from a prototype unit from a different project, the armour shape was based on data from a phantom machine that was halted in the design stage, and a new exclusive shield has been prepared.

Signature colouring

It is painted in silver, the symbol of Argent Keil. This distinctive metallic silver finish became the signature characteristic of all Argent Keil mobile suits, earning the organisation recognition across the Earth Sphere.

These changes elevated the suit’s symbolic role as an organisational emblem and aligned with the combat style of its intended Newtype pilot, Fixzi Fix.

Transformation capability

Like its Delta Plus predecessor, the Delta Zayin retained the ability to transform into Wave Rider mode for high-speed atmospheric and space flight. Can transform into Wave Rider by swapping parts. This transformation capability provided exceptional mobility and tactical flexibility.

Performance

The Delta Zayin was powered by a Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, though specific output ratings remain classified. The mobile suit’s performance characteristics were optimised for the combat requirements of mercenary operations, emphasising versatility and reliability.

Armaments

Fixed armaments

Vulcan guns

A standard armament for many Federation mobile suits. The pair of head-mounted Vulcan guns to serve as a mid-close range defensive weapon. While they do little damage against the armour of a mobile suit, they are useful for shoot down incoming missiles, small attack vehicles, or to deter closing in enemy machines.

Beam sabers

The beam saber is the standard close-combat weapon of many mobile suits, it emits a blade of plasma contained by an I-field that can cut through any physical armour not treated to resist it. The Delta Zayin’s beam sabers also double as beam guns when the suit is in waverider mode.

Two Beam Sabers are mounted inside the shield.

Handheld weapons

Beam rifle

The Delta Zayin was equipped with a standard beam rifle for ranged combat. Beam Rifle can be mounted on the back using the Backpack joint. This weapon provided effective firepower against enemy mobile suits and could be stowed when not in use.

Psycho-frame shield

The Delta Zayin’s most distinctive feature was its advanced shield system. In addition to standard beam defenses, the shield is equipped with an I-Field generator capable of boosting defensive capabilities. Furthermore, the shield is equipped with psycho-frame external panels designed to synchronise with a Newtype pilot; when activated, the psycho-frame panels slide out from the bottom sides and center of shield and glow red.

When psycho-frame armaments are activated, the shield can be remotely controlled in a similar fashion to a funnel, able to be deftly controlled at extreme speeds and use its equipped weapons to fire beam projectiles. The “blades” of the shield when unfolded can also be applied offensively, able to pierce through the hulls of Mobile Suits with ease.

Glowing Psycho-Frame built into the newly modelled shield can be displayed in a glowing state by swapping parts. Central Funnel Unit can be moved to recreate the funnel form and I-Field deployment state.

Operational history

The Delta Zayin served as the primary mobile suit of Argent Keil, a mercenary organisation that operated independently of both the Earth Federation and Neo Zeon forces. The mobile suit was originally intended to be piloted by Fixzi Fix, a skilled Newtype pilot who had joined Argent Keil.

During the events of UC 0096, the Delta Zayin was piloted by an unnamed protagonist who became involved in a complex assassination mission targeting a high-ranking Federation official. The mission would ultimately lead to revelations about the pilot’s own past and their connection to the Axis Shock incident three years earlier.

The mobile suit’s psycho-frame technology proved crucial during combat, allowing the pilot to awaken their latent Newtype abilities and gain the upper hand against overwhelming odds.

Known pilots

Fixzi Fix - Original intended Newtype pilot who died before operational deployment
Unnamed protagonist - The player character who awakened their Newtype abilities whilst piloting the Delta Zayin

Variants

The Delta Zayin represented a unique branch in the evolution of the Delta series, incorporating technologies and design philosophies that would influence future mercenary and paramilitary mobile suit development. Its combination of transformation capability, psycho-frame technology, and distinctive aesthetics made it a standout design among UC 0096-era mobile suits.

As the Greek letter zeta can be traced back to zayin, the naming “Delta Zayin” could possibly a reference to the fact that Delta series is a part of the Zeta Project.

Behind the scenes

The DZ-001 Delta Zayin was designed by Mika Akitaka for the VR film Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom. The mobile suit served as the protagonist’s primary unit in the interactive virtual reality experience, which was released for Meta Quest platforms in 2024.

The design philosophy behind the Delta Zayin emphasised the mercenary nature of Argent Keil whilst maintaining the technological sophistication expected of Anaheim Electronics products. The silver colour scheme became a defining visual element of the Silver Phantom narrative.