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MA-08 Big Zam

Prototype anti-fortress mobile armor developed by the Principality of Zeon.
Jenxi Seow Published 15 Oct 2013 Updated 7 Feb 2025
MA-08 Big Zam

The MA-08 Big Zam was a prototype anti-fortress mobile armor developed by the Principality of Zeon during the One Year War. It was one of the largest and most powerful mobile weapons of its time.

The “MA” in the type code indicated it was a mobile armor. The “08” model number denoted it was the eighth design for this type.

History

The Big Zam emerged from Zeon’s renewed interest in mobile armor development, following the MA-05 Bigro. Developed at A Baoa Qu, it was originally intended for the attack on Jaburo, with plans for a company of mass-produced units to capture the Federation headquarters. However, only one prototype was completed.

Gihren Zabi assigned the Big Zam to Solomon as its last line of defense. On 24 December UC 0079, during the Battle of Solomon, Dozle Zabi deployed in the Big Zam with two co-pilots. The mobile armor proved devastating, destroying multiple RGM-79 GM units, RB-79 Ball units, and several battleships.

The Big Zam’s rampage ended when it faced the RX-78-2 Gundam piloted by Amuro Ray. Docked with the G-Fighter piloted by Sleggar Law, Amuro penetrated the I-field barrier and severely damaged the mobile armor’s undercarriage before destroying it with the Gundam’s beam saber.

Design

The Big Zam represented the pinnacle of Zeon’s mobile armor technology, emphasizing overwhelming firepower and defense over mobility. Its massive frame housed four Minovsky ultracompact fusion reactors, each generating 35,000 kW of power to support its extensive weapons systems and I-field barrier.

The cockpit block in the upper torso accommodated three crew members: a commander, pilot, and gunner. While designed for a full crew, the mobile armor could operate with a single pilot supported by computer systems.

A significant limitation was its operating time—the powerful reactors and I-field generator produced excessive heat, restricting full combat operations to less than 20 minutes before requiring cooldown.

I-field barrier generator

The Big Zam featured an I-field barrier generator that created an energy field capable of deflecting beam weapons. However, this defense had two significant weaknesses: it couldn’t stop physical projectiles, and beam weapons could still be effective at point-blank range within the barrier’s boundary.

Armaments

The Big Zam’s standard weapons included a large mega particle gun for its primary armament, supplemented by anti-aircraft mega particle guns and air-to-air missiles for defense.

Large mega particle gun

The centerpiece of the Big Zam’s arsenal was a massive mega particle gun mounted in its torso. Drawing enormous power from the four fusion reactors, it could fire a beam capable of destroying multiple battleships in a single shot, making it one of the most powerful weapons of the One Year War.

Anti-aircraft mega particle guns

Twenty-eight anti-aircraft mega particle guns encircled the Big Zam’s torso, providing 360-degree defense against mobile suits and other small, agile targets. This layout created a nearly impenetrable defense zone, though it left blind spots directly above and below the mobile armor.

Air-to-air missiles

Six massive air-to-air missiles, disguised as claws on the legs, protected the Big Zam’s undercarriage. Each missile was nearly the size of a mobile suit and relied on kinetic impact rather than explosives, crushing enemies through sheer mass.

105 mm vulcan guns

A pair of 105 mm vulcan guns mounted in the main body covered blind spots not protected by the mega particle guns. These were the first vulcan guns used in a Zeon mobile weapon, though they were primarily effective against missiles and lightly armored targets rather than mobile suits.

Known pilots

  • Dozle Zabi
  • Meyer
  • Gallus Goldine
  • Bazuli
  • Tsukasa Shiba

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer.

Variants

  • MA-04L Big Zam L Type
  • MA-08-2 Big Zam Kai
  • MA-08R Big Zam
  • MA-08S Big Zam Zabi Family Custom
  • MA-09 Mass Production Type Big Zam

Appearances

Anime

Games

  • Gundam: The Battle Master
  • Gundam: Battle Assault
  • Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs Zeon DX
  • Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space
  • Gundam Battle Assault 2
  • Mobile Suit Gundam: Pilot’s Locus
  • Mobile Suit Gundam: Spirits of Zeon Dual Stars of Carnage
  • Mobile Suit Gundam: Climax UC