MS-06A Zaku II First Mass Production Type

The MS-06A Zaku II First Mass Production Type was the first mass production general purpose mobile suit produced by Zeonic for the Principality of Zeon. It was developed from the MS-05B Zaku I.

The “MS” in the type code indicated that it was a mobile suit. The “06” model number denoted that it was the sixth design of this type, and the “A” variant code identified it as the first variant in the famous Zaku II line. It is often referred to as the A Type Zaku II.

History

As part of its military buildup for the anticipated war against the Earth Federation, the Principality of Zeon embarked on an ambitious mobile weapons programme and began developing an improved version of its first combat-capable mobile suit, the MS-05B Zaku I.

The Zeonic did not rest on its laurels despite the success of the Zaku I, especially with the knowledge that the EMS-04 Zudah produced by rival Zimmad had proved to be superior to the Zaku I design. Only the disintegration of the Zudah during a trial kept it from being chosen for mass production by the Zeon brass.

Zeonic completed the first MS-06A Zaku II in August UC 0077 at its Zum City factory. The mobile suit underwent mock combat training from December UC 0077 through January UC 0078. Project director Kycilia Zabi deemed the MS-06A insufficient, leading to further improvements that resulted in the mass-produced MS-06C and iconic MS-06F models.

Many of the MS-06A units used for testing were later upgraded to the MS-06C version. A handful remained in service as training units for Zeon’s first batches of mobile suit pilots, including future aces like Char Aznable and the Black Tri-Stars. Pilots who graduated from training traditionally carved their names into the seat of their training mobile suit.

Design

The MS-06A Zaku II First Mass Production Type was developed as an improved version of the MS-05B Zaku I. While retaining many similarities to its predecessor, it featured several notable improvements.

Zeonic increased the armor protection and enhanced the thrusters to provide better mobility than the Zaku I. The MS-06A also received an improved sensor package and a more powerful thermonuclear reactor.

Its power transmission pipes were fixed and contained within the armor plating, occuping significant internal space and making upgrading the generator or replacing components a complicated process. The limb structures were also complex due to the internalized power system.

These pipes were exposed in the Zaku II to improve efficiency and significantly reduced maintenance and repair times.

The Zaku I had poor performance, something made more evident after it was outperformed by the EMS-04 Zudah. Zeonic equipped the Zaku II with a more powerful generator.

Armaments

To simplify production, the MS-06A used the same armaments as the Zaku I—a machine gun and a Zaku bazooka. Since Zeon leadership did not anticipate close combat situations, and with the nuclear weapon-equipped MS-06C in development, the A Type was never equipped with a Heat Hawk.

120 mm machine gun

The electrically-operated ZMP-50D machine gun was developed specifically for the Zaku II line. It was drum-fed with 100 rounds per drum. It did not require power to be fired. However, that reduced its effectiveness against heavy armour.

280 mm Zaku bazooka

The H&L-SB21K/280 mm A-N(Anti-ship Nuclear) Zaku bazooka was an artillery armament that fired hull-piercing explosive rounds. It was designed for use against enemy ships.

It could only take one front-loaded round each time. Due to the method of reloading and the low ammunitions capacity, the pilot had to be very tactful in using it. A magazine of four rounds was stored on the side hip armour.

The bazooka was clasped on the rear waist armour when not in use.

Known pilots

• Rubence Bamcheves
• Cima Garahau

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer.

Appearances

• MSV (Mobile Suit Variation)

External links

• MS-06A Zaku II First Mass Production Type on the Gundam Wiki
• MS-06A Zaku II on MAHQ