MS-06F-2 Zaku II F2
Prototype general purpose mobile suit developed by Zeonic for the Principality of Zeon.
The MS-06F-2 Zaku II F2 was a prototype general purpose mobile suit developed by Zeonic for the Principality of Zeon. It served as the late production variant of the MS-06F Zaku II, designed specifically for anti-mobile suit combat.
The “MS” in the model code designated it as a mobile suit, whilst the “06” indicated it was the sixth mobile suit design in the Zeon military’s development programme. The “F” indicated it was a fighter type optimised for space combat, and the “2” suffix denoted it as the second variant in the F-type series.
History
During the One Year War, the Principality of Zeon military introduced the mobile suit, a new combat weapon for a new type of war. The most heavily mass-produced and most well-known mobile suit model built during the war was the MS-06F Zaku II, and its combat role versatility and easy-to-master controls made it popular among mobile suit pilots. Midway through the war, the Zeonic introduced an upgraded version of the Zaku II, the MS-06F-2, or F2-type.
The F2 Type was the late production variant of the MS-06F Zaku II. Based on the operation data of its predecessor, the F2’s design concept was to revise the Zaku II for anti-mobile suit combat - something that was not accounted for in mobile suit design until the MS-07B Gouf - by reducing its weight and increasing its thruster output.
The F2 was lighter, making it more fuel efficient and giving it a longer flight time, and it sported an upgraded, more powerful generator. The armor protecting the cockpit was also improved, as well as its overall performance, putting it on a more equal footing with the Earth Federation Forces’ RGM-79 GM.
Following the end of the One Year War, many F2 units remained undeployed and became resources for Zeon remnants. Some units were also requisitioned by the Earth Federation Forces, who operated them in their distinctive green livery as aggressor units for training purposes.
Design
The MS-06F-2 Zaku II F2 incorporated several key improvements over its predecessor. Since the F Type’s armor around the cockpit hatch was fragile, the F2 Type featured a redesigned chest armor, which became its most distinctive feature compared to other models of the same series. This modification significantly enhanced pilot survivability in combat.
Since a portion of the F2 Type was produced after the implementation of the United Maintenance Plan, these units share the same unified cockpit design as well as some parts as other second phase production type mobile suits. These units were easier to pilot than existing mobile suits, and were popular among new recruits and cadets.
The mobile suit featured an upgraded Minovsky fusion reactor with an output of 986 kW, providing improved power generation over the standard F-type. Its total thrust output of 53,400 kg was distributed across multiple thruster systems, giving it enhanced manoeuvrability in combat.
Armaments
The Zaku II F2’s standard weapons were the MMP-78 machine gun for ranged attacks and optional missile pods for additional firepower.
MMP-78 machine gun
The MMP-78 was a late production model Zaku Machine Gun. This was the primary weapon of the MS-06F-2 Zaku II F2 Type. For increased maintainability on the field, it was structured so that all of its parts could be swapped out. In addition to the usual 120mm drum magazine, it could be loaded with a vertical magazine for anti-air shells. It could also be fitted with an underslung grenade launcher. Its drum magazine held 100 rounds.
The weapon featured a large optical scope for enhanced accuracy and was laser-linked with the Zaku’s monoeye sensor for improved targeting in Minovsky particle-dense environments.
3-tube missile pod
The F2 could mount up to two 3-tube missile pods on its legs, providing additional firepower for engaging multiple targets or area bombardment. These pods carried standard high-explosive warheads and could be jettisoned when empty to reduce weight.
Solid rocket boosters
The F2 could also be fitted with a pair of solid rocket boosters on its backpack, giving it a very brief but tremendous increase in overall thruster output; this option allowed ground-based Zakus to temporarily become airborne to a limited degree, significantly enhancing tactical mobility.
Shield
The shield was mounted on the right shoulder and provided protection against ballistic projectiles and beam weapons. The shield could be positioned to maximise defensive coverage whilst maintaining the mobile suit’s offensive capability.
Behind the scenes
Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer for the base Zaku II design. The F2 variant was later redesigned by Katoki Hajime for Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory.
The Zaku II F2’s name appears to be inspired by the World War II German Tank Panzer IV F2.
Appearances
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space
See also
External links
- MS-06F-2 Zaku II F2 on MAHQ
- MS-06F-2 Zaku II F2 Type on the Gundam Wiki