MS-06JC Zaku II
Ground combat mobile suit mass produced by the Principality of Zeon.
The MS-06JC Zaku II was a ground combat mobile suit mass produced by the Zeonic for the Principality of Zeon. It was an improved variant of the MS-06J Zaku II Ground Type.
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. The “J” variant code identified it as the ground variation in the famous Zaku II line, and the “C” designated it as a customisation of the J Type. It was often referred to as the JC Type Zaku II.
History
The Principality of Zeon embarked on an ambitious mobile weapons programme as part of its preparation for war with the Earth Federation. While the MS-06F Zaku II excelled in space combat, Zeon developed the MS-06J Zaku II Ground Type specifically for Earth-based operations.
Based on pilot feedback from the front lines, Zeon scientists developed the MS-06JC Zaku II as an improved variant of the J Type. The JC Type featured enhanced performance in hot and humid wetlands through improved waterproofing and modifications to its legs for better mobility on soft terrain.
The JC Type saw extensive deployment in Southeast Asia and Australia. The Midnight Fenrir team also used it during their assault on Jaburo. It was eventually succeeded by the MS-06G Zaku II High Mobility Ground Type.
Design
The MS-06JC Zaku II improved upon the ground combat capabilities of the MS-06J Zaku II. Like its predecessor, it omitted the vernier thrusters used in space-based variants. The JC Type featured more powerful thrusters to enhance mobility under Earth’s gravity.
A significant change was the repositioning of the cockpit higher and more centrally in the chest, improving the mobile suit’s center of gravity. The cockpit itself was redesigned with side-mounted control sticks and additional data screens for better battlefield awareness.
The JC Type featured a simplified cockpit hatch mechanism and added a winch-type wire to the upward-opening chest panel for easier pilot entry and exit.
Armaments
The JC Type Zaku II’s standard weapons were the ZMP-50D 120 mm machine gun for ranged combat and a heat hawk for melee engagements.
Three-tube missile pod
Two three-tube missile pods mounted on the legs provided additional firepower. While effective against armored targets, the limited capacity of six missiles total required tactical usage.
120 mm machine gun
The ZMP-50D 120 mm machine gun was developed specifically for the Zaku II line. It used a 100-round drum magazine mounted on the right side. While it did not require power to operate, its effectiveness against heavy armor was limited.
280 mm Zaku bazooka
The H&L-SB21K/280 mm Zaku bazooka fired hull-piercing explosive rounds, primarily designed for anti-ship combat. It front-loaded single rounds, with a four-round magazine stored on the side hip armor. When not in use, it attached to the rear waist armor.
175 mm recoilless rifle
THe ZIM/M·T-K175C 175 mm recoilless rifle was modified from the Magella Attack tank’s main gun for mobile suit use. It excelled in long-range ground combat, capable of firing both high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) and armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding-sabot (APFSDS) rounds.
Heat Hawk
The Heat Hawk was an axe-shaped melee weapon with a super-heated blade powered by the Zaku II’s reactor. It proved effective in close combat and against enemy ships. When not in use, it stored on the waist armor.
Cracker grenade
The MIP-B6 cracker grenade featured six explosive sections that scattered and detonated over a wide area after a set time. A flash-type variant could temporarily disable enemy mobile suit sensors.
Shoulder shield
A large composite armor shield mounted on the right shoulder provided additional protection. Its angled corners formed sloped armor to deflect incoming fire when the mobile suit assumed an optimal attack posture. Southeast Asian units often featured three spikes on the shield for enhanced melee capabilities.
Known pilots
- Norris Packard
- Arth
- Dell
- Fritz Bauer
- Lou Roya
- Charlotte Hepner
- Nikki Roberto
- Sandra
- Stuart
- Jackson
- Borogonov
- Ken Bederstadt
- Garsky
- Jake
- Federico Czariano
Behind the scenes
Okawara Kunio designed the version that appeared in Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team.
The MS-06JC Zaku II was originally intended to be an alternative visual design of the MS-06J Zaku II Ground Type from Mobile Suit Variations. However, due to conflicting technical specifications between the two units, the version from The 08th MS Team was retconned into a new model designation to resolve these inconsistencies.
Appearances
OVA
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team
- Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO: The Hidden One Year War
- Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO 603
Games
- Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: The Blue Destiny
- Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story 0079: Rise from the Ashes
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0079: Zeonic Front
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Lost War Chronicles
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Pilot’s Locus
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Climax UC
External links
- MS-06JC Zaku II on the Gundam Wiki
- MS-06JC Zaku II on MAHQ