MS-06K Zaku Cannon

The MS-06K Zaku Cannon was an artillery test type mobile suit developed by the Zeonic for the Principality of Zeon. It was later used by the Earth Federation Forces and Zeon Remnants.

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 “K” variant code identified it as the cannon variation in the famous Zaku II line.

History

The Zeonic developed the MS-06K Zaku Cannon at California Base during the One Year War as part of the MS-06J-12 Project. The project initially aimed to create an anti-aircraft variant of the MS-06J Zaku II Ground Combat Type.

When intelligence about the Earth Federation’s RX-77-2 Guncannon reached Zeon, the project shifted focus to developing a mid-range support mobile suit. The resulting Zaku Cannon featured improvements like a 360-degree mono-eye camera and enhanced leg thrusters to handle the increased weight and cannon recoil.

Nine prototype units were constructed at California Base under the command of Ian Graden. His unit featured a distinctive twin-antenna head design that earned it the nickname “rabbit type”. Additional units saw action in Southeast Asia and Australia.

After the war, the Earth Federation acquired several Zaku Cannons and incorporated them into their forces. The Federation particularly relied on these units in UC 0087 after suffering heavy losses against the Delaz Fleet.

In UC 0096, Zeon Remnants deployed at least one Zaku Cannon during their assault on Torrington Base in Australia.

Design

The MS-06K Zaku Cannon was based on the MS-06J Zaku II Ground Combat Type. Its most distinctive feature was the K Type backpack mounting a 180 mm cannon. This backpack could be swapped with a standard J Type backpack when needed.

The mobile suit featured a 360-degree mono-eye camera system for improved target acquisition and vision. Additional thrusters were installed in the legs to compensate for the increased mass and counter the cannon’s recoil. Despite these modifications, the Zaku Cannon struggled with balance issues caused by the powerful recoil of its main weapon.

Armaments

The Zaku Cannon’s standard weapons were a cannon for ranged attacks and a shield for defence. It could be equipped with additional weapons depending on mission requirements.

180 mm cannon

The Zaku Cannon had a high-powered 180 mm cannon mounted on the backpack over the right shoulder served as the main weapon. While it could destroy enemy mobile suits with a single shot, its powerful recoil often disrupted the mobile suit’s balance. This flaw led to the termination of the Zaku Cannon’s development programme.

Shield

A simple shield mounted on the right shoulder provided basic protection against physical projectiles.

Smoke discharger

A two-tube smoke discharger system allowed the Zaku Cannon to deploy smoke screens for concealment, compensating for its limited mobility.

Rocket launcher

The Zaku Cannon could mount two 2-tube rocket launchers on its torso sides. These launchers were magazine-fed and could rapidly fire small-calibre rockets, providing additional firepower against mobile suits and vehicles.

Missile pod

A 3-tube missile pod could be mounted on each leg, giving the Zaku Cannon a total of six missiles. While effective against armored targets, the limited ammunition required careful use in combat.

Known pilots

• Ian Graden
• Alfredino Lam
• Nordit Bauer
• Candor

Variants

• MS-06K Zaku Cannon (Gatling Gun Equipment Type)
• MS-06JK Zaku Half Cannon

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer for the Mobile Suit Variations version. Yamane Kimitoshi later redesigned it for Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team.

Appearances

Anime

• Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
• Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team
• Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn

Games

• Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation 2
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Side Story Missing Link

External links

• MS-06K Zaku Cannon on the Gundam Wiki
• MS-06K Zaku Cannon on MAHQ