MS-06M Zaku Marine Type (Marine Hi-Zack) – MechaBay

The MS-06M Zaku Marine Type was a submarine combat mobile suit developed by Zeonic for the Principality of Zeon. Later operated by the Earth Federation Forces and Titans, it was redesignated as the Marine Hi-Zack.

The “MS” in the model code indicated it was a mobile suit, whilst the “06” denoted that it was part of the Zaku II series. The “M” suffix designated it as a marine variant for aquatic operations. Later units were redesignated as MSM-01 when they received the new model number classification for marine mobile suits.

History

As the One Year War dragged on, Zeon began to design several different variations of its standard mobile suits to excel in specific mission roles. The Zeonic created the first amphibious mobile suit, the MS-06M-1 Zaku Marine Type (also called “Zaku Mariner”), based on the MS-06F Zaku II.

Five Zaku Marine Types were built and assigned to the Sea Serpent submarine squadron off the east coast of North America. These initial units served as proof-of-concept machines, demonstrating the viability of underwater mobile suit operations.

Zeon soon began developing all-new, mission-specific amphibious mobile suits afterwards, though the five Zaku Marine Types remained in service to serve as data gathering units. Two more units were built, and these seven units were given the new model number MSM-01 and assigned to the Sea Serpent, Red Dolphin, Naga III, Green Siren and Mandalay submarine squadrons, where they served until the end of the war, although only two or three units actually survived.

After the war, some units were used as late as UC 0087 by the Earth Federation Forces’ elite Titans task force. These MSM-01 units were renamed Marine Hi-Zack, after the mainstay mobile suit of the Titans force, the RMS-106 Hi-Zack. The Zaku Marine Type would later be used by the Earth Federation Forces by 0087, who took the design and modified it with upgrades from modern mobile suits, such as the panoramic cockpit and linear seat.

Because the internals of the Federation owned Zaku Marine Type would be replaced with parts from the much newer and more effective RMS-106 Hi-Zack, it was often nicknamed the Marine Hi-Zack.

Design

The Zeonic created the first amphibious mobile suit, the MS-06M-1 Zaku Marine Type, based on the MS-06F Zaku II. The body was identical to the land-based Zaku, except all of the joints were equipped with waterproof seals, and it mounted hydrojet engines on its backpack, arms, and legs as opposed to standard chemical rocket thrusters.

The marine modifications included complete waterproofing of all joint seals and the replacement of conventional rocket thrusters with hydrojet propulsion systems. These hydrojets were mounted on the backpack, arms, and legs, providing omnidirectional underwater manoeuvrability.

The mobile suit achieved a maximum underwater speed of 45 knots, making it considerably faster in aquatic environments than land-based mobile suits attempting underwater operations. The hydrojet system generated a total thrust output of 66,000 kg, optimised for underwater performance rather than atmospheric or space operations.

The cockpit arrangement differed between the original Zeon units and the later Federation upgrades. Original Zaku Marine Types retained the standard cockpit configuration, whilst Federation Marine Hi-Zack variants incorporated panoramic monitor and linear seat systems derived from the RMS-106 Hi-Zack.

Armaments

The Zaku Marine Type also carried weaponry better adapted for aquatic combat, optimised for underwater engagement ranges and ballistics.

Vulcan guns

The Zaku Marine Type sports two vulcan guns mounted in the head. These low-calibre weapons are typically used to shoot down lightly-armoured targets and missiles. The vulcan guns provided point defence capability against incoming torpedoes and small underwater vehicles.

SUBROC gun

The only handheld armament of the Zaku Marine Type was the 4-tube SUBROC gun. The mobile suit carried submarine-style weapons, including SUBROC (SUBmarine ROCket) guns as primary armament.

This specialised underwater weapon system fired rocket-propelled projectiles designed to maintain accuracy and effectiveness in aquatic environments. The 4-tube configuration allowed for rapid engagement of multiple targets or concentrated firepower against larger vessels.

Rocket pods

The mobile suit mounted two Brownie M8 180mm 4-tube rocket pods for additional firepower. These rocket pods provided area-effect damage capability and could engage both surface and submerged targets effectively.

The 180mm calibre provided sufficient destructive power to damage enemy submarines and surface vessels, whilst the multiple-tube configuration ensured sustained firepower during extended engagements.

Known pilots

No specific pilots are recorded for the MS-06M Zaku Marine Type in available sources.

Variants

The RMS-192M Zaku Mariner could be considered a successor to the Marine Hi-Zack, developed as an improved version of the MS-06M.

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer for the MSV version. Yasuo Ohtagaki created the Gundam Thunderbolt manga version.

Appearances

External links

MS-06M Zaku Marine Type on MAHQ
MS-06M Zaku Marine Type on the Gundam Wiki