MSN-01 Psycommu System Zaku

The MSN-01 Psycommu System Zaku was a prototype Newtype-use high mobility mobile suit produced by the Principality of Zeon. The “MS” in the model code indicated it was a mobile suit, while the “N” identified it as a Newtype-use model. The “01” denoted it was the first design in this line.

History

During the One Year War, researchers at the Flanagan Institute discovered that Newtypes emitted powerful thought waves that could be harnessed through the psycommu system to control mobile suits remotely. The Principality of Zeon developed the MSN-01 Psycommu System Zaku as part of their Bishop Plan to create Newtype-use mobile suits.

Initial tests with the MS-06Z Psycommu System Zaku revealed limitations in collecting data during high-speed manoeuvres. To address this, engineers removed the legs of the MSN-01 and replaced them with two sets of high mobility thruster units. Each unit contained four large, high-output thermonuclear rocket engines, giving it mobility comparable to a mobile armor.

However, the mobile suit’s propellant capacity could not sustain the added rocket engines for extended periods. Despite this limitation, the machine collected valuable data that contributed to the development of the MSN-02 Zeong. The test results also revealed the limitations of a Zaku II-based design, leading to the Zeong being developed as an entirely new machine.

A unit raided Solomon after its capture by the Earth Federation Forces. Another unit piloted by Billy Hickam deployed in the defence of A Baoa Qu during the final battle of the One Year War.

Design

Since the MSN-01 used many parts from the MS-06Z, designers were unable to achieve satisfactory results under high-speed testing. They relied instead on data from the MAN-03 Braw Bro for high-speed performance analysis.

The mobile suit had a standard cockpit with linear seat in its torso. Its custom sensor suite worked in conjunction with the psycommu system to enhance detection capabilities. Like other Zeon mobile suits of its era, it used super hard steel alloy armor for protection.

Armaments

The Psycommu System Zaku’s standard weapons were two wire-guided 5-barrel mega particle cannons mounted in its manipulator fingers.

5-barrel mega particle cannon

Each of the mobile suit’s ten fingers contained a mega particle gun, effectively making each forearm a 5-barrel mega particle cannon. These forearms could detach from the body and operate remotely via thick control wires. Four verniers on each forearm unit provided precise positioning control.

The five barrels on each hand were fire-linked but could be manipulated individually to vary the spread of fire, making their mega particle beams difficult to evade. A single concentrated blast from these weapons could easily destroy a warship.

Known pilots

• Billy Hickam
• Ashley Horn
• Peche Montagne

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio was the original mechanical designer for the Mobile Suit Variations version. Katoki Hajime later redesigned it for Gundam Crisis.

Appearances

OVA

• Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt
• Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: December Sky

Other

• Mobile Suit Variations
• Gundam Crisis

External links

• MSN-01 Psycommu System Zaku on Gundam Wiki
• MSN-01 Psycommu System Zaku on MAHQ