MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam

The MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam was a prototype transformable assault mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics for the Anti-Earth Union Group (AEUG).

The “MS” in the type code indicated it was a mobile suit, and the “Z” meant it was from Project Zeta. The “006” model number reflected its name Zeta, which was the sixth letter in the Greek alphabet.

History

Development

In early UC 0086, the AEUG contracted Anaheim Electronics to develop a transformable mobile suit that met several key requirements: a head height under 20 metres in mobile suit mode, transformation time under 0.5 seconds, ability to operate in space and on Earth, and atmospheric reentry capability without optional equipment.

The development team included general technology observer Dr. Alexandro Pilsudski, transformation system developer Dr. Gerhard Gluck, and generator developer Dr. Oscar Lyell. They began Project Zeta in January UC 0086, adopting an advanced movable frame design despite internal concerns about its reliability and cost.

Initial testing occurred on the MSZ-006-X1 Prototype Z Gundam, a non-transformable prototype. Engineers overcame early challenges with frame stress during high-G transformation by adopting a revolutionary design incorporating generators in the legs instead of the torso. This allowed for a more robust central frame structure while maintaining power output through multiple synchronized generators.

The completed Zeta Gundam rolled out in July UC 0087 at Anaheim Electronics’ Von Braun factory. After a month of testing, it entered combat service in August UC 0087.

Combat deployment

The Zeta Gundam served as a frontline assault unit aboard the Argama during the Gryps Conflict. Kamille Bidan piloted it as his primary mobile suit, though other crew members occasionally took the controls. Its success led Anaheim Electronics to produce simplified variants for the AEUG’s Earth-based allies Karaba.

After the Gryps Conflict, the Zeta Gundam continued service throughout the First Neo Zeon War under various pilots including Judau Ashta. During a battle with Mashymre Cello’s AMX-103 Hamma Hamma, the Zeta Gundam lost its head. Iino Abbav temporarily repaired it using a salvaged MS-06F Zaku II head, earning it the nickname “Zeta Zaku”. Though functional, this configuration limited the pilot’s field of view until a proper replacement head arrived.

The Zeta Gundam remained in service until its destruction during the final battle at the Neo Zeon asteroid base Axis. The Earth Federation later recovered and restored it for flight demonstrations at the UC 0100 ceremony.

Design

Mobile suit mode

The Zeta Gundam built upon the successful movable frame technology pioneered in the RX-178 Gundam Mk-II. Its innovative design placed generators in both legs rather than the torso, allowing for a more robust central frame structure. Wing binders mounted on the backpack provided additional thrust and improved Active Mass Balance Auto-Control (AMBAC) capability in space.

The mobile suit incorporated a bio-sensor system, a simplified psycommu device that allowed Newtype pilots to control the mobile suit through mental commands. Under extreme pilot stress, the bio-sensor could temporarily enhance the Zeta Gundam’s performance beyond its normal specifications.

Wave Rider mode

The Zeta Gundam could transform into a high-speed Wave Rider mode for atmospheric flight and space travel. This configuration allowed it to achieve atmospheric reentry without additional equipment, protected by its Flying Armor which was developed from the FXA-00 Flying Armor. In Wave Rider mode, the Zeta Gundam could also serve as a sub-flight system for other mobile suits.

Armaments

The Zeta Gundam’s standard weapons included vulcan guns for close-range defense, beam sabers for melee combat, and a beam rifle for ranged attacks. It could optionally equip a hyper mega launcher for heavy firepower.

60 mm vulcan guns

A pair of MU-86G 60 mm vulcan guns mounted in the Zeta Gundam’s head provided close-range defense. Each gun carried 600 rounds and fired at 1,600 rounds per minute. While primarily effective against lightly armored targets and missiles, sustained fire could damage mobile suits at close range.

Grenade launchers

The Zeta Gundam carried a 2-tube grenade launcher in each forearm, with two rounds per tube for a total of eight grenades. For extended operations, an optional cartridge could provide 19 additional rounds. The launchers could also deploy grappling wires for capturing enemy units.

Beam sabers

Two A.E.BLASH XB-G-35/Du.105 beam sabers stored in recharge racks in the hip armor provided the Zeta Gundam’s primary melee weapons. Each saber generated a beam blade rated at 0.65 megawatts, significantly more powerful than the 0.4 megawatt output of standard beam sabers.

In Wave Rider mode, the beam sabers functioned as beam guns with a combined output of 1.3 megawatts. The sabers recharged from the mobile suit’s reactor when stored in their racks.

Beam rifle

The BOWA XBR-M87A2 beam rifle served as the Zeta Gundam’s primary ranged weapon. With a power rating of 5.7 megawatts, it more than doubled the output of conventional beam rifles. The weapon could also generate a beam saber blade from its barrel for close combat. A retractable hook allowed storage on the mobile suit’s backpack in Wave Rider mode.

Hyper mega launcher

The FXA-03M2 hyper mega launcher provided battleship-class firepower with an output of 8.3 megawatts. Developed from the Hyaku Shiki’s mega bazooka launcher, it incorporated its own thermonuclear reactor to achieve such high power. Multiple mobile suits could link their reactors to reduce the weapon’s recharge time between shots.

Like the beam rifle, the launcher could generate a beam saber blade. In Wave Rider mode, it mounted under the shield for firing.

Shield

The FF-XV-SH-609Z shield mounted on the left forearm provided protection against both ballistic and beam weapons. In Wave Rider mode, it formed the nose unit and helped protect the mobile suit during atmospheric reentry. The shield included storage space for spare energy packs.

Known pilots

• Kamille Bidan
• Reccoa Londe
• Apolly Bay
• Judau Ashta
• Roux Louka
• Fa Yuiry
• Astonaige Medoz
• Iino Abbav
• Beecha Oleg
• Elle Vianno
• Mondo Agake

Variants

• FA-006ZG Full Armor Zeta Gundam
• MSZ-006PL1 Z Plutonius
• MSZ-006-3A Zeta Gundam 3A Type
• MSZ-006-3B Zeta Gundam 3B Type
• MSZ-006-P2/3C Zeta Gundam P2/3C Type
• MSZ-006 Z Prompt

Behind the scenes

Fujita Kazumi created the original mechanical design, with Okawara Kunio planning the transformation sequence. The design pioneered several distinctive features for Gundam-type mobile suits, including the first double V-fin and white chin design instead of the traditional red block.

The “VMsAWrs” marking on its chest armor in the Master Grade model kit art stands for “Variable Mobile-suit And Wave-rider system”, referring to its transformation mechanism.

Gunpla

High Grade

The 1/144 High Grade Universal Century (HGUC) Zeta Gundam was released in 2003, followed by an Evolution Project version in 2017 that featured improved articulation and transformation mechanics. A special U.C. 0088 variant was released as a Premium Bandai exclusive in 2018, depicting the mobile suit during its service in the First Neo Zeon War.

Real Grade

The 1/144 Real Grade (RG) Zeta Gundam was released in 2012, featuring a detailed inner frame and transformation capability. Premium Bandai later released special editions including a Limited Color Version in 2017 and a Biosensor Image Color version in 2018.

Master Grade

The first 1/100 Master Grade (MG) Zeta Gundam was released in 1996. A Version 2.0 followed in 2005, featuring improved articulation and a more detailed inner frame. In 2023, Bandai released a Ver.Ka version designed by Katoki Hajime.

Perfect Grade

The 1/60 Perfect Grade (PG) Zeta Gundam was released in 2000, featuring extensive detail, LED lighting options, and a transformable frame system.

SD

Super Deformed versions include the SDBB release from 1999 and the more recent SDCS version from 2018, which offered the option of using a Cross Silhouette frame for improved proportions.

Appearances

Anime

• Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
• Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
• Gundam Evolve

Manga

• Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam Define
• Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ Side Story: Mirage of Zeon

Games

• Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs.
• Dynasty Warriors: Gundam
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Gundam

External links

• MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam on Gundam Wiki
• MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam on MAHQ