MSZ-006A1 Zeta Plus A1 – MechaBay

The MSZ-006A1 Zeta Plus A1 was a mass production transformable mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics for Karaba and the Earth Federation Forces.

The “MSZ” in the model code indicated it was a mass production Zeta-type mobile suit. The “006” denoted its development from the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam, and the “A1” suffix designated it as the first atmosphere-optimised variant. It was originally designated as the MSK-006 before being redesignated to the MSZ-006A1.

History

The transformable mobile suit MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam developed by the Anti-Earth Union Group (AEUG) was originally considered far too complex and expensive for mass production. Karaba, the partner organisation that served as the AEUG’s terrestrial forces, took note of the Zeta Gundam’s effectiveness and redesigned it to create the mass production type MSK-006 Zeta Plus (later redesignated as the MSZ-006A1).

The first Zeta Plus rolled out in November of UC 0087, and the new machine was assigned to Karaba units such as the 18th Tactical Fighter Aggressor Squadron (18TFAS) based aboard the transport plane Audhumla. Karaba eventually deployed about 20 machines, three of which were painted in white and orange test colours for demonstration purposes. Rumour had it that one of these colourful machines was used by the legendary ace pilot Amuro Ray in his role as commander of 18TFAS.

In UC 0096, an unknown number of Zeta Plus A1 remained in service, with some units stationed at certain Earth Federation ground bases such as the Cheyenne base. During Bright Noa’s investigation of said base, two guarding Zeta Plus A1s were immobilised by Tri-Stars Team’s RGM-96X Jestas and RGM-96X Jesta Cannon.

In UC 0097, one of the Zeta Plus A1 was deployed in defence of Side 6’s college colony Metis alongside a RMS-099 Rick Dias and a RMS-106 Hizack. Following the destruction of its comrades in battle, the Zeta Plus A1 indiscriminately attacked both Neo Zeon forces and Luio & Co forces to force them to leave the colony. Despite its age, the Zeta Plus A1 took out several Jesta units, an AMS-129 Geara Zulu, and even repelled the Fair Lady III’s variation of the “Jet Stream Attack” known as the “Circle of Death”, but it lost the ability to transform into Waverider Mode in the process.

Design

Because this machine was intended exclusively for use in the atmosphere, its space flight systems and atmospheric entry features were eliminated. However, its cost performance ratio and flight capabilities were superior to those of the prototype Zeta Gundam.

Instead of the flying armour used by the original Zeta Gundam, the Zeta Plus was equipped with variable geometry wing binders similar to those of the MSN-00100 Hyaku-Shiki. These wing binders improved the flight characteristics of the wave rider form, giving it a cruising range of hundreds of kilometres, and in mobile suit form they could be used for additional manoeuvrability.

The Zeta Plus A1 was constructed from lightweight Gundarium alloy that provided excellent protection whilst maintaining the mobile suit’s agility. It was powered by a Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor generating 2,070 kW of output. The mobile suit used jet thrusters with a total output of 101,000 kg for propulsion.

The cockpit, located in the torso, featured a panoramic monitor system and linear seat configuration that became standard for advanced mobile suits of the era. The Zeta Plus A1 retained the transformation capability of its predecessor, able to convert between mobile suit and waverider modes.

Armaments

The Zeta Plus A1’s standard weapons were beam cannons for ranged attacks and beam sabers for melee combat, with vulcan guns providing additional firepower.

Vulcan guns

Two 60 mm vulcan guns are mounted on the sides of the Zeta Plus’ head. Having low power but a high rate of fire, they are mainly used to intercept approaching enemies, missiles, etc. Zeta Plus’ extended head allows it to carry 80% more ammunition for its vulcans than the Zeta Gundam.

Beam cannons

A pair of beam cannons are mounted on the thighs of the Zeta Plus A1, and are usable in both mobile suit and waverider modes. They are power rated at 2.4 MW. The Zeta Plus was also equipped with two thigh beam cannons, which were connected directly to its movable frame so that energy supply and fire control could be performed without using the mobile suit’s hands.

Beam sabers

A common close combat weaponry, it use Minovsky particles held in place by an I-Field to form an effective cutting surface that can slice through most material without anti-beam coating. The Zeta Plus A1 has a pair of beam sabers stored within the top of the thigh beam cannons. The beam saber can be used in waverider mode when one of the hands extends out to hold it.

The beam sabers were rated at 0.75 MW each and were stored in recharge racks when not in use.

Beam rifle

A custom, handheld, ranged beam weapon used by Zeta Plus A1, it has the same level of firepower as the original Zeta Gundam’s. It is powered by a replaceable e-pac and usable in both mobile suit and waverider modes. The beam rifle was rated at 5.7 MW.

As part of the Federation’s efforts to standardise equipment, the Zeta Plus A1s still operating in UC 0096 had their beam rifle changed to the model used by the RGZ-95 ReZEL. This beam rifle model has the ability to emit a beam blade from its muzzle, allowing it to act as a long beam saber for melee combat.

Shield

A custom shield used by the Zeta Plus A1, it not only protects the mobile suit from physical and beam attacks, but also serve as the nose unit in waverider mode.

Clay bazooka

Used by the Zeta Plus A1 in the Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative manga, it was used to destroy enemy machines or disorient them. The clay bazooka can be used in waverider mode when one of the hands extends out to hold it.

Known pilots

Amuro Ray (rumoured)
Sigman Shade
Tex West
Chung Yung

Variants

The Zeta Plus A1 served as the basis for several variants:

MSZ-006C1 Zeta Plus C1 - Space-optimised variant
MSZ-006A1B Zeta Plus A1B - Attack aircraft variant

Behind the scenes

Hajime Katoki, Masahiko Arano were the original mechanical designers. The Zeta Plus A1 was introduced in the photo-novel Gundam Sentinel and marked the debut of Katoki Hajime as a major mechanical designer in the Gundam franchise.

The orange-red and white rollout colour of the Zeta Plus A1 would later be known as Amuro Ray’s personal colours, and was carried over to the MSK-008R Rick Dijeh.

Appearances

External links

MSZ-006A1 Zeta Plus A1 on MAHQ
MSZ-006A1 Zeta Plus A1 on the Gundam Wiki