RMS-106 Hi-Zack

The RMS-106 Hi-Zack was a mass-produced general purpose mobile suit developed by Anaheim Electronics for the Earth Federation Forces. It was one of the first new mobile suits produced after the One Year War.

The “R” in the type code meant it was a Federation model¹ and the “MS” meant it was a mobile suit. The “10” in the code number referred to its development at Granada while the “6” indicated it was the sixth design created there.

History

After the One Year War, Anaheim Electronics absorbed several former Principality of Zeon mobile suit manufacturers including Zeonic, Zimmad, and MIP. Using Zeonic’s expertise from developing the MS-06 Zaku II line, Anaheim Electronics created the Hi-Zack as one of the first new mass production mobile suits for the Federation.

The RX-106 Prototype Hi-Zack and YRMS-106 Hi-Zack Pre-Production Type proved successful in trials, leading the Federation to order the Hi-Zack for evaluation by the Titans. The Hi-Zack became popular with pilots and was mass-produced in large quantities during the Gryps Conflict, serving as the mainstay of Federation forces, particularly the Titans.

Neo Zeon deployed captured units during the First Neo Zeon War. The Hi-Zack remained in service until UC 0096, used by both the Republic of Zeon and various Zeon remnants.

Design

The Hi-Zack’s internal structure and exterior appearance were heavily influenced by the Zaku II line, demonstrating the proven reliability of that design. While the prototype and pre-production models used Luna Titanium alloy alloy armor, the mass production Hi-Zack used a more cost-effective titanium alloy ceramic composite. This lighter armor allowed for larger fuel tanks to feed more powerful thrusters, improving speed and mobility.

The mobile suit was equipped with four rocket thrusters generating 64,800 kg of total thrust, supplemented by 10 vernier thrusters for enhanced maneuverability. The Hi-Zack was also notable as the first mass-produced mobile suit to feature a panoramic monitor and linear seat cockpit as standard equipment.

Armaments

The Hi-Zack’s standard weapons were a ranged weapon and a beam saber for melee combat. Pilots could also equip an optional Heat Hawk. The ranged weapon was either a beam rifle or machine gun, depending on mission requirements.

Beam saber

The beam saber served as the Hi-Zack’s standard melee weapon. It used an I-field to contain Minovsky particles within the shape of a blade. The blade could cut through almost any material as the particles broke down matter at a molecular level.

The saber drew power from an energy capacitor (E-cap) in its hilt, which recharged from the Hi-Zack’s reactor when stored in the waist armor recharge rack. However, due to the Hi-Zack’s limited generator output, pilots had to choose between using the beam saber or beam rifle.

3-tube missile pods

The Hi-Zack could mount optional 3-tube missile pods on each hip. These provided mid to long-range bombardment capability, particularly effective against armored targets due to their armor-piercing warheads. Unlike the hand grenades used by the Zaku II, these missiles offered greater range while allowing the Hi-Zack to continue using its primary weapons.

Beam rifle

The BOWA BR-87A beam rifle fired concentrated mega particles with a power rating of 2.2 MW. It drew power from rechargeable E-caps. However, the Hi-Zack’s limited generator output meant it could not effectively power both the beam rifle and beam saber simultaneously.

120 mm machine gun

A modernized version of the ZMP-50D machine gun used by the Zaku II line, the 120 mm machine gun was drum-fed with 100 rounds per drum. While it required no power from the Hi-Zack’s generator, this reduced its effectiveness against heavy armor. Pilots often chose this weapon when they needed to use the beam saber.

Heat Hawk Type 5

Originally designed for the Zaku II, the Heat Hawk Type 5 was an axe-like weapon with a super-heated metal blade that could melt through armor. The Hi-Zack’s hands could relay thermal energy from its fusion reactor to power the Heat Hawk. When not in use, it was stored in the waist armor rack.

Shield

The Hi-Zack mounted a shield on its right shoulder as standard fixed armament. This provided protection against both melee and projectile attacks. The shield could also store spare E-caps for the beam rifle.

Known pilots

• Jerid Messa
• Kacricon Cacooler
• Sarah Zabiarov
• Franklin Bidan
• Mouar Pharaoh
• Adol Zeno

Behind the scenes

Okawara Kunio created the original mechanical design, while Fujita Kazumi refined it for Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. Fujioka Kenki later designed the version seen in Advance of Zeta Re-Boot.

Variants

• RMS-106C Hi-Zack Cannon
• RMS-106CS Hi-Zack Custom
• RMS-119 EWAC Zack

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
• Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
• Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Climax UC
• Dynasty Warriors: Gundam

External links

• RMS-106 Hi-Zack on The Gundam Wiki
• RMS-106 Hi-Zack on MAHQ

Footnotes

1. Federation in Japanese is renpou, hence the use of “R”. ↩