ZK-005 Zaku II (Argent Keil Type)
The ZK-005 Zaku II (Argent Keil Type) was a modified MS-06 Zaku II mobile suit operated by the mercenary organisation Argent Keil. Like other Argent Keil units, this Zaku II was updated and modernised for continued service well into the UC 0090s, featuring the organisation’s characteristic silver colour scheme.
The “ZK” designation indicated its Zeon origins whilst “005” represented its position within Argent Keil’s custom numbering system for their fleet numbering system.
History
Development
The ZK-005 was based on the venerable MS-06 Zaku II series, which had served as the backbone of the Principality of Zeon forces during the One Year War. By UC 0085, the Zaku II was considered obsolete by military standards, but Argent Keil recognised the value of these proven designs when properly modernised.
The unit designation “ZK-005” followed Argent Keil’s custom naming convention, with “ZK” indicating its Zeon origins and “005” representing its position within their fleet numbering system. This particular unit underwent extensive modifications to bring its performance up to contemporary standards.
Operational history
The ZK-005 Zaku II (Argent Keil Type) was piloted by Fixzi Fix, a Cyber-Newtype created by the Murasame Research Labs. Fixzi had been considered a failure due to his lacking combat performance in conventional military evaluation, but found a place within Argent Keil’s more flexible operational structure.
Fixzi Fix was invited by Mabel Lena to join Argent Keil after he helped Babia Lena with her mobile suit, to which he accepted. The ZK-005 served alongside the GM-005 GM (Argent Keil Type) as Fixzi’s primary mobile suits during his time with the organisation.
The ZK-005 saw action during Argent Keil’s mercenary operations in UC 0085. On the day of the Axis Impact, Fixzi was ambushed by Neo Zeon forces whilst piloting either the ZK-005 or his GM-005. He was killed by former Federation pilot Joff Idiy, ending both the ZK-005’s operational service and Fixzi’s career with Argent Keil.
Despite its age, the ZK-005 proved that properly maintained and modernised Zaku II units could remain effective in combat well into the UC 0090s, demonstrating the enduring value of the Zaku II’s basic design philosophy.
Design features
The ZK-005 retained the iconic Zaku II silhouette whilst incorporating modernised systems and components. The most noticeable change was the application of Argent Keil’s distinctive silver colour scheme, completely replacing the traditional Zeon green livery.
Internal systems were likely upgraded to improve reliability and performance, though the specific nature of these modifications remains classified. The basic frame and armour configuration remained largely unchanged, preserving the Zaku II’s proven combat effectiveness whilst updating its operational capabilities.
Like all Argent Keil mobile suits, the ZK-005 was maintained to exacting standards that allowed it to operate effectively alongside more modern Federation and Neo Zeon designs.
Armament
The ZK-005 retained the traditional Zaku II armament configuration, providing a balance of close combat and ranged firepower options.
Heat hawk
The ZK-005 retained the traditional Zaku II close combat weapon, the heat hawk. This axe-shaped weapon used a super-heated blade to cut through enemy mobile suit armour and was stored on the backpack when not in use.
120 mm machine gun
For ranged combat, the suit could be equipped with the classic 120 mm machine gun, a projectile weapon that remained effective against most mobile suit armour.
280 mm zaku bazooka
For heavier targets, the ZK-005 could carry the 280 mm Zaku bazooka, providing significant anti-ship and anti-fortification capabilities.
Spike shoulder armor
The ZK-005 could be equipped with the standard Zaku II defensive configuration, including spike shoulder armour on the left shoulder.
Shoulder shield
The suit could also mount a shoulder shield on the right shoulder. These defensive systems provided both protection and additional combat effectiveness in close-quarters fighting.
Known pilots
Variants
No known variants of the ZK-005 Zaku II (Argent Keil Type) have been recorded.
Behind the scenes
The ZK-005 Zaku II (Argent Keil Type) was designed by Akitaka Mika for Mobile Suit Gundam: Silver Phantom. Akitaka Mika is a Japanese mechanical designer and video game creator. He is mainly known for his work in the Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ and Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory animated series.
The continued use of Zaku II mobile suits by Argent Keil demonstrates the pragmatic approach of mercenary organisations, which often relied on older but proven designs that could be maintained and operated at lower cost than cutting-edge military hardware.
The silver colour scheme applied to all Argent Keil mobile suits, including the ZK-005, reflects the organisation’s name, which derives from the Latin word “Argenta,” meaning silver in English.
Appearances
VR films