MSZ-006C1 Ζeta Plus C1

The MSZ-006C1 Ζ Plus C1 is a variant of the MSZ-006A1 designed for space combat. It is featured in the photonovel Gundam Sentinel.

History
Inspired by the success of the MSZ-006A1 Zeta Plus, The AEUG further develops and redesigns the MSZ-006A1 in the form of the C1 type. Designed primarily to fly up to extreme altitudes into space, The MSZ-006C1 Ζ Plus C1 was equipped with updated cooling systems, Ran hybrid jet/rocket engines that were capable of adapting to any type of environment, and was fitted with a new backpack component equipped with four additional thrusters. However, this unit retained the wing binders of the A1 type, discarding the flying armor concept of the prototype Zeta Gundam, allowing this version of the Zeta Plus to perform atmospheric entry with precise calibration.

The MSZ-006C1 Ζ Plus C1's offensive capabilities were increased with the addition of a powerful Beam smartgun, which was integrated into a flight sub unit that contained a small generator and energy CAP system, With the option of equipping a coaxial disc radome for long-range attacks. Hand-carried in mobile suit form, The Beam smartgun served as the unit's nose when assuming its Waverider form. Propellant tanks could also be attached to the wing binders, giving the Zeta Plus the ability to descend to the lunar surface and then launch back into space.

History
Two units are assigned to Taskforce Alpha during the Pezun Rebellion. On March 1, U.C. 0088, Zeta Plus pilots Tex West and Sigman Shade escort the booster-equipped S Gundam in its attack on the power satellite SOL 7804, and they fight alongside the Ex-S Gundam throughout the battle for Ayers City. During the final battle with the New Desides on April 4, Tex West is reassigned to operate the G-Bomber and his Zeta Plus is transferred to former Nero pilot Chung Yung. Although Chung Yung’s machine is destroyed in combat, Sigman Shade successfully enters the atmosphere and his Zeta Plus is recovered intact.