The MS-05Q Zaku I is a variant of the MS-05B Zaku I. It first appeared as a part of the MSV-R line, and known pilots include Norris Packard and Gabby Hazard.
Technology & Combat Characteristics[]
The MS-05Q is a retrofitted version of the Zaku I. Although the Zaku I was outclassed by the Zaku II in terms of total balance, it was well-received by pilots, and it is said that there were many who wanted the Zaku I. This machine was developed as the Zaku II was being deployed, and was manufactured based on the MS-05B. It has been modified with a new thermonuclear fusion reactor, power pipes added to the head, and spherical armor added to both shoulders. Although its appearance remains largely unchanged, its performance has been greatly improved, and it is capable of using almost the same firearms as the Zaku II.
Armaments[]
- M-120A1 120mm Machine Gun
- The same portable firearm used by the MS-06F Zaku II. It can switch between semi-automatic and automatic fire. Although useless against Luna Titanium Alloy, it can still destroy weaker armor material with multiple shots. It feeds 120mm ammunition from a drum magazine, and holds 100 rounds per drum. The model used by Norris Packard had a small shield added to the top of the barrel.
- Heat Hawk
- An axe-shaped close combat weapon, it uses a super-heated blade to cut through the armor of enemy MS or vehicles. The thermal energy is generated by the power output of the Zaku's thermonuclear reactor and relayed through the MS' hands.
- H&L-SB25K/280mmA-P Zaku Bazooka
- A portable, physical projectile-type firearm. It is primarily for anti-ship combat and displays its power in hit and run attacks. It can also be used against enemy mobile suits, but it is harder to hit a constantly moving target.
- Spiked Knuckle
- The manipulators could be outfitted with three sharp spikes. These were capable of being used directly as melee weapons.
History[]
In U.C.0078, while the new MS-06 Zaku II was being produced, many pilots still preferred to use their existing mobile units - the MS-05B Zaku I. The Principality of Zeon started a program to upgrade the Zaku I, and the result was the MS-05Q Zaku I. The plan was to upgrade 240 Zaku I, but only 164 units managed to be upgraded since most of Zeon's priority was given to the production of the Zaku II. At the end of the war, less than 30 more units were converted. Many of the MS-05Q Zaku I were used by ace pilots like Norris Packard, whose machine has a custom purple and red color scheme.
Picture Gallery[]
References[]
External links[]