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MS-50A Zaku 50
Model number: MS-50A Code name: Zaku 50 Unit type: anniversary mobile suit Manufacturer: Anaheim Electronics Operator: Anaheim Electronics First deployment: UC 0130 Accommodation: pilot only, in panoramic monitor/linear seat cockpit in torso Dimensions: unknown Weight: unknown Armor materials: unknown Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output unknown Propulsion: unknown Performance: unknown Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown Fixed armaments: large mega particle cannon, mounted in torso; 2 x large beam saber, mounted in legs
Until Universal Century 0110, the lunar-based Anaheim Electronics held a virtual monopoly on commercial mobile suit development. However, as the Earth Federation sought to scale down mobile suits while retaining their efficiency, it founded its own in-house development firm, the Strategic Naval Research Institute. In a competition, SNRI's Formula series outperformed Anaheim's MSA-120, and the Federation's contracts were transferred from Anaheim to SNRI. This would be the blow that would lead to Anaheim's gradual descent into stagnation and obscurity, as they repeatedly failed to win back the Federation's favor. One mobile suit developed by Anaheim after this point was the MS-50A Zaku 50. Released on the fiftieth anniversary of the One Year War's end, the Zaku 50 was intended to be a throwback to the legendary Zaku series of mobile suits that had been all but the symbol of Zeon. However, the gigantic Zaku 50 had little in common with its ancestors other than minor cosmetic details on its head and body. The Zaku 50 lacked arms and legs, replacing the former with fuel tanks and the latter with long grappling claws. A combat-capable machine despite its origins, the Zaku 50 mounted a powerful mega particle cannon in its chest and a large beam saber in each "leg." Although it had nostalgic appeal, the Zaku 50 failed to revive Anaheim's failing fortunes.
Appearances: SD Gundam: G Generation Zero; SD Gundam: G Generation F Original mechanical designer: Junya Ishigaki |
