Model number: MS-06V
Code name: Zaku Tank
Unit type: artillery mobile suit
Manufacturer: Zeonic Company/Principality of Zeon field engineers
Operator(s): Principality of Zeon; Earth Federation Forces
First deployment: UC 0079
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso
Dimensions: overall height 14.0 meters
Weight: empty 50.0 metric tons; max gross weight unknown
Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 951 kW
Propulsion: engine-driven caterpillar treads: 2
Equipment and design features: sensors, range 3200 meters
Fixed armaments: machine cannon, mounted on lower tank body

Technical and Historical Notes

As the One Year War raged on, the Zeon military found itself desperately in short supply of replacement parts for mobile suits and other combat weapons. Zeon was forced to salvage what parts and supplies they could from existing damaged units, often cobbling together makeshift designs to get more operational units to the field. One product of this situation was the MS-06V Zaku Tank, which fused a Zaku mobile suit's upper body, head and arms with the Magella Base drive base of a HT-01B Magella Attack tank. Zaku Tanks were prized commodities for Zeon field commanders who were starved for replacement mobile suits, and the Zaku Tanks were often employed as construction units for building bases and moving supplies. However, Zaku Tanks could also, if necessary, be outfitted with weapons and fielded as combat units. Following the end of the One Year War, many captured Zaku Tanks were employed at Earth Federation Forces bases across Earth, particularly at the Jaburo military headquarters in South America.

Miscellaneous Information

Appearances: MSV (Mobile Suit Variations); Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam; Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ; Mobile Suit Gundam: Bonds of the Battlefield; Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (manga)
Original mechanical designer: Kunio Okawara