MS-04 Prototype Zaku

Model number: MS-04
Code name: Prototype Zaku
Unit type: prototype general purpose mobile suit
Manufacturer: Zeonic Company
Operator: Principality of Zeon
First deployment: UC 0074
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso
Dimensions: head height 17.5 meters
Weight: empty 57.4 metric tons; max gross 72.5 metric tons
Armor materials: super hard steel alloy
Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 953 kW
Propulsion: rocket thrusters: 47,000 kg total
Equipment and design features: sensors, range 2,950 meters
Fixed armaments: none
Optional hand armaments: 100mm machine gun

In UC 0073, the Zeonic Company created the world’s first mobile suit, the problematic MS-03 Prototype Zaku. Zeonic went back to the drawing board and created the improved MS-04 Prototype Zaku, which featured the revolutionary new Minovsky fusion reactor. With the new Minovsky reactor, the MS-04 was twice as powerful as the MS-03. With increased armor, the MS-04 was the first mobile suit capable of being battle-tested. The MS-04 was armed with a 100mm machine gun, but in simulations it proved too weak against warships, leading to the development of a bazooka. Because of the MS-04’s high cost, it was further redeveloped until the next model was finally mass produced as the MS-05B Zaku I.

Pilot: Elliot Rem
First appearance: M-MSV
Original mechanical designer: Kunio Okawara

100mm machine gun

Rear view