MS-06K Zaku Cannon

Model number: MS-06K
Code name: Zaku Cannon
Unit type: mass production artillery test type mobile suit
Manufacturer: Zeonic Company
Operator: Principality of Zeon, Earth Federation Forces
First deployment: UC 0079
Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso
Dimensions: overall height 18.4 meters; head height 17.7 meters
Weight: empty 59.1 metric tons; max gross 83.2 metric tons
Armor materials: super hard steel alloy
Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 976 kW
Propulsion: rocket thrusters: 41,000 kg total
Performance: maximum ground running speed: 73 km/h
Equipment and design features: sensors, range 4,400 meters
Fixed armaments: 180mm cannon, mounted on backpack over right shoulder; 2-tube smoke discharger; shield, mounted on right shoulder
Optional fixed armaments: 2 x 2-tube rocket pod, mounted on torso; Gatling gun, replaces 180mm cannon over right shoulder; 2 x 3-tube missile pod, mounted on legs

An anti-aircraft variant of the ground pounding MS-06J Zaku II, called the YMS-06K Zaku Cannon Test Type, was under development at Zeon’s California Base on Earth during the One Year War when word of the Earth Federation Forces’ prototype mobile suits reached them. Inspired by the mix of close combat (RX-78-2 Gundam) and fire support (RX-77-2 Guncannon) mobile suits, the YMS-06K project was changed in scope, becoming the anti-MS support unit MS-06K Zaku Cannon. The Zaku Cannon sported some new features in addition to its backpack-mounted, over-the-shoulder 180mm cannon. In addition to the cannon-equipped backpack being able to be exchanged for a standard Type J backpack to improve performance when the cannon wasn’t necessary, the head also featured a 360-degree monoeye for increased vision and target acquisition, and additional thrusters in the legs to overcome the added weight and encumbrance of the cannon. Unfortunately, the shock and recoil of the cannon created problems with balance in the mobile suit, and the Zaku Cannon development project was quickly terminated.

Nine prototype units were constructed at the California Base, and this squadron of Zaku Cannons were led by Ian Graden in defense of the base until the end of the war. Graden’s own Zaku Cannon sported a custom twin-antenna head that came to be known as the “rabbit type.” A handful of other Zaku Cannon units also turned up in other theaters of the war, including Southeast Asia and Australia. In addition to the standard Zaku Cannon units, K-type parts could be added to the Type C or Type J models, which were redesignated as the “Zaku Half Cannon.” After the war, several Zaku Cannon units were put to use by the EFF. In UC 0096, Zeon remnants used the Zaku Cannon in their attack on Australia’s Torrington Base.

Pilot(s): Ian Graden, Alfredino Ram
First appearance: MSV
Original mechanical designer(s): Kunio Okawara (MSV version), Hajime Katoki (Gundam: The Origin MSD version)

Rear view (Version 1)