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
Equipment and design features: sensors, range unknown; I-field generator, absorbs/deflects beam attacks
Fixed armaments: large mega particle cannon, mounted in torso; 2 x large beam saber, mounted in legs

Until UC 0110, the lunar-based Anaheim Electronics held a virtual monopoly on commercial mobile suit development. However, as the Earth Federation Forces 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 EFF’s contracts were transferred from Anaheim to SNRI. This is the blow that led to Anaheim’s gradual descent into stagnation and obscurity, as they repeatedly failed to win back the EFF’s favor. One mobile suit developed by Anaheim after this point was the MS-50A Zaku 50. Released on the 50th 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 an I-field generator, 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.

First appearance: SD Gundam G Generation Zero
Original mechanical designer: Junya Ishigaki

N/A