MSZ-006C1 Zeta plus C1

Model number: MSZ-006C1
Code name: Zeta plus C1
Unit type: mass production transformable mobile suit
Manufacturer: Anaheim Electronics
Operator: Earth Federation Forces
First deployment: UC 0088
Accommodation: pilot only, in panoramic monitor/linear seat cockpit in torso
Dimensions: mobile suit mode: overall height 22.11 meters, head height 19.86 meters; waverider mode: overall length 24.90 meters (36.00 meters, equipped with beam smartgun), wingspan 23.54 meters
Weight: empty 36.18 metric tons; max gross 77.04 metric tons (86.77 metric tons, equipped with beam smartgun); mass ratio 1.83
Armor materials: Gundarium composite
Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 2,070 kW
Propulsion: rocket thrusters: 124,000 kg total (4 x 18,600 kg, 4 x 12,400 kg); vernier thrusters/apogee motors: 8
Equipment and design features: sensors, range 17,000 meters (21,000 meters, equipped with beam smartgun)
Fixed armaments: 2 x 60mm vulcan gun, mounted in head; 2 x beam cannon, power rated at 14 MW, mounted on thighs; 2 x beam saber, power rated at 0.9 MW, stored in recharge racks, hand-carried in use
Optional hand armaments: beam smartgun, power rated at 50 MW

The original MSZ-006A1 Zeta plus A1 was a mass production version of the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam, redesigned exclusively for atmospheric use, but its success inspired the AEUG to redesign the Zeta plus once again so that it could be used in space. This C1 type was equipped with new cooling systems for use in space, its nuclear thermal jet engines were replaced with hybrid jet/rocket engines that could be used in any environment, and it had a backpack containing four additional thrusters. Although it retained the wing binders of the A1 type rather than the flying armor of the prototype Zeta Gundam, this version of the Zeta plus was capable of performing atmospheric entry with precise calibration. The firepower of the C1 type could be increased by replacing its shield with a powerful beam smartgun. This beam smartgun was integrated into a flight sub unit that contained a small generator and energy CAP system, and it could be equipped with a coaxial disc radome for long-range attacks. In mobile suit form the beam smartgun was carried on the arm of the Zeta plus, and in wave rider form it served as the machine’s nose. Propellant tanks could also be attached to the wing binders, giving the Zeta plus the ability to descend to the lunar surface and then launch back into space.

Two of these machines were assigned to Taskforce Alpha during the Pezun Rebellion. On March 1, UC 0088, Zeta plus pilots Tex West and Sigman Shade escorted the MSA-0011[Bst] S Gundam Bst in its attack on the power satellite SOL 7804, and they fought alongside the MSA-0011[Ext] Ex-S Gundam throughout the battle for Ayers City. During the final battle with the New Desides on April 4, Tex West was reassigned to operate the G-Bomber and his Zeta plus was transferred to former MSA-007 Nero pilot Chung Yung. Although Chung Yung’s machine was destroyed in combat, Sigman Shade successfully entered the atmosphere and his Zeta plus was recovered intact.

Pilot(s): Sigman Shade, Tex West, Chung Yung
First appearance: Gundam Sentinel
Original mechanical designer: Hajime Katoki

Beam cannon and saber

Disc radome

Head

Rear view (Mobile suit mode)

Shield