MS-06K ZAKU CANNON

Model number: MS-06K
Code name: Zaku Cannon
Unit type: mass production artillery mobile suit
Operator: Zeon Duchy
Dimensions: head height 17.7 meters; overall height 18.4 meters (cannon barrel)
Weight: empty 59.1 metric tons; max gross 83.2 metric tons
Construction: ?
Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 976 kW
Propulsion: rocket thrusters, 41000 kg total
Performance: thruster acceleration 0.49 G; maximum ground running speed 73 km/h
Equipment and design features: sensors, range 4400 meters
Fixed armaments: 180mm artillery cannon, mounted on ejectable backpack over right shoulder; 2-tube grenade launcher, mounted on backpack
Optional fixed armaments: 2 x 2-tube missile launcher
Optional hand armaments: 120mm machinegun, drum-fed, 100 rounds per drum; heat hawk, battery powered; cracker grenades, can be stored on waist armor storage racks

Zeon R&D, expecting to encounter heavy resistance from Federal air power, began to contrive a Zaku variant with a rapid-firing vulcan gun on its right shoulder. This was given the designation of MS-06K, and development continued at the Zeon's newly-occupied California Base. Later, when it became apparent that the Federation had its own mobile suit development program, the vulcan gun was scrapped in favor of a large, accurate ballistic cannon that would presumably be used for direct fire against these new machines.

The Zaku Cannon is an unusual variant. Though it uses the standard J-type Zaku's frame, its external body has been completely remade, and sports numerous additional maneuvering thrusters, a much larger shield, and a redesigned head and torso with a 360-degree mono-eye. Extra armor is added to its legs to counterbalance the cannon's recoil. The Zaku's backpack is also ejectable, allowing it to discard the heavy cannon when mobility or a quick escape is needed. It arms the basic Zaku weaponry for close-range combat.

The Zaku Cannon's gun is also capable of long-range indirect fire, and is quite deadly when in a strategic location and paired with a forward spotting unit. However, the Zaku must be in a stationary, half-crouching position to fire without risking falling over. Furthermore, all Zaku Cannons are also equipped with efficient heat dispersion gear, allowing them to function in arid environments.

ZMP-50D 120mm machinegun. Standard-issue Zaku rifle, with a large optical sight.

Heat hawk. Standard-issue melee weapon for Zaku mobile suits. Superheated blade.

Zaku Cannon in a well-entrenched position. Two support pylons reinforce its back, allowing a higher rate of fire.

Cracker grenade. A powerful fragmentation grenade that first explodes into six sub-explosives, which then detonate into six smaller bombs. Can be configured to emit a flash.