DEVELOPMENT HISTORY OF ZEON FORCES MOBILE SUITS

The Principality of Zeon stood a chance in the modern war against the Federation Forces because of the early exploits of their mobile suit’s mobile forces. The mobile suit, a weapon designed for visible-range combat under Minovsky particle interference, was the result of countless design revisions, born out of the demands of the Zeon Defense Ministry. To meet the military’s requirements, the designs had to simultaneously provide mobility, armor, and weapon capacity that would be adaptable under any strategic circumstance. The concept solidified five years later into a bipedal, humanoid form due to issues of invasion tactics and operational feasibility. This formed the basis of the future Zaku mobile suits, starting with the MS-01. The Ministry of Defense assigned the model number MS to the new weapon and also announced it as a space utility vehicle for external purposes.

Starting from its basic form, Zeon progressively conducted research and improvements to meet the performance requirements as a weapon. Enhancing mobility and heavy armor was a pressing matter in protecting the machine and its pilot. The MS-04, bearing high expectations, is likely the first to be called a combat-ready mobile suit. Further eliminating inefficiencies led to the MS-05, the quintessential Zaku mobile suit, completely humanoid in external design.

The establishment of the mobile forces led to the creation of combat squads, thanks to the initial production run of twenty-seven MS-05 units. Knowledge gained from pilot training led to further refinements of the MS-05, culminating in the creation of the MS-06 Zaku II, a fully combat-ready mobile suit. The entire process took seven years from the original MS-01. The devastating efficiency of the destroyer fleet, accompanied by the MS-06, was unparalleled in weapon history. The Principality of Zeon, within a week of declaring war, annihilated four Sides, causing the deaths of half the total population.

After entering a de facto stalemate situation due to the Antarctic Treaty, Zeon shifted its focus towards enhancing its ground forces and improving mobile suits for terrestrial warfare. Considering the numerous developments from the outset of the war, Zeon developed several ground-based mobile suits based on the MS-06, which showed various variations itself. This led to the development of the MS-07 and MS-08, which further enhanced close-quarter combat capabilities. Although both were based on the MS-06, the MS-08 was rejected due to an imbalance between cost and specifications. Predicting issues with weight distribution and armor in ground combat, Zeon developed the MS-09 Dom, a heavy ground-based mobile suit. Equipped with a nuclear jet engine, the MS-09 could overcome the problem of mobile suit mobility in ground warfare by hovering.

Because Zeon’s base design sought versatility, it, unfortunately, had to design a different mobile suit for localized warfare instead of relying on the Zaku. Essential for ground domination were amphibious mobile suits. These were part of the original concept, and before the war, various tests were conducted on the MS-06M based on the Zaku. In addition to the three mass-produced MSM series, five prototype models and three Agg-type series for wetland warfare were created. Zeon’s mobile suit forces were able to achieve success by limiting their operational scope.

The purpose of limited use evolved into mobile armor that utilized the mobile suits’ strengths. Meanwhile, as successors to the space combat Zakus, the MS-R09 and MS-14 were developed. Especially in the MS-14, they succeeded in standardizing beam weaponry, and overall performance improvement was completely realized with the MS-14. Foreseeing the incorporation of Newtypes into their weapon systems, Zeon advanced the previously mentioned mobile armor. The need for reliance on mobile suits in visible-range combat became unnecessary due to the psycommu control of weaponry, marking a return to the initially rejected design models. However, due to the rarity of awakened Newtype, these were made to fit only a select few Newtype pilots. This leads to the birth of the MSN-02 Zeong (MS-16), the ultimate mobile suit model for close combat, in line with this concept.

VARIATIONS OF THE MS-06 ZAKU II

The MS-06 Zaku II is the foundation for all mobile suits, and it’s from this base that all Zaku variations emerge. Initially, the Zaku utilized in space combat was designated as types A and C; however, only a handful of type A were manufactured, and the production line was subsequently dedicated to type C. Although there were no notable external differences, the cockpit hatch systems varied. The ensuing type F saw improvements in the cockpit design and alterations in payload capacity based on pilot feedback.

The tradition of providing exceptional pilots with superior equipment is as old as warfare itself, and the Zaku line was no exception. High mobility models were created in response to certain demands, such as the S type, which featured a 30% increase in engine thrust. It is said that over a hundred of these units, intended for commanders, were manufactured. Further performance enhancements aimed at the Zaku itself led to the development of the R type, which doubled engine thrust and added acceleration boosters. Due to cost constraints and falling pilot proficiency, only a few of these units were produced, and they were restricted to experienced pilots. Variations, such as the R-09 type with increased fuel capacity and the R-2 type that competed for selection, also existed. During the early to middle stages, the E type was produced for forced reconnaissance missions (which involved extensive modifications to the mono-eye and lightweight design, with detection systems installed throughout), and a few T types were manufactured as trainers.

In ground warfare, the J type, a streamlined version of the F type where unnecessary systems were removed for weight reduction, primarily saw action. From this base model, a myriad of experimental machines were born. High-demand models for the tropics in Africa and Asia led to the production of the tropical warfare D type. The K (J-12) type was designed for anti-aircraft defense and medium-range support, the M type was a hydro-jet engine test model, and the G type was created for enhanced mobility.

The Zaku was employed as a research base for various projects, but perhaps the most peculiar was the Z type, which was equipped with a psycommu system. It was used as a test base for the MSN-02, and because it was directly equipped with the beam cannons intended for use on the MSN-02, it had disproportionately oversized arms.

FORMATION HISTORY OF THE MOBILE SUIT FORCES OF THE PRINCIPALITY OF ZEON

MS-06R TYPE

The MS-06R was a planned iteration aimed at improving upon the performance of the mainstream F-type. Key prototype improvements were centered around the back, waist skirt, and leg sections, where the engine’s power was upgraded. Particularly noteworthy is the addition of two units of thrust verniers on the backpack, which far exceed the normal type. Unit 1 and Unit 2 were painted bright orange-yellow for testing, and various trials were conducted at the Granada base. Lieutenant Commander Elliot Rem, a test pilot since the inception of the Zaku project, was invited for these tests. Rem personally piloted Unit 1, repeating tests over two weeks. The performance was outstanding, leading to an immediate decision to mass-produce. Twenty-two units were ordered as the initial production run, given the designation of the R type.

Rolled-out units were dispatched to various fronts for field testing. However, the loss of many excellent pilots from the MS-05 forces during initial operations still had a profound impact. A slew of pilots were unable to fully master the R-type, developed as a high-mobility type. This could be said for the F-type too. Pilots were prone to quickly exhaust the limited onboard rocket fuel, which could be deemed unfortunate for the Zaku, which needed more skilled pilots.

The MS-06R can be broadly classified into three types. The original fuel could be resupplied via the mothership Musai or Valkyrie-type carriers. Still, repeated reports from the battlefield resulted in the backpack and leg fuel tanks being simplified into cartridge-based systems. Units before the modification, up to twenty-two in total (of which about 10 were later converted to the same specification), are referred to as R-1, while the later cartridge types are distinguished as R-1A. Each squadron that operates alongside the Musai, primarily or entirely made up of R-type, was accompanied by a single Zaku assigned for resupply.

The suit itself exhibited high performance when handled by skilled pilots, but the conditions required to operate the R-type became complex. Due to a lack of cost-effectiveness and simplicity, production was subsequently halted. However, it was well-received by ace pilots, and there were inquiries from various sectors for the few remaining units in the production line. These remaining units were handed out on an order-adjustment basis.

Usage examples of the R-type are mostly flashy and famous, thanks in part to them being assigned to the aces. Among them are those who reported directly to Admiral Kycilia. Most notable is likely the Black Tri-Stars, led by Ensign A. Gaia (later promoted to Lieutenant, but was KIA). After they started working as a team, they sequentially operated MS-05B, MS-06C, S, and R. Starting from the S-type, they used team colors based on black, purple, and medium sea gray. This was also used when they descended to Earth as the first MS-09 squad and later adopted as the official color scheme for the MS-09.

Lieutenant Shin Matsunaga of the Solomon Front is among the aces piloting the R-1A, following the Tri-Stars in fame. At the young age of 26, he has sunk five Salamis, and Magellan ships single-handedly since the outbreak of the war. He served as the personal guard for Vice Admiral Dozle during his battlefield inspection (in reality, he participated in combat) and is a renowned warrior. He painted his suit in white and gray, earning him the feared nickname “White Wolf.”

The third type of MS-06R is the MS-06R-2, which competed with the MS-R09 for selection as the successor to the MS-06. It increased the fuel load capacity by 18%, strengthened the leg armor, and changed the cockpit to direct-in, among various other modifications. Four units were produced, but they were a step behind the MS-R09 in overall performance, despite some superior individual capabilities. This R-2 type was also circulated among the aces after some time, and Lieutenant Commander Johnny Ridden’s crimson suit, painted in a striking combination of red and black, is notable. Post-war photo collections often mistakenly present it as the “Red Comet” R-type, but it’s actually Ridden’s mobile suit.

MS-06D ZAKU DESERT TYPE

Numerous improvements were made to the Zaku due to the invasion by Zeon’s ground forces, but the most requested type for local combat was the tropical and desert warfare variant. While the MS-07, which had enhanced fixed armaments, was already in progress as a mobile suit for local combat, plans to modify the Zaku for the high demand on the African front as an MS-06J variant were underway. The modifications began with weight reduction and basic power upgrades. Partially increased armor was added based on combat data, with a focus on developing special weapons.

The rolled-out models were designated as the D type but had a more angular design compared to other Zakus, and ahead of the 07, a communication antenna was installed on the head. The experimental units were equipped with either a single antenna for easy identification or a double antenna on both sides. The armament included two types of detachable rocket pods, an SA-712 cracker pod on the waist, and a machine gun with some modifications. It can be said that it fulfilled the role of Dom, which could not be fully deployed. Initially, 43 units were produced for each of the two variants, and in the later stage, 28 units were made with a unified single antenna.

MS-06K ZAKU CANNON

MS-06K was a creation of Zeon’s ground forces, designed as a highly mobile solution for air defense during combat. Initially, the Mother Plan intended for the MS-06J to simply be equipped with an optional anti-aircraft gun. However, issues such as weight balance remained unresolved, leaving the plan stagnant.

This led to a reevaluation with the introduction of intel about the RX suit from North America, specifically California. Upon reconsideration, the prototype was designed not with air defense as its primary goal but to provide support in the battles against mobile suits. The first unit was rolled out in California. The monitor eye was redesigned to offer full panoramic vision, and a 180mm cannon was installed on the right shoulder. Integrated into the backpack, the cannon could be swapped out, allowing for similar usage to the base J-type model. Leveraging the expertise of the 07, auxiliary thrusters were attached to the leg unit, enhancing its mobility. A total of 9 prototypes were produced, all of which saw combat in North America. The standard color was dark grey, though Lieutenant Greyden’s unit, known as the “Rabbit type,” featured two antennae. Considering the possibility of large-scale mobile suit battles, the backpack was designed to accommodate a detachable big gun that could be secured with straps.

MS-06M ZAKU MARINE

In their Earth invasion operations, Zeon recognized the necessity of developing mobile suits capable of underwater activity. Initially, the plan was to enable the MS-06 for underwater combat, but the specifications weren’t quite met. Instead, this plan proceeded by using the Zaku as a basis for practical testing of a water jet engine and data collection for underwater combat equipment. Naturally, the development of a newly designed mobile suit was carried out in parallel. This new model was designated MS-06M, and five prototypes were outfitted with water-jet engines.

These were deployed to the submarine fleet ‘Sea Serpent’ in the North Atlantic as an experimental unit. Though their mobility was found wanting, in terms of data collection, they served their purpose well. The seven produced M-type models were relieved of their duty once the MSM-02 to MSM-03 were mass-produced. However, during the land invasion operation in the Mediterranean towards the end of the war, they were deployed with rocket pods added as extra equipment on their chests. Since they were dispersed almost individually to submarines, each had a unique unit color. This often led to the misunderstanding that they were mass-produced models.

FROM THE MS-06 ZAKU II TO THE MS-07 GOUF

Numerous variants were developed for ground combat based on the MS-06 type, but Zeon, especially recognizing the limitations of the MS-06J, embarked on developing mobile suits with enhanced mobility for close combat. The military commissioned plans for the YMS-07 and YMS-08, which were simultaneously developed as prototypes. The YMS-07 was designed for ground combat, with power upgrades to the radiator and partial armor reinforcement for close-quarters combat. Additionally, auxiliary thrusters were added to the legs to enhance mobility. The YMS-08 type focused mainly on close combat and guerrilla warfare, resulting in even greater weight reduction compared to the YMS-07.

Both were expected to have enhanced fixed armaments. The first and second 07 prototypes were equipped with a five-barrel 75mm machine gun on the left arm and a retractable whip-like weapon called a heat rod on the right arm.

The 08 was designed with a still-under-development propulsion engine on the back, making it possible for short-distance jump flights. However, due to insufficient power output, it ended up being integrated into the 07 plan, with only five units made in total. Once officially approved as the MS-07, it seems that numerous improvements were made as a ground combat weapon to replace the MS-06J.

The MS-07, commonly known as the Gouf, was primarily deployed in Asia following its introduction in North America, and the production line shifted from the outdated MS-06J to the MS-07. There were types of MS-07 that did not have fixed armaments as they were produced before the machine gun and heat rod. This type, known as the “A type,” saw the production of thirty-two units. Strictly speaking, the YMS-07B type, an early mass-production model used by Lieutenant Ramba Ral for his mission to avenge Captain Garma Zabi, was identical to the standard-equipped MS-07B. However, because careful tuning was performed, it achieved excellent results in terms of combat effectiveness.

While the success of the MS-07 was somewhat incidental, the fixed armaments caused some inconvenience. But it could be argued that there’s merit in the decision to detach the shield as an auxiliary armor. Although it is often overlooked due to the Zaku’s thicker armor and mobility, for pilots who know that relying solely on armor is dangerous, the Gouf remained popular even after the deployment of the Dom.

Against the MS-06, which was seen as hitting the limit as a general-purpose weapon, the MS-07 came to take on a more prominent role as a localized combat suit. The C-type series of the MS-07 underwent various minor changes. Starting with the C-1, which fitted both arms with machine guns, to the C-4, which drastically altered the leg’s auxiliary thrusters. Particularly unique among the MS-07 series was the C-5, of which only one unit was produced. Its monitor eye system featured a cross-type, and a heat saber was equipped as a fixed armament. In fact, this type was manufactured to derive data similar to the MS-07 for the development of the YMS-09 by the Zeon forces.

Furthermore, there was a plan for flight capabilities within the MS-07, known as the MS-07H. This aimed to further enhance the mobility of the 07 type by making the mobile suit itself capable of flight. Although only four units were made in total, and short-term flight was possible in reality, it goes without saying that there were various problems. This plan was sublimated in combination with Dodai YS.

MS-09 DOM

While the Principality of Zeon held an advantage over the Federation through their mobile suits, it didn’t take long for them to see the necessity of a new suit design specifically for ground combat, as they had attempted to draw out excessive versatility from the successful MS-06.

For some time, the high-performance MS-06 had been pursued until the birth of the MS-07, but its limitations in ground mobility were notably concentrated, with well-known remedies being flight-capable MS-07s or Dodai YS. The ground combat solution Zeon considered was a mobile suit with a hoverjet propulsion function that fulfilled the highest mobility demands. Taking inspiration from the lightweight and highly mobile RX-78, the YMS-08A was created as an improved version of the Zaku for close combat. Yet, already rejected and discontinued, the prototype proceeded under the moniker YMS-09.

The development was entirely new, rolling out more than six months into the war with armament capable of heavy artillery usage. It was equipped with a 360mm rocket launcher, a dedicated weapon, and a heat saber, also found on the MS-07C-5. The prototype was made in Zeon’s homeland, with the completed first and second units promptly sent to Earth for various tests. Many generals were summoned for promotional filming during these highly anticipated state-of-the-art tests. During the practical tests, Captain Frederic Cranberry piloted the first unit, adding to the spectacle. In the records verified, the 1st and 2nd units were both marked in a regimental style, said to be markings ordered by the Zabi family for the ceremony.

The subsequent mass-produced versions showed minimal differences and only involved exterior refinements. According to the records, the YMS-09 was limited to two units, and a few weeks later, production officially continued as the MS-09.

The prototypes were handed over to the California Base, with the second unit undergoing minor modifications as the research base for the tropical warfare MS-09. The MS-09’s performance on the African front was indeed remarkable, but it’s not to say there were no problems in localized combat and improvement requests from the field were reported.

Particularly, the short-range communication antenna, the head’s exhaust pipe, and the design of the back thrusters were all sent back for revision, and the YMS-09 configuration was ultimately adopted. Because it took time to deploy the Dom itself on Earth, the modifications for the tropical combat variant were carried out by California Base as a preliminary measure. Optional parts for this specification were produced for some units, but it’s reported that less than ten units were actually used.

The MS-09 Dom revolutionized the mobility of mobile suits in ground combat. Despite the heavy focus on localized warfare, it proved to be a superior ground-type mobile suit compared to the Zaku, marking a significant achievement.

MS-14 GELGOOG

Even as the MS technology of the Zeon forces was reputed to exceed that of the Federation by a full decade, the standardization of beam weaponry in the Federation’s RX suits posed a significant threat to the Principality of Zeon. The second-generation mainline mobile suit that inherited the MS-06 was being designed within Zeon, but for immediate use in space combat, a modified version of the MS-09 known as the MS-R09, or Rick Dom, was adopted.

Its competition, the MS-06R-2, was ultimately bested in terms of overall performance, but the foundation of the MS-11, which was under development as the main mobile suit, was based on data obtained from the MS-06R-2. The anticipated performance of the MS-11 closely mirrored the functionalities seen in the Federation’s RX suits, which was indeed a significant shift. The primary goal was the standardization of beam weaponry. Yet, this even took the Zeon forces a considerable amount of time, with the practical application of the beam rifle lagging about three months behind the completion of the mobile suits.

Once the feasibility of beam weaponry was established, Zeon’s mobile suit warfare concept completely aligned with that of the Federation. Alongside the close combat MS-15 (temporary designation), the MS-11, while visually distinguishable as belonging to the Principality of Zeon, offered no operational differences compared to the RX-78 suits.

Another characteristic of the second-generation mainstay mobile suit concept was the separation of the armor system seen in the MS-07. This could only be a prediction of the increasingly close-quarters nature of mobile suit warfare with the mass production of Federation mobile suits. The MS-11, to shift its number to other specialized mobile suits for space warfare, had its designation changed to MS-14. At this point, the Zeon Mobile Assault Forces requested the formation of an Ace Corps, including emerging Newtype pilots. The concept of a few elite forces annihilating enemy mobile suit units with a small but elite force was soon realized.

Of the initial production models as YMS-14, 24 units were individually tuned for pilots, equipped with speed boosters, and provided with beam cannon packs. The former became the high-mobility type MS-14B, and the latter as heavy-fire support type MS-14C, both in limited numbers. The summoned ace pilots, centered on the flagship “Chimera” (a Zanzibar-class), mainly conducted operational tests in the Corregidor shoal zone area. As a result, the pilots on standby in preparation for the decisive battle had to participate in the offensive and defensive battle of A Baoa Qu soon after. Among the summoned pilots were reported to be Lieutenant Commander J. Ridden, Ensign Thomas Kurtz, and Lieutenant J. Sakai.

The MS-14 entered the production line as the general-purpose A-type, surpassing the MS-15. It was a mobile suit designed with not only space combat in mind but also ground warfare. Therefore, considering maneuverability within the atmosphere, a jet engine auxiliary propulsion system was included in both arms. Similarly, the MS-14C assigned to the Ace Corps was a type that had been designed with full consideration of ground combat.

In the end, the MS-14C type remained at 15 units, and out of the total 738 units of the MS-14 series, 122 units’ worth of C parts were being prepared. However, development came to a halt with the arrival of the end of the war. The performance evaluation of the MS-14C, which serves as supporting evidence, was high, and it was capable of using two 360mm rocket cannons when fully armed.

EARTH FEDERATION FORCES: RX MOBILE SUIT LINEAGE

The Federation military began the development of mobile suits as their top-secret AAA project shortly after the outbreak of the war in July U.C.0077*.

The most beneficial aspect of the Federation Forces mobile suit development lineage was the implementation of the Core Fighter, which served as a central escape system. This meant that, by standardizing this core, it was possible to retrofit different models, thereby facilitating easy parts exchange and repair during actual combat. Moreover, the inclusion of a learning computer allowed for the pilot’s proficiency and the suit itself to develop at the same pace, which marked a significant difference from Zeon’s Zaku.

The original significance of the Core Fighter as an escape system lay in data collection when engaging with Zeon’s mobile suits. The research after data recovery was urgent, and the potential loss of mobile suits, which could not be compensated by production volume, held great significance along with the rescue of the pilot. Thus, it was deemed a high-priority system.

Since the Zaku’s landing operation, the focus had shifted to ground-based mobile suit warfare. The RX-75 became the first of its kind to be developed as an Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) capable of dealing with mobile suits. However, it was essentially no different from an AFV and was far from what could be called the prototype of a mobile suit. Yet, with the introduction of the core block concept, its transition toward a mobile suit became more apparent.

Covering the issue of mobility was not entirely possible, and various improvements were made, such as setting up a separate cockpit. However, by the time the plans for the RX-77 and RX-78 were proposed as development models, the RX-75 was virtually rejected. The RX-77 and RX-78, based on a recovered Zaku, were fully humanoid, and though technically they were divided into close combat and mid-range support types, they could collectively be referred to as a multi-purpose mobile suit due to the commonality of the core block. The RX-75 returned from the path of mobile suit development to the path of AFV development once again and underwent a specification change to meet the requirements of a mobile fortress providing support during ground operations of the mobile suit units.

With the conversion to the RX-75, it transitioned from a two-seater to a three-seater (one on top and two below). Still, mass production did not keep up, and a total of six units were deployed to North America and Central Asia. This type, as the mass-production model of the RX-75 Guntank, was given the model number RMV-1.

While the RMV-1 represented one of the evolutionary paths for ground combat mobile suits, the development of a lightweight, high-mobility mobile suit to outperform the Zaku in anti-mobile suit combat succeeded through the RX-77 type. It was the RX-78 type, which separated the armament and defense systems into minimum units. In the 77 type, the fixed armament of heavy firearms had been a lingering issue, but with this 78 type, one can sense the sublimation of the Federation Forces’ mobile suit concept. However, the development was delayed mainly due to the beam rifle, but other prototypes progressed smoothly.

These three types of RX suits were subjected to practical tests at Side 7 in collaboration with the assault landing ship Pegasus based on the AAA project. The Federation Forces advanced the production of simplified mass-production mobile suits at various locations, including Jaburo Base, based on the data from the experimental unit. These were the RGM-79 GM, RGC-80 GM Cannon, and RB-79 Ball. Especially for the sake of supplementing production numbers, the RB-79 was mass-produced as a support for GM, but as it was based on a work-use space pod, it couldn’t be expected to be a reliable combat unit.

Although the Federation Forces RX suits were halted by the end of the war, it is said that there were plans for a full-fledged GM for Newtypes and full armor conversion of the remaining RX-78.