Mobile Suit Variation No.4
GUNPLA INFORMATION
Scale: 1/144 Mobile Suit Variation No.4
Released: 1983.05
Price: 525 yen
JAN Code: 4902425013107
Exposition: Stream Base’s Masahiro Oda
[MS-06D Zaku Desert Type Exposition] Due to the invasion of Zeon’s ground forces, numerous improvements were made to the Zaku, but the most strongly requested variant for localized combat was the Tropical Desert Type. The Zaku modification plan, which started as a highly demanded model for the African front, began with weight reduction and an increase in basic output. Additionally, partial additional armor was applied, and focus was placed on the development of specialized weaponry. The rolled-out units were given the designation “D Type,” which had a more angular design compared to other Zakus, and communication antennas were installed on their head units ahead of the 07 model. Initially, there were 43 units of two different types, and in the later stage, 28 units were produced with a unified single antenna design.
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-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.
