| Model number: MS-06M (MSM-01) Code name: Zaku Marine Type Unit type: submarine combat mobile suit Manufacturer: Zeonic Company Operator(s): Principality of Zeon; Earth Federal Forces; Titans First deployment: UC 0079 Accommodation: pilot only, in standard cockpit in torso Dimensions: overall height 18.2 meters; head height 17.5 meters Weight: empty 43.3 metric tons; max gross 60.8 metric tons Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 951 kW Propulsion: hydrojet thrusters: 66000 kg total Performance: maximum thruster acceleration 1.09 G; maximum water speed 45 knots Equipment and design features: sensors, range 3200 meters Fixed armaments: 2 x vulcan gun, fire-linked, mounted in head Optional hand armaments: SUBROC (SUBmarine ROCket) gun, 4-tube chamber; 2 x 240 mm 4-tube rocket pod |
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| Zeon's mobile suit designers also attempted to adapt the Zaku II for the waters that cover 70 percent of Earth's surface. This M-type Zaku was equipped with waterproof seals, a hydrojet engine, and supplemental thrusters on its arms and legs. The five prototypes were tested off the eastern seaboard of North America by the "Sea Serpent" submarine squadron. The waterproofing proved technically difficult, however, and testing showed that the Zaku's un-streamlined silhouette limited its maneuverability. Development was canceled, and work began on new amphibious mobile suits, but the existing M-type prototypes proved useful as research testbeds for these new models. The mobile suit was given the new model number MSM-01, and two additional units were produced for data-gathering purposes. The seven test units were assigned to to the Red Dolphin, Sea Serpent, Green Siren, Naga III and Mandalay submarine squadrons. All were eventually sent into combat, and all but two or three were ultimately lost in battle. |