MS Classics: The Ace's Zaku The MS-06R-1 Zaku II High Mobility Type, an improved version of the MS-06F Zaku II, was the Duchy of Zeon's first attempt to replace the venerable Zaku with a higher-performance space combat model. Though the R type was ultimately deemed unsuitable for mass production, and fewer than a hundred units were made, this limited-production model proved enormously popular with Zeon's top ace pilots. As these veterans were wont to put it, "It's harder to get your hands on an R type than to sink a Federation battleship." Illustrations by Mark Simmons			Mobile Suit Classics The Early Years Outbreak of War The Earth Invasion The Ace's Zaku The Terrestrial Front Operation V The Jet Set

Mobile Suit Classics 20 MS-06RP ZAKU II HIGH MOBILITY TEST TYPE While Zeon wrested control of half Earth's surface, the Zeonic Company's designers were meanwhile working on a higher-performance successor to the MS-06F Zaku II for space combat. Two prototypes of the High Mobility Type Zaku II were constructed, with greatly increased engine output and propellant capacity. Two weeks of test flights were performed by Major Elliot Lem, a veteran of Zeonic's development team and the author of the original Zaku pilot's manual. The prototype performed to Lem's satisfaction, and trial production began with only minor modifications.

Mobile Suit Classics 21 MS-06R-1 ZAKU II HIGH MOBILITY TYPE Having passed muster with test pilot Elliot Lem, the Zaku II High Mobility Type underwent a trial run of 22 units. These were assigned to selected pilots for field testing. With powerful new main engines, supplemental leg thrusters, and increased propellant capacity, the new model received rave reviews for its superb performance. However, feedback from early adopters would result in a couple of minor changes in the next round of production.

Mobile Suit Classics 22 MS-06R-1 ZAKU II HIGH MOBILITY TYPE SHIN MATSUNAGA COLORS One of the most famous pilots of the Zaku II High Mobility Type was Shin Matsunaga, oldest son of Side 3's prominent Matsunaga family. He fought in Operation British and the Battle of Ruum, where he destroyed six Federation warships and, due to the death of his commanding officer, received a field promotion to 1st lieutenant. After a stint at officer training school, Matsunaga was given this R-1 type Zaku and promoted to the rank of captain. Stationed at the asteroid fortress Solomon, he served as personal escort to Lieutenant General Dozul Zabi during his infamous front-line "inspections." Matsunaga's frequent sorties against the Federal Forces earned him the nickname "White Wolf of Solomon."

Mobile Suit Classics 23 MS-06R-1A ZAKU II HIGH MOBILITY TYPE BLACK TRINARY COLORS Based on feedback from pilots, some changes were made to the R-1 type for its second round of production. Engine defects were addressed, and its supplemental propellant tanks were converted to replaceable cartridges so that the mobile suit could be quickly refueled in mid-battle. 56 units of the improved R-1A type were produced, and half of the original 22 units were upgraded to this type as well. Among the pilots of the R-1A model were the famous Black Trinary of Gaia, Ortega and Mash. This was the last type of Zaku used by the legendary trio, prior to their transfer to Zeon's Odessa base in early November, UC 0079.

Mobile Suit Classics 24 MS-06R-1A ZAKU II HIGH MOBILITY TYPE MASAYA NAKAGAWA COLORS Though the High Mobility Type successfully pushed the performance of the aging Zaku II design to its limits, the design proved to be unsuitable for mass production. It was expensive and difficult to manufacture, and this high-performance mobile suit was too complex for inexperienced pilots to operate. Production was halted and, with so few units in circulation, the High Mobility Type became a sought-after status symbol for Zeon's ace pilots. One of the lucky pilots who obtained this scarce mobile suit was 1st Lieutenant Masaya Nakagawa, a member of the E Field defense force at the asteroid fortress A Bao A Qu. After the One Year War, military historians initially assumed that Nakagawa's Zaku was a ground combat model due to its earth-toned color scheme, until new pictures were found that clearly showed its distinctive High Mobility Type legs.

Mobile Suit Classics 25 MS-06R-1A ZAKU II HIGH MOBILITY TYPE ERIC MANSFIELD COLORS One of the handful of Zeon pilots fortunate enough to be assigned a Zaku II High Mobility Type was Lieutenant Colonel Eric Mansfield, a member of Zeon's home defense corps. This elite force, reporting directly to Giren Zabi, was usually stationed at Side 3. However, some of its members were transferred to the asteroid fortress A Bao A Qu at the end of the war along with Giren, and records indicate that Mansfield was among them. His Zaku was painted in low-visibility gray.

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