Zakrello
The Zakrello (model number: MA-04X) is a prototype space mobile armor built by the Principality of Zeon, originating from the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam. Funded by the Yoffum family of Side 3, it was designed around high-thrust hit-and-run tactics. Although slated for disposal during development due to poor maneuverability, its core design concepts influenced later space mobile armors such as the Byg-Zam.
Overview
The Zakrello (model number: MA-04X) is a prototype space mobile armor built by the Principality of Zeon, originating from the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam. Funded by the Yoffum family of Side 3, it was designed around high-thrust hit-and-run tactics. Although slated for disposal during development due to poor maneuverability, its core design concepts influenced later space mobile armors such as the Byg-Zam.
Appearance
The Zakrello is painted bright yellow and features a distinct face resembling a snake or clown with a wide-open mouth. Instead of the typical monoeye, it utilizes a compound-eye main camera system. It has a structural layout composed of independent main body, propulsion, and manipulator units, including two large attitude-control verniers. Its armament includes a scattering beam cannon inside the mouth, twin heat nata scythes on the arms, and four-tube missile launchers on the sides.
Abilities
Designed for hit-and-run combat using its high straight-line thrust, the machine carries twin heat nata for close-range engagements. Its ranged firepower consists of a centrally mounted scattering beam cannon and dual four-tube missile launchers, allowing it to harass enemy forces while maintaining high-speed movement.
Background
After testing revealed poor mobility, the unit was deemed a failure and ordered to be scrapped. However, test pilot Chief Petty Officer Demitry launched without authorization to avenge Ensign Tokwan. Demitry used the unit's high speed to press the attack against a Guntank and a Gundam equipped with G-Mechanism components. Despite landing several blows, Amuro Ray quickly anticipated its flight path and destroyed the unit with a beam saber strike during a close pass, killing Demitry in the explosion. The machine appears in the original television series but is omitted from the compilation films.
Relationships
The Zakrello was piloted by Chief Petty Officer Demitry, who stole the machine to avenge his superior officer, Ensign Tokwan. During his unauthorized battle, he engaged the Earth Federation Forces and was ultimately defeated by Amuro Ray piloting the Gundam.
Trivia
Due to its comical design, fans often refer to it as one of Zeon's bizarre surprise mechas. Some later sources attribute its rejection to insufficient beam cannon firepower rather than poor maneuverability. In the manga Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin, it is depicted as a mass-produced unit deployed in the Solomon space area. The machine has inspired numerous variants across spinoff media, including the Gaza-Rello in the SD Gundam G Generation series.