Zaku I
The Zaku I, commonly referred to as the "Old Zaku," is a mobile suit appearing in the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise. Manufactured by the Zeonic Company, it holds the distinction of being the first mass-produced mobile suit deployed for actual combat in Universal Century history. Developed prior to the One Year War, it established the fundamental mechanisms of mobile suit warfare. Although largely superseded on the front lines by its higher-performing successor, the Zaku II, it remained in active service throughout the conflict for logistical, support, and specialized combat roles. Its main model number is MS-05.
Overview
The Zaku I, commonly referred to as the "Old Zaku," is a mobile suit appearing in the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise. Manufactured by the Zeonic Company, it holds the distinction of being the first mass-produced mobile suit deployed for actual combat in Universal Century history. Developed prior to the One Year War, it established the fundamental mechanisms of mobile suit warfare. Although largely superseded on the front lines by its higher-performing successor, the Zaku II, it remained in active service throughout the conflict for logistical, support, and specialized combat roles. Its main model number is MS-05.
Appearance
The Zaku I features a streamlined silhouette with its power transfer conduits enclosed entirely within the armor, leaving no external piping exposed. Its head is equipped with a distinct mono-eye visor guarded by a central support. Unlike later models, standard units lack shoulder-mounted shields or spiked shoulder pauldrons. In the Thunderbolt sector variation, the joints are wrapped in sealing materials, the backpack includes a propellant tank and articulated sub-arms, the left shoulder carries spiked armor, the right shoulder features a mounting grip, and the soles of the feet are outfitted with claws for gripping debris.
Abilities
The Zaku I established foundational features of mobile suit operations, including visual combat under Minovsky particle interference, bipedal walking, and attitude control. Powered by an early thermonuclear reactor generating 899 kW, it suffered from lower output and internal heat retention, yet maintained sufficient combat capabilities. Its armaments include 105mm and 120mm Zaku Machine Guns, a 280mm anti-ship Zaku Bazooka mounted via a right-shoulder rack, a Heat Hawk for close-quarters combat, cracker grenades, a gas launcher, and a multi-launcher.
Background
First completed as a prototype in UC 0074, the unit was formally adopted by the Principality of Zeon after competing against the EMS-04 Zuda. It underwent testing with an instruction unit and saw its first reported combat during civil unrest in UC 0077. As performance limitations became apparent during early operations, Zeon developed the Zaku II to replace it. The Zaku I units were subsequently reassigned to second-line duties, including supply operations, colony security, and civil construction conversions. Nevertheless, numerous veteran pilots continued to operate specialized or customized Zaku I units through the end of the One Year War.
Relationships
Elliott Rem of the Zeonic Company led the development of the unit for the Principality of Zeon military. A Zaku I commanded by Gadem engaged the RX-78-2 Gundam during a supply delivery to the Falmel. In the Thunderbolt sector, Daryl Lorenz piloted a Zaku I fitted for sniper duty alongside the Big Gun weapon unit against the Full Armor Gundam. Customized variants were also operated by noteworthy pilots including Ramba Ral, Erik Blanke, Norris Packard, Gerhart Schmitzer, and the Black Tri-Stars.
Trivia
Originally designated simply as the "Zaku," the suit retroactively gained the name "Zaku I" following the mass rollout of the Zaku II. In addition to the standard MS-05B production model, several variants were created throughout its operational lifespan, including the early MS-05A, the retrofitted MS-05Q, and specialized configurations such as the Zaku I Sniper Type.