MSZ-006C4 Zeta plus C4

Model number: MSZ-006C4
Code name: Zeta plus C4
Unit type: mass production transformable mobile suit
Manufacturer: Anaheim Electronics
Operator: Earth Federation Forces
First deployment: unknown
Accommodation: pilot only, in panoramic monitor/linear seat cockpit in torso
Dimensions: mobile suit mode: overall height 22.03 meters, head height 19.86 meters; waverider mode: overall length 24.64 meters, wingspan 19.58 meters
Weight: empty 32.56 metric tons; max gross 84.15 metric tons
Armor materials: Gundarium γ alloy composite
Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 2,770 kW
Propulsion: rocket thrusters: 124,000 kg total (4 x 18,600 kg, 4 x 12,400 kg); vernier thrusters/apogee motors: 12
Equipment and design features: sensors, range 16,600 meters
Fixed armaments: 2 x 60mm vulcan gun, mounted in head; flight sub-unit beam cannon, power rated at 14 MW; 2 x beam saber, power rated at 0.75 MW, stored in recharge racks, hand-carried in use
Optional hand armaments: none

The variable geometry wing binders used by the Zeta plus series were effective in both mobile suit and wave rider forms, and they performed well at low altitudes when the machine was traveling at around the speed of sound. When it came to hypersonic flight in the upper layers of the atmosphere, however, their performance was inferior to that of the flying armor used by the prototype MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam. The MSZ-006C4 type, which was designed for use in the upper atmosphere and low Earth orbit, was equipped with flying armor for better performance in these situations. Unlike other machines of the Zeta plus series, where the waverider form was merely a nickname inherited from the prototype Zeta Gundam, the mobile armor form of the C4 type was a genuine wave rider which concentrated the shock waves of atmospheric entry on its underside to produce lift. The thigh beam cannons were eliminated for the sake of streamlining and replaced by a single beam cannon installed in its flight sub unit (or “shield”). Although its flight performance was inferior at ordinary altitudes, this type was ideal for hypersonic maneuvers at altitudes over 100 kilometers. Produced in small numbers, it was used for combat in low Earth orbit and to intercept enemy machines during atmospheric entry.

First appearance: Gundam Sentinel
Original mechanical designer: Hajime Katoki

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