Technology & Combat Characteristics
The AMX-011C Zaku III Late Type is an upgraded version of the AMX-011 Zaku III, developed at a hidden facility that remained undetected by Earth Federation Forces even after the First Neo Zeon War. Building on the original model’s high thrust and heavy armament, it was further enhanced and served as a testbed for the new Neo Zeon mobile suit that would eventually lead to the Doga series. Like its predecessor, it supports multiple configurations by swapping its backpack (for standard or extended operations) and skirt armor. It is equipped with the SPS mega machine gun and a four-round Zaku III bazooka. Only a limited number of units were produced, and several prototypes were supplied to the terrorist organization “Colorde.”
History
The Zaku III Late Type was designed during the last few days of the first Neo Zeon War as a way to improve the overall performance of the machine. After the war, remnants of Neo Zeon took the design with them when they joined Char's Newborn Neo Zeon. Piloted by Eldesko Baye, leader of Colorde, the unit led two AMX-003S Gaza-C Customs during an incursion into a Side 2 colony, where it engaged the MWS-19051G D Gundam First. Later, Eldesko defected from Colorde and joined forces with the Arahas unit to stop a Neo Zeon remnants colony drop—though the drop itself turned out to be merely a diversion. He ultimately faced his former subordinate, D’Mad, in a one-on-one battle against the AMX-016 Gaza-W.
The Zaku III Late Type would be used as the basis for Char's Neo Zeons mass-production mobile suit the AMS-119 Geara Doga during the Second Neo Zeon War.