Technology & Combat Characteristics

Although based on the MA-08 Big Zam, the mass production type was redesigned to be much simpler, smaller, and less expensive than the powerful prototype. To lower production costs, the I-field of the original was replaced with an anti-beam coating applied to the armor. The Mass Production Type Big Zam's primary weapon was a large mega particle cannon identical to the original's, but featured an armored shutter that could close over the cannon's aperture. Due to the massive output of the cannon, the Big Zam could only fire while stationary, and even then needed special support legs to keep from falling over. On the other hand, the mass production model featured an improved cooling system that would have eliminated the original's overheating problems. The Mass Production Type Big Zam's only other weapons were a set of missile launchers mounted at the top of its legs. The legs carried two sets of missiles, a set of standard missiles and a set of anti-air missiles.

Supposedly the Mass Production Type Big Zam would have a Minovsky Craft system so that it could fly in the Earth's atmosphere. This would make it more easily transported across long distances and rough terrain where it would be hindered by its size and weight.

History

During the One Year War, one of the Principality of Zeon's most fearsome weapons was the MA-08 Big Zam. This massive mobile armor was originally developed for mass production, but the base model was refined into a much more expensive form. As a result, the planned mass production version of the Big Zam was more than just a copy of the original.

Zeon's higher-ups intended for the Mass Production Type Big Zam to be the spearhead of their invasion of Jaburo, where they would have likely fulfilled Dozle Zabi's dream and finished off the Federation in no time. However, the design wasn't ready in time for the failed surprise attack on Jaburo in late November UC 0079. After that point, Zeon was too focused on holding what it already had to worry about recapturing Earth, so the Mass Production Type Big Zam was never built.

In Mobile Suit Gundam Katana, True Federal had somehow been able to produce at least three units and were used against Ittou Tsurugi and Yuji Arcana in their RGM-79FC Striker Custom machines.