Technology & Combat Characteristics
A predecessor of the Zaku II, the Zaku I is also known as "Old Zaku", and is still in active service despite its inferior performance. The Zaku I used by the Principality of Zeon's Living Dead Division is equipped with sealed joints to protect against debris in the Thunderbolt Sector. Additionally, the mobile suit's backpack features propellant tanks on the sides for improved mobility, as well as a foldable sub-arm that can hold firearms.
History
Shortly after the appearance of the FA-78 Full Armor Gundam, Daryl Lorenz was issued a Zaku I due to a shortage of working mobile suits in the Living Dead Division. During a skirmish in the Thunderbolt Sector, Daryl nearly destroyed the Gundam with a Big Gun shot, but a bolt of lightning blocked the attack. The Zaku I was severely damaged by the Gundam before using a cracker grenade to escape. In the OVA, Daryl lost his left hand during the battle. In the manga, several more Zaku Is were seen in the fleet.
After the One Year War, Zaku Is were among the mobile suits used by the South Seas Alliance. Some were fitted with modified heads and backpacks, and armed with long-range beam rifles to guard a derelict colony in Side 4 used as a training facility for the Psycho Zaku Mk-II units.