Technology & Combat Characteristics
The MS-06E Zaku Reconnaissance Type, also known as the Zaku II E-Type, is a variant of the MS-06F Zaku II equipped with specialized cameras and sensor systems for scouting and spying operations. Due to the effects of Minovsky particle dispersion, vision-based combat had become the norm, making reconnaissance more important than it was in the past. Since the E-Type's missions required it to enter dangerous areas to retrieve and return with accurate and clear information, it was equipped with a backpack which was improved upon the S-Type's. Small thrusters and verniers for emergency evacuation were also added to its body, and its propellant storage capacity was increased to further its operating range and prolong its operational time. Overall, its mobility has been optimized and enhanced for reconnaissance missions.
As for recon equipment, the Zaku II's head-mounted mono-eye sensor was replaced with a highly complex and enhanced model, and optical cameras were added to its shoulders and front pelvic armor. The E-Type also utilized a small handheld "camera gun" for recording its findings, and could be equipped with standard Zaku armaments such as the 120mm machine gun when needed. As a recon unit, it was often mistaken for lacking combat ability, though its goal was to avoid combat while still having enough combat capability to break through enemy lines. When the One Year War ended, the Earth Federation Forces – including the Titans – would requisition a number of these mobile suits and provide some upgrades of their own, such as improved sensing and thruster devices, and a panoramic cockpit and linear seat.
History
Due to the effects of Minovsky particle interference throughout the One Year War, Zeon found themselves in need of proper data gathering tactics to outmaneuver the Federation's forces. One of the notable mobile suits produced to meet this need was the MS-06E Zaku Reconnaissance Type. Roughly 100 of these machines were produced, and sent on a variety of scouting missions, gathering information from behind enemy lines and giving the Zeon forces good intel on enemy movements, strengths, and tactics. The Earth Federation Forces also highly rated this machine's performance, and after the war, some of the surviving units were requisitioned and upgraded by the Earth Federation Forces and the Titans task force for their own recon operations. The RMS-119 EWAC Zack "Eye-Zack" could be considered a distant relative of the Zaku Reconnaissance Type.