Technology & Combat Characteristics
A modified version of the MS-06F Zaku II designed exclusively for ground combat, the J-type superficially resembled the F-type, but had many internal differences. It removed any space-use equipment that would have become redundant under gravity, reduced the oxidizer in the propellant, and adopted an air cooling system, leading to a completely different basic structure around its reactor. Due to the removal of unnecessary equipment, it was lighter compared to the F-type, leading to less power loss under gravity.
To account for atmospheric distortion, the light receptor semiconductor unit and measurement software of its monoeye were both updated from the ones used by the F-type, and it featured a more accurate infrared sensor. Its manipulators were coated with soft material for improved sealing, with a new software installed to account for the constant 1G gravity.
The F-type's AMBAC system was omitted, and the space used for leg sub-thrusters were used to mount newly designed anti-ground sensors. A pair of hardpoints that also serve as I/O ports were added to its legs. However, the sub-thrusters at the bottom of its feet were untouched, as they could improve mobility when used in conjunction with the main thrusters. This would eventually inspire the thermonuclear jet hover drive used by the MS-09 Dom.
The J-type mostly used the same weapons as the F-type. However, due to recoil being less problematic under gravity, it was able to equip various optional equipment, including leg-mounted missile pods, the Magella Top cannon, and cracker grenades.
History
The MS-06J Zaku II Ground Type rolled out in late September, U.C. 0078, at Zeonic's Mahal factory, around the same time as the F-type's rollout. By the time the Principality of Zeon announced national mobilization in October of the same year, around 80 units of MS-06J had already been produced. It was mostly produced from Granada and, following its capture, the California Base. On 3 November, the J-type Zaku was used by Ramba Ral's unit to attack the White Base, as revenge for the death of Garma Zabi. Following Zeon's retreat from Earth, parts for the MS-06J were reused in the production of the MP-02A Oggo mobile pod.
