Technology & Combat Characteristics
The Zaku Cannon was developed out of the Zeon's MS-06J-12 Project, which was to build an anti-aircraft mobile suit. The project was change to include mid-range support capabilities following the appearance of the Earth Federation Forces' mid-range fire support RX-77-2 Guncannon. The Zaku Cannon was based on the MS-06J Zaku II Ground Type and has a powerful 180mm cannon mounted on the backpack. Its K-type backpack can be replaced with a Zaku II Ground Type's backpack when needed. The Zaku Cannon featured a 360 degree camera eye for improved vision and target acquisition, and more powerful thrusters in its legs to overcome its increased mass and to counter the recoil from the 180mm cannon. A set of vents were also added to the chest and the back of the legs.
History
Nine prototype units were constructed at California Base, and this squadron of Zaku Cannons were led by Ian Graden in defense of the base until the end of the war. Greydon's own Zaku Cannon sports a custom twin-antenna head that came to be known as the "rabbit type." A handful of other Zaku Cannon units also appeared in other theaters on Earth, including Southeast Asia and Australia.
After the One Year War, the Earth Federation Forces picked up the designs and produced the machine to supplement their forces, and these units remained in service during the Gryps Conflict. In U.C. 0096, one known Zaku Cannon was deployed by Zeon remnants during their assault of Torrington Base.