Technology & Combat Characteristics

The MS-06V-8 Zaku Tank (Wild Boar) was created from mounting a MS-06F Zaku II torso, head and arms onto the hull of a Magella Attack Tank. These units were prized by field commanders starved for replacement mobile suits and used for both combat and support duties. The MS-06V-8 type was armed with a Twin 105mm Zaku Machine Gun which was belt-fed via a back-mounted magazine rack with an ammunition capacity of 3.5 times a regular drum magazine. Due to the stability of the Magella base and increased ammunition, the Wild Boar's shooting performance proved superior to the MS-06J Zaku II Ground Type. Its head-mounted communication antenna was shortened to accommodate the limited height of its storage hangar. The Wild Boar's superior firepower came at the expense of added weight from weapon and ammunition, which led to a 30% drop in overall speed compared to the Magella Attack Tank.

History

The MS-06V Zaku Tank was originally intended for non-combat construction work, but as the circumstances of the war worsened the Zaku Tank units were re-armed and used in combat. Originally introduced on the African front, the Zaku Tank was eventually used around the world. The MS-06V-8 Zaku Tank (Wild Boar) was known to have been deployed in Northern Europe. It was produced with several types of coloring scheme, including the off-white winter colors for European frontlines, a forest-green camouflage, and a tri-color South American jungle scheme.