Technology & Combat Characteristics
The transformable mobile suit MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam developed by the Anti-Earth Union Group (AEUG) is originally considered far too complex and expensive for mass production. But Karaba, the AEUG's terrestrial ally, takes note of the Zeta Gundam's effectiveness and redesigns it to create the mass production type MSK-006 Zeta Plus (later redesignated as the MSZ-006A1). Because this machine is intended exclusively for use in the atmosphere on Earth, its space flight systems and atmospheric entry features are eliminated. However, its cost-performance ratio and flight capabilities are superior to those of the Zeta Gundam.
Instead of the flying armor used by the Zeta Gundam, the Zeta Plus is equipped with variable geometry wing binders similar to those of the MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki. These wing binders improve the flight characteristics of the waverider form, giving it a cruising range of hundreds of kilometers, and in mobile suit form, they can be used for AMBAC maneuvering rather than simply becoming dead weight. The Zeta Plus is also equipped with two beam cannons in the side armor, which are connected directly to its movable frame so that energy supply and fire control can be performed without using the mobile suit's hands.
History
The first MSZ-006A1 Zeta Plus A1 rolled out in November of U.C. 0087, and the new machines were assigned to Karaba units such as the 18th Tactical Fighter Aggressor Squadron (18TFAS) based aboard the Garuda-class carrier "Audhumla". These machines were painted in gray for low-visibility missions, but had a different rollout color scheme for demonstration purposes. The demonstration colors was also known as "GM coloring" and is a two-tone color of red-orange and white. Rumor has it that one of these colorful machines was used by the legendary ace pilot Amuro Ray in his role as commander of 18TFAS.
In U.C. 0096, an unknown number of Zeta Plus A1 remained in service, with some units stationed at certain Earth Federation Forces' ground bases such as the Cheyenne base. During Bright Noa's investigation of said base, two guarding Zeta Plus A1s were immobilized by Tri-Stars Team's RGM-96X Jestas and RGM-96X Jesta Cannon.
In U.C.0097, one Zeta Plus A1 was deployed as part of Side 6's college colony Metis' defense team, alongside a RMS-099 Rick Dias and a pair of RMS-106 Hizacks, in response to the fighting between Zoltan Akkanen's forces and the Earth Federation Forces' Shezarr Unit. Following the destruction of its comrades in battle, the Zeta Plus A1 indiscriminately attacked both Zoltan's forces and the Shezarr Unit to force them to leave the colony. Despite its age, the Zeta Plus A1 defeated at least two Jestas, a AMS-129 Geara Zulu, and even survived the Fair Lady III's combination attack known as the "Circle of Death", but it was damaged in the process. After damaging two of the Fair Lady III's three AMX-009 Dreissens, the Zeta Plus A1 was finally destroyed by Birgitte Knudsen's Dreissen.
