Technology & Combat Characteristics
As the MSZ-006A1 Zeta Plus A1 was designed for long-range attack missions, its waverider form was intended mainly for long-distance travel rather than aerial combat, as a result, its versatility and reliability as a combat aircraft was inferior to that of conventional fighter aircraft. This D type was designed to correct this flaw by improving its thrust-to-weight ratio and handling characteristics. The Zeta Plus D not only incorporates a pair of new nuclear thermal turbofan engines, but was also fitted with additional horizontal and vertical fins on its nose and tail stabilizer, giving better reliability and maneuverability. The flight sub unit/shield incorporates an engine equipped with thrust vectoring for takeoff and landing purposes. The D type carries improved thigh beam cannons, and its wing binders have hardpoints for missiles and drop tanks.
History
With the exception of the E type, this is the most expensive machine of the Zeta Plus series, and it boasts high performance as both a mobile suit and a fighter aircraft. This D type is later adopted by the regular Federation Forces and deployed in the first Neo Zeon conflict, and it is said that a modified version is later developed for use in space.