The MS-05L Zaku I Sniper is a variant of the MS-05B Zaku I. He is first

appeared as part of design variations in Harmony of Gundam by Hajime Katoki, but was also featured in Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn and Model Suit Gunpla Builders Beginning G.

Features

A modernized version of MS-05 Zaku I , the primary weapon of the MS-05L Zaku I Sniper Type was a beam sniper rifle, powered by a sub-generator mounted on its back. Its head unit was fitted with the same type of composite single-camera as the MS-06E Zaku Reconnaissance Type, granting it the detection range needed for long-range shooting. It was also equipped with a pair of Vulcan cannons for defense. A collapsible knee pad has been installed in his right knee, which can deploy to stabilize the MS during fire missions. Essentially, the Zaku I Sniper Type was a self-propelled long-range mega particle cannon turret.

• Sub-generator

A large backpack-mounted sub-generator developed from technology used in the MS-14C Gelgoog Cannon. It has an output of 700kW, rivaling the output of the machine itself. Due to a short development time, it has a long cooling time. Although this problem can be solved by connecting it to an external cooling device.

• Foldable knee pad

The Zaku I Sniper Type's right leg kneepad is unique, in that when the MS kneels in the firing position, the kneepad extends outward to stabilize the machine like a foot on a rifle.

Armaments

• Vulcan Gun: A pair of headshot weapons. With low offensive power, only used to restrict enemy movement, and lay down a wall of suppressive fire due to their rapid fire ability.
• Beam Sniper Rifle: A beam weapon developed by Zeon towards the end of the One Year War, the Beam Sniper Rfile is powered by a dedicated generator located in the backpack. When used in conjunction with the MS-05L's cameras, it is capable of long-range precision fire. The barrel overheats after several shots, and must be replaced. It appears to be from the same series as the MS-14G Gelgoog Ground Type Prototype Beam Rifle.

History

During the One Year War, Zeon's Mobile Suits mostly relied on the Magella Top Guns for sniping, which lacked accuracy and firepower. After Garma Zabi's death, Zeon forces on Earth requested a more effective long-range weapon. However, as Zeon experimented with the concept of using Psycommu-type all-terrain weapons for long-range fire missions, nearly all support was cut after the loss of Odessa.

Using handheld beam weapon technology first developed for the MS-14 Gelgoog, the California base developed the Zaku I Sniper Type, using the obsolete MS-05 Zaku I, which were for most relegated to transportation and engineering.

During the final days of the Year-Long War, the Zaku I Sniper Type used guerrilla tactics against the massive counterattack by Earth Federation forces, and helped slow the EFF advance. In December, UC 0079, one such unit was responsible for single-handedly fighting an entire GM squadron at S3 Point as Zeon forces prepared to evacuate the California base.

A Zaku I Sniper Type is used in UC 0096, piloted by Zeon Remnant leader Yonem Kirks during their attack on Torrington Base. The Zaku I Sniper Type supported the remaining ground Zeon forces from the air inside a Fat Uncle Custom. Despite being nearly twenty years old at the time, the machine proved to be highly effective, taking out multiple modern Federation units.

Eventually, the Zaku I Sniper Type was cornered by Londo Bell's Tri-Stars team in their Jestas. With a single shot, Kirks pierced the MS's abdomen and attempted to detonate his generator from his backpack, but the Jestas managed to destroy Zaku's arms and rifle before he could fire. The pilot will be killed as the MS falls to the ground after the Jestas shoot him down.

Did you know?

• In the Model Suit Gunpla Builders Beginning G series, the MS-05L Zaku I Sniper Type is the Model Gunpla used by one of Koji Matsumoto's teammates and takes part in the 3v3 battle against Haru Irei's team
• The Kirks Custom Zaku I Sniper Type appears to have been fitted with the same type of cockpit as the MS United Maintenance Plans, with lookout panels on each side and above.