The powerful AMX-011S Zaku III Custom, favored by elite Neo Zeon pilots.
The AMX-011S Zaku III Custom is a versatile mobile suit designed for commanders, developed by Neo Zeon. It made its first appearance in the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ, and later in Mobile Suit Gundam Twilight Axis, standing out as a high-performance variant of the standard Zaku III. This mobile suit was operated by various Neo Zeon factions, including the Glemy Army and Axis Zeon, and piloted by notable aces like Mashymre Cello and Danton Hyleg.
History and Development
The Zaku III Custom represents an evolution of the AMX-011 Zaku III, a modular design that, while not selected for mass production over the AMX-014 Döven Wolf, proved popular among elite officers and pilots of Neo Zeon during the First Neo Zeon War. The "Custom" designation was given to base Zaku III units equipped with various optional parts to significantly enhance their combat performance.
Mashymre Cello's distinct Zaku III Custom in its signature green livery.
The unit piloted by Mashymre Cello featured distinctive modifications, such as a new head unit housing a pair of Vulcan cannons instead of the original beam cannon. Its left shoulder armor included a hidden bomb dispenser, and its backpack was a new design, equipped with larger capacity propellant tanks and high-power vernier thrusters, considerably increasing its operational time and acceleration. It also incorporated an elongated rear skirt with thrusters that functioned as a stabilizer and modified knee armor. Mashymre used this unit in one of the final battles of the First Neo Zeon War, confronting Ple Two's NZ-000 Queen Mansa and later the Döven Wolves led by Rakan Dahkaran. In an act of sacrifice, Mashymre used his Cyber Newtype abilities to destroy a Döven Wolf before detonating his own mobile suit.
Mashymre's Zaku III Custom engaging enemies during the First Neo Zeon War.
Mashymre Cello's Zaku III Custom utilizes its enhanced mobility in space combat.
Years later, towards the end of U.C. 0096, another Zaku III Custom unit emerged. This red version was found and reactivated in an abandoned hangar on Axis by Arlette Almage, who had previously built it for Char Aznable. However, Char ultimately chose the MSN-04 Sazabi, leaving this mobile suit stored and later forgotten. Veteran test pilot Danton Hyleg took control of this Zaku III Custom during the investigation of Axis, defending the Mastema team from attacks by Birnam forces. During combat against the RX-78AN-01 Gundam AN-01 "Tristan," the Zaku III Custom managed to inflict considerable damage, including destroying the opponent's beam rifle. After this skirmish, the mobile suit was permanently disabled due to its size, which made transport difficult.
Danton Hyleg's Zaku III Custom, originally built for Char Aznable.
The striking red Zaku III Custom from Gundam Twilight Axis, piloted by Danton Hyleg.
The Zaku III Custom, reactivated in U.C. 0096 for the Twilight Axis events.
Technical Characteristics
The Zaku III Custom's design provides a formidable platform for ace pilots. Its specifications reflect its role as a high-performance commander unit.
- Unit Type: Custom General-Purpose Mobile Suit for Commander
- Developed from: AMX-011 Zaku III
- Manufacturer: Neo Zeon
- Known Operators: Neo Zeon, Newborn Neo Zeon, Glemy Army, Axis Zeon
- Total Height: 25.3 meters (83.01 ft)
- Head Height: 21.0 meters (68.9 ft)
- Max Weight: 71.4 metric tons (78.7 US tons)
- Empty Weight: 44.3 metric tons (48.8 US tons)
- Power Plant: Minovsky Ultracompact Fusion Reactor
- Power Output: 2,860 kW
- Sensor Range: 9,700 meters (6.03 miles)
- Pilot Accommodations: Single pilot (in panoramic monitor/linear seat cockpit in torso)
- Armor: Gundarium Alloy
- Max Acceleration: 2.96 G
- Mass Ratio: 1.42
- Rocket Thrusters: 2 x 34,200 kg, 3 x 28,400 kg, 3 x 19,300 kg
- Vernier Thrusters: 19
- Standard Equipment: 2 x Propellant Tanks (Mashymre's unit had larger capacity)
The unique head unit of Mashymre's Zaku III Custom, featuring Vulcan cannons.
The new design backpack with high-power verniers for increased acceleration.
Armament
The AMX-011S Zaku III Custom is equipped with a diverse arsenal, adapted for the combat needs of a commander's mobile suit:
- 30mm (1.18 inch) Vulcan Guns: Mounted in the head of Mashymre Cello's unit, these projectile weapons have a high rate of fire. While their power is limited against the heavy armor of other mobile suits, they are effective for damaging lightly armored areas and are ideal for shooting down missiles or small, fast vehicles.
- Beam Cannon / Beam Saber: A versatile weapon system mounted on the front skirt armor. The beam cannon's barrel units can be ejected and used manually as beam sabers. As a beam cannon, the power output is 2.8 MW, while as a beam saber, the power is 0.85 MW.
- Hidden Bomb Dispenser: Installed in the left shoulder armor of Mashymre Cello's unit, this device allows for the deployment of bombs for various combat strategies.
- Shield with Option Latch: Located on the right shoulder, this shield not only provides protection but also serves as a storage rack, holding spare beam sabers and grenades to expand the mobile suit's offensive capability.
- Beam Rifle: Mashymre Cello's unit employed a high-performance beam rifle, developed as optional weaponry for the standard Zaku III. It is characterized by its long effective range and considerable power output.
- Beam Machine Gun: Used by Danton Hyleg's unit, this rapid-fire weapon was originally employed by the AMS-119 Geara Doga, giving it significant fire suppression capability.
Zaku III units, like this one, saw extensive use by Neo Zeon officers.
The Zaku III Custom remains a fan-favorite design, representing the peak of Neo Zeon's Zaku lineage. Which version is your favorite, Mashymre's or Danton's? Let us know in the comments below!
Where to Buy
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Sources
- AMX-011S Zaku III Custom | Gundam Wiki (Accessed November 15, 2025)
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