Zaku High Mobility Types Pt.2

Left: MS-06R-1A Black Tri-Stars custom paint scheme
Right: MS-06R-1A Shin Matsunaga custom paint scheme

The MS-06R-1A is an upgraded version of the MS-06R-1 Zaku II High Mobility Test Type. The modifications include a minor reworking of the main engines to correct previous errors, and the replacement of the R-1's external fuel tanks with removable fuel cartridges that can be quickly swapped out for fast refueling during battle. 56 R-1As were produced, and half of the 22 R-1s previously released were overhauled to match the R-1A's specifications. The newly manufactured units were assigned to individual ace pilots and elite mobile suit teams throughout the Zeon space forces, including the illustrious "Black Tri-Star" squadron. One of the most notable R-1As was an overhauled R-1 belonging to Shin Matsunaga, a.k.a. "The White Wolf of Solomon". Shin's addition of a commander-style fin to his R-1A's head was a common modification among R-1As, and it was not uncommon to see an R-1A with a smaller fin on the side or back of its head, either.

The R-1A's high performance was both a blessing and a curse. It was much more effective in combat than the standard MS-06F, but at the same time was much more expensive and difficult to pilot.