Comments on MS in terrestrial operations

irst of all, as I am new in this forum, let me greet all of you :D .

It is already a consensus, that, the MS-06 Zaku II, or even most of the MSs throughout the UC, is originally designed mainly as a space tactical platform. 4Tran has pointed out some of the weaknesses of not only the Zakus, but probably also most of the MSs, in the terrestrial operations. In fact, if we are to analyse all these weakness, it shouldn't be a surprise to find out that all these are caused by the initial designing concept of MS of being a space tactical platform. Let us go through these one by one......

[b]> About the Zaku 120mm machinecannon[/b]

Honestly, even without calculating using physical formulas, I think we can still deduce that the 120mm machinecannon is incapable of, or even not designed for, firing AP kinetic penetrators. In space combats, great recoil when firing causes unwanted motion and wastes propellant to rectify the attitude of the MS itself. Most importantly, with high relative velocity in most circumstances, it is not requisite to have high muzzle velocity. It is just not considerable to have a machinecannon producing high muzzle velocity in space.

There may be some mechanism of compensating the recoil, like someone has suggested before. Apart from the internal mechanism of the machinecannon itself, perhaps the arms of the Zakus (and maybe also other MSs) also have similar design. Moreover, some unobsevable minor movement of arms may help in reducing recoil. Still, I don't think these can help much or completely negates recoil, as the machinecannon fires projectiles of tremendous mass and tremendous rate anyway......

Here comes a question, that, is the 120mm machinecannon used in terrestrial combats same as the one used in space? If the answer is affirmative, then the only conclusion is that the machinecannon is neither accurate nor capable of firing at long distances, plus the sacrifice of barrel lifespan. Still, even if the machinecannon is modified to be used on the Earth, considering that MSs are difficult to maintain balance with recoil because of its height, the muzzle velocity is still limited to a relatively low value.

I would perfer to say that the machinecannon is using HEAT munition, and, it is not expected to fire at long ranges. Instead, this can be done better by using bazookas, 3-tube missiles(as shown in MS igLoo episode 2), and the 180mm cannons. In fact, as we can judge from the MS igLoo episode 2, the machinecannons can only be used effectively when in close range. This can also explain why the Zeon MSs suffered considerable losses when facing the traditional long/mid-range army weapons of the EF.

[b]> Armor[/b]

Despite the description of the the original animation, I don't think MSs have (and need to have) thick armor. Anyway, thick armor can probably do nothing to ultra-high velocity projectiles in space but only adds unwanted mass and reduces maneuverability (and it's true both on the ground and in space). For countering some fast-moving tiny waste pieces, laminated armor is certainly more effective.

Zakus cannot have too thin armor as being a monocoque frame design, the armor also serves as the external frame and supports its weight. I think the designing concept of MS is probably similar to that of modern fighter jets and combat vessels, that is, to increase the damage-withstanding ability of the structure rather than blocking projectiles by massive armor.  The lack of armor is probably partly compensated by relative high running speed of MS on ground in comparision to other land combat platform and the ability of "jumping". All in all, I never agree that MS is a suitable weapon for land warfare......

Sorry if the reply is too long and time-consuming for you to read. Look forward to see any good replies or questions...... 8)