The Veritech VF-1 is Earth's first transformable trans-atmospheric fighter. Powered by fusion engines, the VF-1 is fully space-capable, and is carried in great numbers on the SDF-1 as well as the Armor series of carriers. The VF-1 supports 3 modes of operation: fighter mode for aerospace superiority missions, guardian mode for close air support missions, and battloid mode for ground combat missions.
By itself, the VF-1 performs well in a variety of atmospheric operations, due to its sizable, variable-sweep wing surface area and high thrust-to-weight ratio. The VF-1 uses its wing hardpoints to mount a significant number of missiles as well as a gun pod for close range combat.
Though the VF-1 is capable of reaching lower Earth orbit, it is unable to attain escape velocity on its own. Various booster and armor systems were devised to extend its range and/or combat performance.
Though young ace pilots were assigned VF-1A fighters with mostly-white color schemes, most recruits were issued a standard model with a light brown color scheme. These VF-1A "Brownies" were jokingly refered to as "Cannon Fodder" by Zentraedi because they were identified as easier targets, due to the relative inexperience of their pilots.
Designation: VF-1A
Mecha Class: Veritech fighter, aerospace capable
Crew: 1 pilot
Weight: 13.3 metric tons (dry)
FIGHTER MODE
Length: 14.2 m
Height: 3.8 m
Wingspan: 8.3-14.8 m
Max speed at sea level: Mach 1.4
Max speed at 10,000m: Mach 2.71
Max speed at 30,000m: Mach 3.87
GUARDIAN MODE
Length: 11.0 m
Height: 8.7 m
Wingspan: 8.3-14.8 m
Max speed at all altitudes: 500 kph
BATTLOID MODE
Height: 12.7 m
Depth: 4.0 m
Breadth: 7.3 m
Max speed at all altitudes: 194 kph
Max walking speed: 160 kph
ARMAMENT
1 x 3-barreled 55mm gatling cannon in a gun pod
1 light laser cannon, mounted on the head/turret
2 x light lasers in the nose (upgrade from sensors, only for Veritech fighters aboard the SDF-1)
4 wing hardpoints (2 per wing) each capable of carrying:
- 3 x 300mm medium range missiles, or
- 1 (inner) or 2 (outer) x 533mm long range missiles, or
- 1 x short-range multiple ejection 150mm missile launcher containing 15 missiles
Cost - 37 PV
VF-1A Valkyrie Card - https://www.worldofjaymz.ca/rtas/vf1a_as.jpg
The VF-1J model shown here can be identified by its unique head which features two light lasers, and was piloted by leaders of 3-man groups or full Squadrons. The VF-1J was discontinued after 2014 and surviving fighters were eventually upgraded to the VF-1R model.
Cost - 41 PV
VF-1J Valkyrie Card - https://www.worldofjaymz.ca/rtas/vf1j_as.png
The VF-1S "Skull Leader" is a rare fighter based on a prototype platform of the VF-1 specially designed for commanding officers of Veritech squadrons. Only a dozen of these units had been manufactured by the time the Zentraedi attacked Macross Island in 2009. The prototype number 001 (also known as Skull One) was the last known surviving VF-1S aboard the SDF-1. It miraculously survived through several years of battle and was never destroyed, making it a symbol of humankind's invincibility.
However, in 2015, the Skull One, the oldest surviving VF-1 in the Robotech Defense Force, was dismantled to aid in the research of the next-generation of Advanced Veritech fighters.
Cost - 46 PV
VF-1S Valkyrie Card - https://www.worldofjaymz.ca/rtas/vf1s_as.png
The VF-1D tandem cockpit made it the primary vehicle for training Veritech pilots. These trainers, designated VT, were rarely used in combat.
Cost - 41 PV
VF-1D Valkyrie Card - https://www.worldofjaymz.ca/rtas/vf1d_as.png
The VF-1R Veritech Retrofit program was initiated in 2014 to improve the survivability of the Robotech Defense Force's few remaining VF-1A and VF-1J fighters while the next-generation Advanced Veritech Fighter was in development.
Veritechs upgraded to the VF-1R model are easily identifiable by the unique new cannon mounted on the head. Though it may simply appear to be simply a third laser turret, it is actually a pulse autocannon which is automated independently of the pilot. Its computerized system automatically targets incoming missiles and other ordinance to free up the pilot to concentrate on mission objectives, greatly increasing combat performance and survivability. However, early YF-1R prototypes did not feature this autocannon tracking system.
Cost - 45 PV
VF-1R Valkyrie Card - https://www.worldofjaymz.ca/rtas/vf1r_as.png
The VEF-1 was a variant of the VF-1 that allowed for a more capable AWACS platform to accompany the forces of the SDF-1.
Cost - 26 PV
VEF-1 Valkyrie Card - https://www.worldofjaymz.ca/rtas/vef1_as.png
Alternate Configurations
The Super Upgrade was developed to allow the VF-1 a greater range and interception capability giving it additional mobility and firepower.
Cost - 26 PV
Super VF-1 Valkyre Add-On Card - https://www.worldofjaymz.ca/rtas/supervf1_as.png
The Armoured Upgrade was created in an effort to give the VF-1 the armour and firepower of ground units like Destroids.
Cost - 39 PV
Armoured VF-1 Valkyrie Add-on Card - https://www.worldofjaymz.ca/rtas/armouredvf1_as.png
The Jotun Upgrade was created last as a sort of go between of the Armoured Upgrade and the Super upgrade.
Cost - 27 PV
Jotun VF-1 Add-on Card - https://www.worldofjaymz.ca/rtas/jotunvf1_as.png