VF-1 Valkyrie

BACKGROUND

VF-1 in Fighter Mode

Robotech (as per Robotech.com)

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 referred to as "Cannon Fodder" by Zentraedi because they were identified as easier targets, due to the relative inexperience of their pilots.

The VF-1D tandem cockpit made it the primary vehicle for training Veritech pilots. These trainers, designated VT, were rarely used in combat.

The VF-1J model 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-1S "Skull Leader" is a unique 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.

Macross (As per Macross Mecha Manual)

After the crash-landing of the Alien StarShip-One in July 1999 it is discovered the alien crew was a race of giants some five times the size of a human. Fearful of being unprepared for a conflict with these aliens, the newly formed United Nations Government (UNG) begins researching anti-giant weapon systems technologies. Utilizing the now named OverTechnology found on the ASS-1, the non-variable humanoid mecha called the Destroid is designed; another weapon system is the transformable Battroid. The UNG contracts Stonewell and Bellcom to develop an all-environment variable fighter eventually known as the "Valkyrie." Rising to the challenge, Stonewell and Bellcom subcontract with OT reaction powerplant producer Shinnakasu Heavy Industry and Destroid developer Centinental to complete a basic design by 2005. The first transformable prototype is successfully tested in 2007 and the UNG decides to formally adopt the Valkyrie in November of that year. By late 2008, mass production is in full swing on the VF-1A variable fighter.

From February 2009 to March 2010, the VF-1A Valkyrie served as the standard variable fighter of the U.N. Spacy in Space War I. The VF-1 proved to be an extremely capable craft, successfully combating a variety of Zentradi mecha even in most sorties which saw UN Spacy forces significantly outnumbered. The versatility of the Valkyrie design enabled the variable fighter to act as both large-scale infantry and as air/space superiority fighter. The signature skills of U.N. Spacy ace pilot Maximilian Jenius exemplified the effectiveness of the variable systems as he near-constantly transformed the Valkyrie in battle to seize advantages of each mode as combat conditions changed from moment to moment. The basic VF-1 was deployed in four minor variants (designated A, D, J, and S) and its success was increased by continued development of various enhancements including the GBP-1S "Armored" Valkyrie and FAST Pack "Super" Valkyrie weapon systems.

A variant to the standard VF-1 Valkyrie, the variable fighter "D" is a two-seater version that features two TV camera "eye" systems within the head unit and slightly upgraded firepower via a second Mauler RÖV-20 anti-aircraft laser cannon. Manufactured by the VF-1 designer Stonewell and Bellcom, the VF-1D ironically saw the fewest compliment of the main four VF-1 variants aboard the SDF-1 Macross, but nonetheless was an active-service variable fighter. A number of VF-1D units were also deployed as advanced training variable fighters, for live weapons and full combat functionality instruction. A VF-1D unit designated VT-102 was one such example with the label "Stud Seat" (Student) and "INST CAPT. DAGGER" (Instructor) found upon the exterior of the cockpit (this was the same variable fighter flown by then civilian pilot Hikaru Ichijo in February 2009).

Shinnakasu Heavy Industry's VF-1J (the "J" speculated as a prideful designation of the fighter's region of origin) is an upgraded version of the standard VF-1, typically assigned to the senior officer of an air team or to a squadron leader. Unlike Stonewell/Bellcom's VF-1D, the VF-1J remains a single seat fighter but shares the slightly increased firepower of that variant. The new head unit of the VF-1J (developed by Kyuusei Industry) features two Mauler RÖV-20 anti-aircraft laser cannons in a slightly improved configuration. Naturally, when the Shinnakasu-designed GBP-1S "Armored" system was given first operational deployment, it was installed on a VF-1J.

The final of the four minor VF-1 variants, the VF-1S carries the heaviest weapon load of the standard variable fighter. Manufactured only in limited numbers, Northrom also enlisted Kyuusei Industry to design a new head unit for their own variant. The VF-1S mounts four of the Mauler series RÖV-20 anti-aircraft laser cannons and enjoys several upgrades in addition to firepower. The engines are improved Shinnakasu Heavy Industry/P&W/Roice FF-2001D models resulting in measurably improved thrust and an enhanced avionics package is featured in each VF-1S. While usually reserved for CAGs (Commander of Air Group), the VF-1S also sometimes finds itself serving as the variable fighter for a squadron leader much like the VF-1J. Captain Roy Focker piloted a VF-1S during his command of the infamous Skull Squadron.

After the end of Space War I, the VF-1A continued to be manufactured both in the Sol system (notably on the Lunar facility Apollo Base) and throughout the UNG space colonies. Although the VF-1 would eventually be replaced as the primary VF of the UN Spacy by the VF-4 Lightning III in 2020, a long service record and continued production after the war proved the lasting worth of the design. The VF-1A was without doubt the most recognizable variable fighter of Space War I and was seen as a vibrant symbol of the U.N. Spacy even into the first year of the New Era 0001 in 2013. At the end of 2015 the final rollout of the VF-1 was celebrated at a special ceremony, commemorating this most famous of variable fighters. The VF-1 Valkryie was built from 2006 to 2013 producing 5,459 VF-1 variable fighters (VF-1A = 5,093, VF-1D = 85, VF-1J = 49, VF-1S = 30, VF-1G = 12, VE-1 = 122, VT-1 = 68; published in Variable Fighter Master File VF-1 Valkyrie Vol. 1, 2009)

Game and Technical Specifications

VF-1 in Gerwalk mode

Vehicle Type: VF-1A, D, J and S Veritech Fighters are transformable battloids.

Crew: One in types VF-1A, J and S; seats two in VF-1D (trainer).

Note: A passenger can also fit in the cockpit, but must sit in the pilot's lap.

M.D.C. By Location:

Head 90

Head Laser (1, 2 or 4) 25 ea

Arms (2) 120 ea

Hands (2) 50 ea

Legs/Engines (2) 175 ea

Feet (2) 75 ea

Main Body/Fuselage 225

Wings (2) 110 ea

GU-11 Gunpod 75

Wing Hardpoints (4) 50 ea

Tail Planes 80

Cockpit/Nose 100

Note - Depleting M.D.C. of main body shuts the unit completely down.

AR - 12 (vehicle AR)

Armour - Stops upto and including standard 20mm rounds.

Speed: Jet Fighter mode, Mach 1.4 @ Sea Level, Mach 2.71 @ 10km, Mach 3.87 @ 30km

Gerwalk mode, 500kph flying at all altitudes

Battloid Mode, .160kph running, 194kph flying at all altitudes

Space, mach 7.74 in all modes

Height: 41.66ft (12.7m) in Battloid mode. 28.54ft (8.7m) in Gerwalk mode. 12.46ft (3.8m) in Jet Fighter mode.

Width: 23.94ft (7.3m) at shoulders in Battloid mode. 27.22-48.54ft (8.3-14.8m) wing span in Jet and Gerwalk modes.

Length: 13.12ft (4.0m) in Battloid mode. 36.10ft (11.0m) in Gerwalk Mode. 46.58ft (14.2m) In Fighter mode.

Weight: 18.5 tons operational, 13.3 tons dry

PS – Robotic 40 (Lift 20 tons, Carry 10 tons)

Cargo Capacity – Minimal survival and personal equipment

Main Engine: Macross – 2x Shinnakasu Heavy Industry/P&W/Roice FF-2001 thermonuclear reaction turbine engines. Robotech - as Macross plus 2 x RRL-1 Miniaturized Protoculture-cell energizer.

Range: 4000km in space due to need for reaction mass 225 hours of continuous use on 20 protoculture cells (Robotech) Effectively Unlimited (Macross)

WEAPON SYSTEMS

1) Jet Fighter High Powered Lasers: A pair of lasers are built into the nose of the Veritech Fighter for aerial dog fighters and assault. They can only be fired when in fighter or gerwalk mode and are limited to a straight ahead line of fire. These were used on refitted VF-1’s stationed on board the SDF-1 during it’s voyage back to earth.

Primary Purpose: Assault

Range: 4000ft (1200m)

Mega-Damage: 1d6x10 per twin short burst. Half damage if one laser gets damaged. Can only fire short bursts.

Payload: Unlimited

2) Laser(s): Mounted on the head when in Battloid mode, but located on the underbelly when in Guardian and Jet Fighter mode. 360 degree rotation.

VF-1J Head

Primary Purpose: Defense

Range: 4000ft (1200m)

Mega-Damage: 5d6 per short burst per gun, 1d4x10+10 per medium burst, 2d4x10 per long burst, 2d6x10 per full melee burst. VF-1A – 1 gun, VF-1D/J – 2 guns, VF-1S – 4 guns. Note - All guns fire together. ( x2 damage per burst from VF-1D/J, x4 damage for bursts from VF-1S)

VF-1D Head

Payload: Unlimited, however firing full melee bursts fill cause the weapons to overheat after 2 melees and require 4 melees to cool off.

Note - each laser from the above is slightly more powerful than a standard 20mm weapon.

3) Wing Hardpoints (4, 2 per wing): This allows the VF-1 to carry various missile payloads and to act a multi-purpose craft.

Purpose: Assault

Mega-Damage: Varies with individual missile type. See missile descriptions elsewhere.

Payload: 3 Light HE or HE Air to Air or Air to Surface missiles OR 2 Heavy HE Air to Air or Air to Surface Missiles OR 1 micro missile Launcher (used in space, damage – 2d4x10 md, Range 5km, Rate of Fire – 1-5 per volley, Payload – 10 or 15) OR 1 Heavy Nuclear Missle (inner Hardpoint) or 2 Heavy Nuclear Missiles (outer hardpoints) doing 2d6x1000 md to a blast radius of 500ft, range 300 km. Typically a VF-1 carries 12 HE Air to Air/Air to Surface Missiles.

Rate of Fire: 1-4 per volley

4) GU-11, 55mm, three barrel gun pod. A standard issue armament for all Veritechs.

Primary Purpose: Assault/defense

Mega-Damage: 2d4x10+20 per short burst, 4d4x10 per medium burst, 4d6x10 per long burst , 6d6x10 per full melee burst.

Range: 8000ft (2400m).

Payload: 600 armour piercing rounds = 30 short, 20 medium, 15 long and 3 full melee bursts.

5) Hand to Hand:

Restrained Punch – 8d6 sd

Punch – 4d6

Kick – 6d6

Body Block/Tackle – 2d6

See Robot Combat Basic/Elite training for additional bonuses

STANDARD SENSORS AND EQUIPMENT FOR ALL VF-1 VALKYRIES

Fuel Capacity - Robotech - The Veritech Fighters are extremely durable. The use of protoculture, micronized reactors and the science of Robotechnology, gives the Veritech an average, useful life span of 12 years before needing a new energy system. With constant use, the life span is cut by half. Macross - Same as Robotech but uses thermonuclear reaction not protoculture.

Fly By Light System - Due to the complexity of the fighters systems a Fly By Light system is used to fly and maneuver. This imparts a +15% bonus to all piloting skill rolls for manuevers etc. If the fighter takes more than 75% damage to the main body, or more than 50% in one attack the system fails causing the fighter to become extremely difficult to fly. All piloting rolls are made at -50% and must be made at least once per minute if just trying to keep it going or anytime any kind of action is taken (attacks, parries and dodges as well as any kind of special maneuvers)

Radar - Range 200 miles (320km), can track up to 72 targets simultaneously.

Radar Warning receiver - Detects when an opposing radar attaempt to identify or lock on to teh VF-1. Range - 180 miles (275km)

Limited Electronic Coutnermeasures Capability - With a Electronic Countermeasures skill roll (or Sensor operations at -20%) the pilot/crew can impose a penalty of -1 to strike and a -15% to all sensor skill rolls of any opponents within radar range depending on terrain.

Advanced Infra-Red Imager – Forward looking infa-red imager that detects and identifies targets based on their heat signatures. Range – same as Radar.

Motion Detector and Collision Warning System - Close range: 200ft (61m); sounds alarm and red light warns pilot of impending collision and/or immediate target.

Radio/Video Communications Systems - Wide band and directional, radio and video telecast capabilities. Range is 600 miles (965.4km) or can be boosted indefinitely via satellite relay.

Laser targeting System - Range: 200 miles, +1 to strike in ranged combat

Combat Computer - Calculates, stores and transmits data onto the cockpit computer screen or Head Up Display (H.U.D.). Patches in with targeting computer. Also has an integral IFF system and can identify upto 200 different enemy target types.

External Audio Pickup - Sound amplification listening system. Range: 500ft (152m)

Loudspeaker - Loudspeaker system that can amplify the pilot's voice up to 100 decibels.

External Video Surveillance System - A video camera relays images to a cockpit monitor. 360 degree rotation. Range: 300ft (91.5m). Telescopic capabilities: 6x magnification.

Telescopic Optical Enhancement- Range: 2000ft (610m). Field of vision: 120 degrees

Shoulder/Head Spotlights - Range: 1000ft (305m)

Hydraulic Pilots Chair - Can rise out of the Veritech 10ft (3.0m) and retract back inside.

Ejector Seat - In case of emergencies the pilot seat can be instantly ejected.

Utility Arms - This is a set of small, retractable arms housed in the right forearm, to perform delicate work and to effect repairs. Each of the three arms has an A.R. of 6 and 3 M.D.C.

Self-Destruct - A last ditch effort to prevent capture of the Veritech unit (usually preceded by the pilot's ejecting from the Veritech). Explosive damage is fairly contained — 40ft radius (12m); does 2d6x10.

Heat/Radiation Shield and Independent Oxygen/Circulatory Systems.

Detachable Pilot's Compartment - This is the reinforced pilot's compartment (jet's nose) which can be detached and mounted onto another Veritech's arm for ease of carrying (or carried by any Destroid).

Distress Beacon - range of 250 miles (400km). 10 times that in space.

Chaff and Flare Dispensers- Each has 12 charges. 75% chance to fool radar or heat guided missiles. 45% chance to fool smart missiles. If successful missile lose their lock and fly off.

Smoke Dispensers- 24 charges that each create a 60ft wide cloud of smoke behind the fighter.

ADDITIONAL BONUSES AND PENALITIES

-1 dodge

See Robot Combat Basic/Elite for additional bonuses.

References Used for images and technical information

Robotech Reference Guide Robotech.com Robotech Roleplaying Game Macross Mecha Manual - http://www.macross2.net/m3/m3.html