VF-1 Valkyrie

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 This article does not cite any references or sources. (May 2007)
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.
This anime and manga-related article or section describes an aspect of the series in a primarily in-universe style.
Please rewrite this article or section to explain the fiction more clearly and provide non-fictional perspective.
Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1

This image is a candidate for speedy deletion. It may be deleted after Friday, 10 August 2007.
VF-1D dual-seater combat-capable trainer at South Ataria Island, 7 February 2009. Behind it is the single-seat air superiority variant, VF-1A.
Description
Role All-regime air/space superiority variable fighter and tactical combat battroid
Crew 1
First flight February 2007
First space tests June 2007
Entered service November 2008
First operational deployment 7 February 2009
Manufacturer Stonewell/Bellcom, subcontracted to Shinnakasu (VF-1J) and Northrom (VF-1S)
Dimensions, Fighter Mode
Length 14.23 m
Wingspan 14.78 m
fully extended		 8.25 m
swept
Height 3.84 m
Wing sweep 20°
fully extended		 72°
swept
Dimensions, GERWALK Mode
Length 11.3 m
Wingspan same as in Fighter mode
Height 8.7 m
Dimensions, Battroid Mode
Height 12.68 m
Width 7.3 m
Wingspan same as in Fighter mode
Length 4 m
Weights
Empty 13,250 kg
Loaded 18,500 kg
Maximum takeoff 37,000 kg
Powerplant
Engines 2 Shinnakasu Heavy Industry/P&W/Roice FF-2001 thermonuclear turbine engines
Thrust 11,500 kgf (23,000 kgf in overboost) 113 kN (226 kN)
Generation Power 650 MW
Performance
Maximum speed at 10,000 m 2,880 km/h Mach 2.71
Maximum speed at 30,000+ m 4,190 km/h Mach 3.87
Range Unlimited in atmosphere
G-Limit +7
in space
Armament
Guns External 55 mm GU-11 gunpod with 200 rounds firing 1200 rounds per minute, mounted under central fuselage.

RÖV-20 anti-aircraft laser cannon (one in VF-1A, two in VF-1J and VF-1D, four in VF-1S) firing 6000 pulses per minute, mounted on head turret under the nose.
Missiles Four pivoting hardpoints under the wings.

Up to 12 AMM-1 multipurpose missiles (three on each hardpoint), 6 RMS-1 anti-ship reaction missiles (two on each outbound pylons and one on each inbound pylon), 12 Mk-82 conventional bombs (three on each hardpoint) and four UMM-7 micro missile pods carrying 15 HMM-01 micromissiles; or a combination of any of these.

In the fictional series Macross and its English adaptation Robotech, the first mass-produced variable fighter (Macross) or Veritech fighter (Robotech) is called the VF-1 Valkyrie.

The VF-1 was initially designed by the legendary Japanese mecha designer Shoji Kawamori (with contributions by his Studio Nue partner Kazutaka Miyatake) in 1980-1982 to be the centerpiece mecha design of the anime series The Super Dimension Fortress Macross (1982-1983).

In Robotech, the VF-1 is most commonly referred to as the "Veritech Fighter", which is short for Variable Engineering and Robotic Integration TECHnology, but its official popular name "Valkyrie" is used in a few infrequent references.

Contents

[edit] Design

The VF-1 is built in three main variants (along with several less frequently used variants): A standard soldier's fighter is the VF-1A, a team leader/squadron commander's fighter is the VF-1J, and a squadron commander/Commander Air Group's fighter is the VF-1S. The three models differ slightly in engines, avionics, and armament; notably, the VF-1A has one laser on its head, the VF-1J has two, and the VF-1S has four.

The VF-1 was preceded into production by an aerodynamic proving version of its airframe, the VF-X. Unlike all later VF vehicles, the VF-X was strictly a jet aircraft, built to demonstrate that a jet fighter with the features necessary to convert to Battroid mode was aerodynamically feasible. After the VF-X's testing was finished, an advanced-concept prototype, the VF-0, was flight-tested from 2005 to 2007 and briefly served as an active-duty fighter from 2007 to the VF-1's rollout in late 2008, while the bugs were being worked out of the full-up VF-1 prototype (VF-X-1). The VF-1's combat debut was 7 February 2009, during the Battle of South Ataria Island, the first battle of Space War I. Introduced in 2008, the VF-1 would be out of frontline service just five years later, replaced by the far more advanced VF-4 Lightning III.

In Robotech, the VF-0 did not exist; the non-transformable VF-X was followed by a version which had only fighter and guardian mode. Not until June 2007 was the final version of the VF-1, which could transform into battloid mode, released. It unofficially saw its first combat in early 2007, when test pilot Roy Fokker "borrowed" the first production-model aircraft - a VF-1S that would remain his mount for the rest of his life, and become Rick Hunter's aircraft after his death - to thwart an Anti-Unification plot to destroy the three primary symbols of UEG power. Officially, the first combat of the VF-1 was, like Macross, 7 February 2009, during the Battle of Macross Island, the first battle of the First Robotech War.

[edit] Modes

The VF-1 is different from modern fighter aircraft in that it can transform into three different configurations or modes for different combat environments, and can perform the task of more than one fighting vehicle: In Fighter mode it acts as a jet fighter; in GERWALK (or Guardian in Robotech) mode it acts as a VTOL unit; in Battroid mode (or Battloid in Robotech) it acts as an infantry fighting vehicle.

[edit] Fighter mode

The VF-1's Fighter mode is its basic mode and is the typical mode employed when the craft is parked at a military base and is the primary mode used in high altitude aerial combat planetside.

In this mode, it features a basic fuselage similar to the real-world F-14 Tomcat jet fighter, including underslung intakes and variable geometry wing, but with outward-canted vertical stabilizers similar to the F/A-18 Hornet's, swivelling under-wing hardpoints (last seen on the F-111 Aardvark, Su-24 Fencer, and Panavia Tornado), and a total lack of tailplanes. It is armed with 1, 2, or 4 (depending on model) Mauler RÖV-20 laser cannons mounted on a ventral turret, a GU-11 55 mm three-barreled gun pod holding 200 rounds, four underwing hardpoints holding up to twelve medium-range AMM-1 missiles, twelve MK-82 LDGB bombs, six RMS-1 large anti-ship reaction missiles or four UUM-7 micro-missile pods containing up to 15 Bifors HMM-01 "micro-missiles". Like most of the VF-1's nomenclature, the "GU" and "AMM" designations of its weapons are referential to current US military designations (GPU for Gun Pod Unit and AIM for Air Intercept Missile).

The missiles were carried on multiple-ejector racks on the four wing hardpoints. Long-range anti-mecha missiles could be emplaced for fleet-defense roles, but in the target-rich environments the Valkyries faced, this was not typically done. In fact, based on enemy weapons loadouts the optimal solution appeared to be to emplace as many "micro-missiles" (small and short-ranged missiles designed to overwhelm enemy anti-missile systems with sheer numbers) as possible. They could also carry large anti-ship missiles for destroying enemy capital ships.

In fighter mode, the VF-1 can reach a maximum speed of Mach 3.87 at high altitude (above 30,000 metres), and Mach 2.71 at medium altitude (10,000 metres). Its wings, similar to those of the F-14 Tomcat, sweep between 20 degrees back and 72 degrees back. Unlike the F-14, the wings can sweep 90 degrees back for storage, with the tail module folding up over the fighter's back. Although technically the VF-1 has an unlimited service ceiling and atmospheric range (since it can operate in space), the VF-1's internal tanks cannot carry enough propellant to achieve a stable orbit and needs the help of a booster pack to reach Low Earth Orbit.

[edit] GERWALK mode

In GERWALK (Ground Effective Reinforcement of Winged Armament with Locomotive Knee-joint) mode (called "Guardian Mode" in Robotech), the VF-1 looks like the nose and wings of a fighter plane stuck on "chicken walker" legs with two arms. The legs are formed by the aircraft's engines and intakes, bent down and forward. The arms are stored between the engines in fighter mode and fold out to the sides, reaching around from behind the legs. In GERWALK mode, the gun pod is held by the fighter's manipulator "hands" and acts in all respects as a very large automatic rifle. This mode is the intermediate one which was originally intended to simply allow the craft to land in a combat zone with a maximum of defensive ability. However, pilots soon realized that the mode's considerable maneuverability combined with its speed made it formidable in low level aerial combat as well as flanking maneuvers on the ground and took advantage of these characteristics for such situations. Pilots have the option to deploy the legs alone, leaving the arms in storage.

According to an article in Animerica magazine, the form came about partially by accident. Early in the development cycle for Macross, the creators planned a main mecha called "GA-WALK", with an ostrich-like leg configuration (similar to the enemy battle pods from the finished series). However, the idea met with resistance from the initial sponsor, which wanted a more conventional, Gundam-style robot for the hero to pilot. When creator Shoji Kawamori designed the transforming "Breast Fighters" (later redesigned and renamed the "VF-1 Valkyrie" fighters) instead, he had no real thoughts of a third mode. But when the manufacturer Takatoku Toys sent along the prototype of a Valkyrie toy for his input, the prototype's legs were not yet locked into place in Fighter mode, causing the legs to swing down. This was reminiscent to him of the discarded "GA-WALK" mecha idea that had been shot down early in pre-production. He liked the idea, and worked to incorporate the third mode, now renamed "GERWALK," into Macross.

In GERWALK mode, the VF-1 has a maximum speed of 500km/h flying, 100km/h walking.

[edit] Battroid mode

In Battroid mode (called "Battloid Mode" in Robotech), the VF-1 looks like a fighter airplane folded up to resemble a 12.7-meter-tall (42-foot-tall) human. The legs are now straight and bend in the normal direction; the sides of the nose now resemble a human chest and shoulders (where the arms attach), and the laser turret is now a head. While the mode has some limited altitude control, its primary purpose is for ground fighting which enabled Earth forces to fight the giant alien invaders on their own scale the military anticipated they would meet.

In Battroid mode, the VF-1 has a maximum airspeed of 220 km/h. Its maximum running speed is 160 km/h.

[edit] Variants

(* Macross only/** Robotech only)

  • VF-X - Fighter mode only, aerodynamic testing craft.
  • VF-X-1 - Advanced prototype, similar to production type. Seen in both Macross and Robotech, but named only in Macross.
  • VF-1A (one head laser) Single Seat fighter. Used by most, namely beginners, pilots. Produced by Stonewell/Bellcom and under license by several manufacturers including Shinnakasu and Northrom.
  • VF-1B* Single Seat fighter. Updated Valkyrie (VF-1A with a VF-1S head and upgraded avionics; also referred as the "half-S" upgrade).
  • VF-1D (two head lasers) Double Seat combat-capable trainer.
  • VF-1J (two head lasers) Single Seat fighter. Used by team leaders and squadron commanders, namely the aces of the squadrons. Manufactured under license by Shinnakasu.
  • VF-1R** Updated Valkyrie (VF-1A with a two head lasers & an auto cannon). Single-place fighter. Appears in Robotech: Battlecry as a prototype version, the YF-1R.
  • VF-1S (four head lasers) Single Seat fighter. Used by Commanders of Air Groups and squadron commanders. Manufactured under license by Northrom. In Robotech, a unit of this type was the first delivered fully functional Veritech Fighter, later dubbed "Skull One".
  • VEFR-1 Double Seat unarmed Electronic Warfare and Reconnaissance variant, includes rotary radome, arm mounted electronic surveillance pod, retractable sensors in place of hands. Seen in both Macross and Robotech, but named only in Macross.
  • VE-1 Elintseeker* Double Seat unarmed electronic warfare or "electronic intelligence seeker" variant. Includes rotary radome mounted on FAST Pack boosters, radio antennae on arm pods, and side scan radar on conformal leg pods. (Seen in Do you Remember Love?.)
  • VF-1X* A major upgrade for the Spacy in the 2020s which included new materials, avionics and powerplants (seen in the VF-X games.)
  • The VF-1 can mount one of several different sets of jettisonable combat equipment to improve its combat effectiveness.
    • GBP-1S is a heavy armor system development resulting in the "Armored Valkyrie." The Valkyrie is covered with heavy armor modules which also contain numerous short range missile launchers and a pair of assist thrusters. The bulk and weight of the armor modules limits the transformations to Battroid mode only until they are discarded.
    • FAST Packs The most common of these consist of additional "packs" on the arms carrying 3 micro-missiles, conformal propellant tanks around the leg engines, and a pair of heavy rocket boosters on its back mounting 2 micro-missile launchers which added 20 micro-missiles in each to give the fighter more speed and firepower. Under this mode, the aircraft is nicknamed the "Super Valkyrie" ("Super Veritech" in Robotech). The later "Strike Valkyrie" (in Macross only) carries the same features but replaced the right micro-missile launcher with a beam cannon. The first versions are meant for space use only, as they are not aerodynamic and would hinder performance in an atmosphere. Later versions can be used in both space and atmosphere.
    • A booster pack is developed to allow a VF-1 to escape atmosphere without expending all of its internal fuel load. Four very large boosters can be mounted and were expended on each use.
  • Both series have a major upgrade to the VF-1's systems:
    • In Macross, the VF-1A's are retrofitted with VF-1S style heads, upgraded avionics and an improved "glass cockpit" and redesignated VF-1B.
    • In Robotech, the VF-1R was the retrofit of the VF-1A's with two standard laser cannon on either side of the head and the central laser cannon was replaced with an automated pulse cannon. The VF-1R Veritech Retrofit program began in 2014.

The VF-1's designation sequence seems to mirror the odd designation sequence of the F-4 Phantom II fighter jet in US Navy service: The F-4's major Naval variants were F-4A, B, J, N and S; the F-4B and J served concurrently, while the N and S were their respective upgrades. The Air Force variants of the F-4 followed conventional US practice (F-4C, D, E and G).


Image:VF-1A-FIGHTER-308-FS.png



Image:VT-1_SVT-124.png

[edit] Successors

  • In Macross, the VF-1 was succeeded in service by the VF-4 Lightning III. The switchover began in 2012, with the famed Skull Squadron which switched in time for the September launch of SDF-2 Megaroad-01. It ended in 2020, when the VF-4 officially announced as the main variable fighter for the UN Spacy (although VF-1s continued in use through the galaxy as a colony fighter and private fighters). By 2040, the main combat Valkyrie was the VF-11 Thunderbolt, although it was nearing the end of its service in that illustrious position. At that time General Galaxy's YF-21 and Shinsei Industry's YF-19 were in competition to fill the role.
  • In the parallel world of Macross II, the VF-1 was succeeded in service by the "VF-X-4 Siren," a redesign (unique to this story world) of the VF-4 Lightning III.
  • In Robotech, the VF-1 was succeeded in service by the Sylphide, the VF-8 Logan, the VFH-10 Veritech AGAC, and later the VFA-6 Alpha. The Ajax saw combat testing in 2029, and replaced the Logan in space as the primary fighter in 2030. The VFA-6 Alpha entered flight testing in 2022, just prior to the departure of the SDF-3 Pioneer, and it entered service with the Expeditionary Forces. The VF-9 Beta, which began flight test with the Alpha in 2022, entered service as a companion to the Alpha later.

[edit] Trivia

 Trivia sections are discouraged under Wikipedia guidelines.
The article could be improved by integrating relevant items and removing inappropriate ones.
  • The colors and insignia on the VF-1 Valkyries of Roy Focker's "Skull Squadron" mirror those of the famous US Navy aviation fighter squadron VF-84 Jolly Rogers.
  • The original designation of the fighters that became the VF-1 Valkyrie was "Breast Fighter," so called because they were to launch from bays in the chest (or breast) area of the Megarodo, later renamed the Macross.
  • Prior to legal struggles, the designs of the VF-1 Valkyrie fighters were also used as for Land-Air Mechs and other 'Mechs in the Battletech game universe.
  • The VF-1 Valkyrie was used as Autobot Jetfire in The Transformers (TV Series).
  • The vehicle mode design of this mecha was based the United States Navy Fighter F-14 Tomcat and shares many features including similar proportions, swept-wing design and similar-shaped twin vertical stabilizer. The Jolly Roger squadron mentioned above is an F-14 squadron.

[edit] References

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

Languages