| Sketchley's Translations Main Index | Macross Portal |
| By AARON SKETCHLEY (aaronsketch@HOTdelete_thisMAIL.com) | Ver 1.2 2014.01.27 |
| Mechanic: All 01A: VF Masterpieces Seen From Their Development Ancestry (VF-1 Series) |
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Mid To Latter Half Of the 2000's
VF-0 Phoenix Prototype
Developer: Northrop Grumman / Stonewell / Shinsei Industry
No.1 Craft Completed 2004.12
Up: general type [Zero] VF-0A
Up: performance improved model [Zero] VF-0S
Up: delta wing test model [Zero] VF-0D
2006 - Trial Manufacturing Begins
Up: additional prototype [M] VF-X
Developer: Stonewell / Bellcom / Shinnakasu Heavy Industry / Sentinel
Completion Of The Thermonuclear Turbine Engine
The point that was the most difficult in the development of the VF-0 was the development of the thermonuclear turbine engines. However, it's said that when the engines were completed the airframe development of the VF-1 advanced comparatively smoothly up to completion as Roy Fokker, who had played an active role as a famous VF-0 pilot, carried out large contributions as the test pilot.
Options For The VF-0
Right: Reactive Armour for the VF-0 [Zero]
Up: Leg Conformal Tanks for the VF-0 [Zero]
Options For The VF-1
Left: GBP-1S Protect Weapon System [M], Developer: Shinnakasu Heavy Industry
Up: Super Parts [M], Developer: Shinnakasu Heavy Industry
Up: Firepower Increased Super Parts [Ai]
Up: Booster for atmospheric escape [M]
Up: Super Parts for the VT-1 Ostrich [Ai]
End Of The 2000's
VF-1 Valkyrie
Developer: Stonewell / Bellcom / Shinnakasu Heavy Industry / Sentinel
Even though the VF-1 was the first Variable Fighter, at the time of the First Interstellar War there was a limited amount of extra time where other models were developed, and it stimulated the creation of a countless number of variant aircraft. They wouldn't have been completed if it weren't for the height of the VF-1's all-purposefulness.
Mass Production No.1 Craft Completed 2008.11
Up: Mass production type [M, Ai] VF-1A
Up: Japan produced specification [M] VF-1J
Up: Improved version for commanders [M, Ai] VF-1S
For Training
Up: Two-seater model training craft [M] VF-1D
Up: Two-seater model training craft [Ai] VT-1 Ostrich
Other VF-1 Variations
Right: YVF-1A
An additional VF-X prototype in the A model specification
Right: VF-1B
An A model that's exchanged its head for an S model one. As it is a locally improved aircraft, its model designation isn't formal.
For Reconnaissance And Patrolling
Up: improved craft for reconnaissance [Ai] VE-1 Elint Seeker
VF-1 Variations After The First Interstellar War
Up: for fishing the Galactic Whale [D7] VT-1C Ostrich
Up: [D7] Manufacturing Valkyrie remodelled for extravehicular maintenance.
Up: [D7] frontier planet Patrol Corps Aircraft.
Right: VF-1X-Plus
The general term of the VF-1 that were updated to the latest engines, avionics and so on from the 2020's.
Right: VF-1X++
An improved, expanded model of the VF-1X Plus that were produced by Shinsei Industry in small numbers in 2047. It was mainly operated by special forces, where it was necessary to conceal its features.
The Era Groping For The Successor Aircraft
Up: prototype of the VF-4 [M] VF-X-4
Other VF-1 Successor Aircraft
Right: VF-X-2
An experimental model of the rival model to the VF-1. Even though it gathered in more OTM than the VF-1, its development was delayed, and it didn't attain an official adoption.
Right: VF-X-3
A prototype that began as a rival prototype to the VF-X-4.
Right: VF-5
An aircraft for space. At the same time as the VF-11 started to be introduced, the VF-5 was sequentially retired from military service.
VF-4 Lightning III - The Successor For Space Combat
Developer: General Galaxy
Mass Production Starts 2012.02
Left: mass production type [FB] VF-4
Up: final mass production type [other] VF-4G
Left: a variant via enlargement [Other] VF-3000 Crusader
Developer: Stonewell / Bellcom
The VF-5000 Star Mirage, a variant based on the VF-3000
Developer: Shinsei Industry
Mass Production Starts 2020
Left: mass production type [Other] VF-5000B
Up: final mass production type [D7] VF-5000G
Up: two-seater mass production type [D7] VF-5000T-G
The Time When An All-Purpose Main Aircraft Was Absent
The amalgamation of VF development manufacturers and the entry of emergent manufacturers is seen at this time. For that reason, the development of the successor of the VF-1 took place in the form of competition, and a lot of airframes that partially exceeded the VF-1 were created. However, it wasn't easy to create an aircraft that took over the VF-1's great all-purposefulness, which was the VF-1's greatest merit; and the VF-1 was operated until the end of production in 2015.
Up: VF-11 prototype [Other] VF-X-11
End Of The 2020's
VF-11 Thunderbolt - The Legitimate All-Purpose Successor
Developer: Shinsei Industry
Mass Production Starts 2029
Up: initial mass production type [Plus] VF-11B
Up: final mass production type [7] VF-11C
Up:Sound Booster equipped model [7] VF-11D Kai
Up: custom aircraft for personal use [7] VF-11MAXL Kai
Caption: to the YF-19
Related Matter: The SV-51 - The "Shadow" Of The VF-1 Series
At the time of the Unification War, the SV-51 was the rival aircraft of the VF-0, which was a prototype model of the VF-1. The Anti Unification Alliance, who developed this aircraft, preceded the Unified Forces, and assumed [that it would be for] combat with fellow VFs. For that reason, its development was about one to two years earlier than the VF-0, and as a result of the technical maturing of the aircraft, it acquired a performance that surpassed that of the VF-0, which is substantially close to a hurriedly constructed aircraft. Even after the Unification War, the SV-51 based SV-52 was developed, operated and so on, and its degree of completion was evaluated highly; and if the Anti Unification Alliance had won the Unification War, the possibility that an aircraft in the SV-51 lineage becoming the main fighter in the First Interstellar War is incontrovertible.
Left: custom type for ace pilots [Zero] SV-51γ
Right: mass production type [Zero] SV-51α
Left: VF-0A
VF-X
The test flight type that contributed to the completion of the VF-1
The prototype to test the aerodynamic moment and various mechanism of the VF-1. At this point in time, the basic form of the VF-1 had been completed - the details would change at any time with the development progress.
VF-1 Valkyrie
Down: VF-1A
The founder VF that had great all-purposefulness
The problem of insufficient main engine output that the VF-0 had was overcome by installing thermonuclear reaction engines. The result was that the VF-1 was completed as the first VF that was able to be genuinely mass produced. Its all-purposefulness was extremely high, and by adding the later mentioned options and with minor remodelling, it was able to correspond to every mission.
Caption: Aircraft with personal colours existed in great numbers. Also, differences were seen in the avionics and fuselage details due to the production period.
Caption: As the VF-1A was the type that was produced the most among the VF-1, quite a few were put to use in aerobatic flights. Here are the Angel Birds specification aircraft.
Characteristics Of The VF-1
- high all-purposefulness by transforming into three forms
- defensive capabilities that exceed existing armaments by employing Energy Conversion Armour
- extensive fuselage capacity that can correspond to option extensions and minor remodelling
VF-1 Valkyrie Airframe Variations
Besides the general A model, variant VF-1 aircraft exist, such as ones for ace pilots and practice. As the fuselage was made into high-grade units, such specification changes seem to have been relatively easy. Also, differences in use were seen even according to the production area. There were more or less different degrees of change in the outward appearance of the variants. Nevertheless, in practice, efforts were applied to the details for the convenience of the transformation system, such as exchanging engines and modifying the electronics.
Officially Adopted Variations
Left: VF-1S
The model for commanders that was developed by the Northram Co., which carried out the licenced production of the VF-1A. Compared to the general aircraft, its head unit was exchanged for a type with enhanced firepower and communication functions.
Development And Production: Northrum
Exclusive Head Production:Kyusei (Nine-Star) Heavy Industry
Caption: Although the exclusive head unit acquired high performance, it had a high cost. For that reason, this aircraft's production number was small.
The Points Modified From The VF-1A
- additional head laser machine guns (A model: 1 gun -> S model: 4 guns)
- enhanced communication functions
- improved mobility due to exchanging the engines (uses the FF-2001D)
Left: VF-1J
The meaning of J is Japan. As a firepower enhanced type that was produced in Japan, its head was exchanged for one made by Kyusei Heavy Industry, who also produced the head of the S model. In the latter production period, improvements were also added to such things as the engines.
Development And Production: Shinnakasu Heavy Industry
Exclusive Head Production: Kyusei Heavy Industry
Caption: Although there was an abundance of fuselage colour variations, just like the S model, because of the cost problem, the production number was small compared to the A model.
The Points Modified From The VF-1A
- additional head laser machine gun (A model: 1 gun -> J model: 2 guns)
- improved electrical systems (from the latter production period)
- production improvement by means of tuning up the engines (from the latter production period)
Training Aircraft Variations
Right: VF-1D
The type that exchanged the nose block and head unit for exclusive ones. It features a two-seater type cockpit. Although it is trainer, it has sufficient performance to be able to endure combat.
The Points Modified From The VF-1A
- additional head laser machine gun (A model: 1 gun -> D model: 2 guns)
- cockpit made into a two-seater by changing the cockpit block
- instillation of a dedicated flight program that accompanied the change to a two-seater and the change to a trainer
Right: VT-1 Ostrich
The aircraft for model conversion training that was produced by the Northrum company. A two-seater model cockpit was adopted here, too. However, as it is a training aircraft to the bitter end, armaments weren't added to it. It is endowed with exclusive Super Parts that increased its propellant capacity.
The Points Modified From The VF-1A
- all sorts of sensors and radar antenna added to various parts of the fuselage
- exchanged head units
- unarmed fuselage
- made into a two-seater cockpit by changing the nose block
- introduction of a dedicated flight program accompanying the change to a two-seater and the change to a trainer
VF-1 Variations After The First Interstellar War
When it comes to the 2030's to 2040's period, new VFs were developed and adopted one after another, and a lot of VF-1, which had become old aircraft, were sold to civilians. They were especially for self-defence on frontier planets, or were effectively used as countermeasures against such things as Galactic Whales.
Left: VT-1C Ostrich Planet Zola Improved Aircraft
A VT-1 that's been improved for whaling. It is equipped with a harpoon type gun pod in order to capture Galactic Whales.
The Points Modified From The VT-1
- changed head unit
- exchanged back and leg boosters
- hooks added to forearms and other places
- mounts a harpoon type gun pod
Right: Manufacturing Valkyrie
A remodelled aircraft that was used to repair the Macross 7. The forearm has been changed to a welding device.
Left: Frontier Planet Patrol Corps Aircraft
On frontier planets, the VF-1 seems to have been operated as the main fighter aircraft even in the 2040's.
VF-1 Valkyrie Airframe Variations Con't
Reconnaissance Variations
Right: VE-1 Elint Seeker
A variant for electronic warfare, which is equipped with a Shinnakasu Heavy Industry developed pack for enemy search and air control on a two-seater specification airframe, the same as the VT-1. It was active as the eyes of the SDF-1 Macross in combat. As all sorts of equipment for electronic warfare are added to it, the shape of the fuselage is greatly changed from that of the VF-1.
Caption: One can say that the VF-1 was reborn as a reconnaissance plane, only by applying minor remodelling to the fuselage and equipping it with a dedicated pack. It is an example that indicates the height of the VF-1's all purposefulness.
The Points Modified From The VF-1A
- all sorts of sensors and radar antenna added to each part of the fuselage
- exchanged head unit
- made into a two-seater cockpit by changing the nose block
- introduction of a flight program that copes with electronic warfare and the change to a two-seater
The VF-1 As An MRF
In actuality, until about 2010 it was impossible to choose models other than the VF-1 that suited missions. For that reason, it was necessary to be able to use only the VF-1 for all missions. Consequently, the VF-1 went down in history and remained in people's memory as an MRF (Multi-Roll Fighter).
Options For The VF-1
Although the VF-1 boasted a high all purposefulness, it wasn't an almighty weapon at all. So, option packs that responded to the war situation and missions were developed. They carried out a large contribution to the later development of VFs, to say nothing of the VF-1's military results.
Transformation Supporting Model Options
They don't interfere with the variable mechanism, which is the feature of the VFs, and improves their performance. Representative ones are the Super Parts and the Firepower Increased Super Parts, both of which combine propulsion devices, conformal tanks, and armaments.
Caption: Its also possible to suspending missile launchers on the main wings, and the firepower when they are simultaneously fired is overwhelming.
Left: Super Parts
Right: Firepower Increased Super Parts
Non-Transformation Supporting Model Options
Types of options that make it impossible to transform -the feature of VFs- when they are equipped with them. To the extent that all purposefulness was made into the special characteristic of the VF-1, these options rapidly improve a specific function of the VF-1. There is a strong tendency for them to be purged, as they often turn into dead weight after use.
Right: GBP-1S Protect Weapon System
An option that is suitable for storming-in with force and solo interception. In addition to increasing the stiffness in close combat when in Battroid, it gives the VF-1 firepower that rivals that of Destroids.
Right: Booster For Escaping The Atmosphere
A booster developed for the purpose of an unassisted VF-1 escaping the atmosphere. After use, the booster returns to the base that it launched from under automatic control.
The VF-1's Successors
The height of the VF-1's degree of perfection was harmful, and the development of the VF-1's successor model was a rough passage that was investigated thoroughly. There are both merits and demerits in the airframe characteristics of some of the successor aircraft, which were completed after the First Interstellar War; and the genuine significance of the birth of the successor aircraft was that it was necessary to wait even for the completion of the VF-11 -which had anall purposefulness that rivalled that of the VF-1.
Right: VF-4 Lightning III
The successor aircraft that valued manoeuvrability in outer space. Although the fighting capabilities are improved by 40%, it wasn't able to attain the VF-1's manoeuvrability in the atmosphere.
The Points Of Difference With The VF-1
- form changed because of the introduction of Zentraadi technology
- the propellant capacity and armament loading ability are improved due to the increase in the airframe's size
- improvement in fire power due to additional built-in armaments
Right: VF-3000 Crusader
A development aircraft based on the VF-1 that enlarged the size of the fuselage. As it made the best use of the data that the VF-1 accumulated, it remedied the weaknesses of the VF-1.
The Points Of Difference With The VF-1
- the propellant capacity and armament loading ability are improved due to the increase in the airframe's size
- resolved the vulnerabilities in the airframe structure by revising the VF-1's transformation mechanism
Right: VF-5000 Star Mirage
An airframe based on the VF-1, just like the VF-3000. The fuselage's reliability and degree of completion is high, as it started later than the VF-3000, which had the same kind of concept.
The Points Of Difference With The VF-1
- improved manoeuvrability in the atmosphere
- acquisition of great stealthiness
- miniaturization of the airframe due to a brush-up on existing technology
Right: VF-11 Thunderbolt
It demonstrates high performance irregardless of being inside or outside of the atmosphere. It is a true multipurpose fighter aircraft that has all of the merits of the VF-4 and VF-5000, and overcomes their demerits.
The Points Of Difference With The VF-1
- the propellant capacity and armament loading ability are improved due to the increase in the airframe's size
- acquisition of great stealthiness
- equipped with a bulletproof shield