| Sketchley's Translations Main Index | Macross Portal |
| By AARON SKETCHLEY (aaronsketch@HOTdelete_thisMAIL.com) | Ver 1.1 2019.05.02 |
| Variable Fighter Master File VF-1 Battroid Valkyrie |
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| VF Photo Files |
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| The Story of the VF-1's Development |
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(...)
■ VF-11 Thunderbolt
One of the Shinsei Industry VFs that started being deployed in 2030. In the turbulent period after the Interstellar War, the company—which had lost much of design development personnel and facilities—accumulated VF design know-how a second time through the development of the VF-3000, VF-5000, and so on. Before long, it invented the VF-11, which excelled in operational balance. It has a low price and is high performance, and because its pilot support functions are enriched, the latitude for candidate pilot aptitude was also enlarged. The VF-11 was widely used in Emigrant Fleets, Pioneer Planets, and so on.
■ VF-5000
■ VF-9 Cutlass
■ VF-4
Caption: One could say that Shinsei Industry's VF-11 Thunderbolt is the VF-1's true successor. For the 20 years until the appearance of the VF-11, various VFs that pursued the potentiality of the VF were born. The form of these VFs reflects the era of upheaval itself—the Earth's destruction and revival, and the advancement into the galaxy—that mankind experienced.
The Spread and Current Fate of the VF-1
(...)
* VF-3000 Crusader
A Variable Fighter developed by the surviving Stonewell Bellcom designers immediately after the First Interstellar War as a separate [VF] line from the VF-4. As it was in the turbulent period after the war, the VF-3000 was a design that used many common parts with the VF-1. As its main purpose was the reconstruction of design knowhow and production facilities, the genuine next generation [VF] development was handed over to the VF-5000 project.
*VF-9 Cutlass
The first VF put into practical use by General Galaxy. Its manoeuvrability was good as it used forward swept wings and had a small, light-weight size. Also, because it was low cost, it was often delivered to such places as the garrisons on Frontier Planets.
* Equipped With Torpedoes
In this case, it means having anti-ship attack equipment. A VF-1 loaded with Anti-ship Reaction Missiles are commonly called this. There are also cases where large Reaction Weapons are shot out from the ship-board launchers on the attacking ship—something that one could say is the equivalent of a torpedo if it were a sea-going vessel.
* RMS-3 and RMS-5
The RMS-3 was mainly used by the VF-11, and the RMS-5 was mainly used by the VF-19 and VF-22.
* The Modernized Models Such as the VF-1X and VF-1P
The VF-1 that received improvements in the "Sleipnir II" phased update plan that was put into operation in 2018 are generically called the VF-1+ (Plus). There were various methods in the improvement specifications, such as the Valkyries improved on the normal plan being the VF-1X, and the ones that also received improvements into a stealthier form being the VF-1P Freya Valkyrie. Please refer to the already published "VFMF VF-1 Valkyrie Wings of Space" for details.
After that, from the 2040's, there was a movement toward returning the VF-1 to its starting point. Shinsei Industry re-examined the baseline design—including the airframe—from the beginning, and released it as open source data. Even though this type of Valkyrie is generically called the VF-1Z (intended to be the last VF-1 model), as far as features go, its externals return to those of the early VF-1, and a proportion of all the parts that are involved in the transformation—as well as the panel shapes—were brought as close as possible to the early models. Even though the VF-1's aerodynamic characteristics don't amount to much with its specialized form, because flight control technology has also advanced with the passage through 50 years, the VF-1Z's mobility limits are generally higher than that of the VF-1+ era Valkyries. As it came to be that the designers could roughly ignore the effects of fuselage and panel shapes on stealthiness due to improvements in Active Stealth technology, it became possible for them to return the VF-1 to such a starting point.
At present, almost all of the newly produced VF-1 are in the VF-1Z specification. Naturally, there are also older types that have passed through more than 50 years still in active duty. Also, the VF-1EX type—which supports the EX-Gear that was formally adopted by the Unified Space Forces in 2050—are revised Valkyrie designs based on the VF-1Z. All sorts of variations also exist among the VF-1 in the EX era.
Caption: Even though there's the VF-1EX, which rapidly prolonged the Valkyrie's lifespan as a VF-1 model, it couldn't attain the abilities of cutting-edge VFs like the VF-25 and VF-31. The current VF-1EX is also often used as a rear guard that takes charge of the last defensive line of a position, or as the interceptor of front-line craft on Emigrant Planets in the frontier regions. In this sense, the VF-1EX may be the one that can be said keeps returning to the original role of the VF-1—which was hypothesized during the era of the VF-1's birth—and continues living that role.
The VF-1 series has been used over a period of more than 60 years since the 2000's, and many pilots have ridden in it up until now. Stories of people endeavouring for three generations—parent, child, and grandchild—of VF-1 pilots are not unusual.
| Development of Battroid |
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| Structure and System of the Battroid |
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| Armored Pack |
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| F.A.S.T. Pack |
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| QF-3000E Ghost |
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■ QF-3000E Ghost
Even now, when AI technology has developed, the deployment and operation of the unmanned fighter aircraft called Ghosts is limited. The "Sharon Apple Insident*", the largest AI insurrection incident after the great war—which occurred during the 30th Anniversary of Victory Memorial Ceremony in March 2040 on Earth—severely engraved its memory on the top echelons of the Unified Forces. Since then, the research and deployment of the Ghost has come to be treated with extreme caution.
Before the First Interstellar War, AI itself was undeveloped, and was actively being developed as a promising support aircraft in the future. The SDF-1 was also equipped with Ghosts, although the number was small, and they have a track record of having sortied to fight against the opposing Zentrādi units even during the Macross's return voyage. Also, although it isn't well known, a considerable number of Ghosts—which had completed their deployment at that time—were also in the subsequent decisive battle with the Bodoruzā Main Fleet and fought alongside the VF-1 units. Most of those Ghosts did not return from battle.
What was loaded on board the SDF-1 was the QF-3000E Ghost. Even though the SDF-1 was just still in the Space Launch Ceremony, the Unification War had taken place until just a little while before that; and several times battles had unfolded with the Anti Unification Alliance, whose target was the capture of South Ataria Island. Consequently, Ghosts had already been deployed to the SDF-1 itself, and an escort fleet—that was similarly loaded with Ghosts—also guarded the surrounding waters. However, the number of Ghosts deployed to the SDF-1 was limited, and it is believed that about half of the 30 fighters that were loaded onto it were shot down in the battle with the ground invasion units under the command of the Buritai Fleet.
(continued on Pg 107)
* Translator's note: I know it's a spelling error. But due to the hosts TOS...
(continued from Pg 106)
It is believed that the SDF-1—which Folded to Pluto's orbit—had only about 20 remaining Ghosts combined with those from the CVS-101 Prometheus. Even after that, while the SDF-1 wasn't able to receive replacement Ghosts, they were deployed to support the VF-1 units that the pilot's weren't yet accustomed to. As a result of losing one Ghost after another, their number was halved again by the time of the battle on Mars. Nevertheless, when compared to the number of VF-1 lost per sortie, the Ghost fared better. Enemy scout Rigādo units were at the mercy of the Ghosts, which demonstrated manoeuvrability beyond knowledge, and were often destroyed before they comprehended what it was. That said, if the SDF-1 had been relying on Ghosts for everything, then all of their Ghosts would have quickly been destroyed. As a result of carefully attempting to coordinate the Ghosts with the VF-1 units and operating them appropriately, both the Ghosts and the VF-1 miraculously survived. It may be safe to say that the SDF-1 and its shipboard VF-1 units were literally supported by the shadow of the Ghosts (phantoms).
| VF-1EX Valkyrie |
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Current VFs perform strict strength calculations regarding their raw materials and structures, and are designed without waste. However, whether it's the design or the operation of the VF-1, because humanity had absolutely no experience with designing Valkyries, the VF-1 consequently has aspects where it was built more strongly than necessary. Even though its durability lifespan was estimated to be about 30 years at first, it could be maintained for at least 50 years as long as the proper enhancements and parts exchanges where conducted. It's to the extent that at present, close to 70 years having passed since the VF-1's first flight, even though the number of prewar VF-1 is small, there are some still being operated.
Of course, the VF-1's comprehensive performance is excellent, even though it doesn't compare to that of the VF-11 Thunderbolt and so on. However, it goes without saying that the VF-1's longevity and low running costs are also greatly attractive in its introduction [into an armed force]. If the opponents are Zentrādi weapons, such as the Rigādo and Quadoran series, than the VF-1 has the performance to be able to adequately oppose them. Essentially, the VF-1 has a small aircraft size, and under conditions where its ability to be augmented are not a problem, conversely the small size of the airframe works to the utmost advantage. That is, as stated at the beginning of this book, it is only because it conforms to the operational assumption when the VF-1 was first designed: its main duties being localized skirmishes and interceptions for base defence.
However, such things as the interface and avionics have constantly fallen behind the mainstream of each era, and the production of armaments and so on may also be discontinued due to the circumstances of the facilities. Consequently, it was necessary to update the VF-1 to the minimum limits.
When the production of the VF-1 resumed after the great war, the knowhow to put such things as the Zentrādi Factory Satellites to a different use was established. (continued on Pg 110)
___ Early VF-1
___ Later VF-1
___ VF-1Ex Series
Caption: Even though even the prewar VF-1 was endowed with the ability to singlehandedly launch into space from within the atmosphere, it was necessary to load separate propellant for that in practice because the air becomes thin in the upper atmosphere and the VF-1's thrust weakens. Also, the flight envelope is extremely tight—as shown in the chart—because the VF-1's speed only attains a level slightly higher than orbital velocity1, and almost no armaments could be loaded onto the Valkyrie. In order to singlehandedly attain escape velocity2, means such as connecting a booster system, were necessary. After that, the flight and climbing performance rapidly improved with each generation of engine retrofit and so on.
1 translator's note: original literally was "the first cosmic velocity".
2 translator's note: original literally was "the second cosmic velocity".
■ Max Speed at 10,000 m
Mach 3—early VF-1
Mach 3.5—later VF-1
Mach 6.4—VF-1Ex Series
■ Climbing Power at Sea Level: with CAP Loadout (12x AMM-1)
320 m/s—early VF-1
385 m/s—later VF-1
673 m/s—Super VF-1
642 m/s—VF-1Ex Series
(continued from Pg 109) For that reason, parts production for maintenance and some of the consumables (even including such things as armaments) can be produced using those Factory Satellites even now. In fact, the operation of the VF-1 has been maintained in such a way on frontier Emigrant Planets and so on. However, because limits had formed like the ability to keep using the VF-1 on the front lines—such as the garrisons of main star areas such as in the Solar System and on planet Eden—there was an opportunity to refurbish the design of the VF-1 in the mid-2040's.
The VF-1 uses a modular construction, and up to that time, modernization improvements were conducted with the method where, for example, if it was the main wings, the main wings in their entirety were replaced. However, Shinsei Industry proposed that a leap in ability improvements could be expected if the VF-1 was completely newly built rather than redesigned, and the New Unified Forces also gave their approval for that. That is the redesigned model that is called the VF-1Z. The "Z" is a designation that was intended for the final VF-1 model. It is commonly called such things as the "Ultimate Valkyrie".
Nevertheless, the VF-1 got even more opportunities to be developed after that. The introduction of the Extender-Gear System (EX-Gear)* is related to that. It was in the flow where control systems by EX-Gear were becoming standard across the board in the main Unified Forces VFs, and an update was desired in which the VF-1 was also able to support EX-Gear.
Apart from newly made Valkyries from completely new designs based on the aforementioned VF-1Z, this EX-ification business was also performed by means of modifying VF-1Z production craft. Since the nose section of the VF-1 was originally an independent unit, it was possible to promptly carry out the EX upgrade to the avionics—including ANIGIRAS—as well as the cockpit system, by completely replacing the nose section. At the same time, the radar system that's stored in the nose was also exchanged for a new generation system, which is completely different from the previous generation, and the shape of the nose was also significantly changed. Each specification was different depending on such things as the star region and application that the Valkyries were operated in.
(continued on Pg 111)
| Early VF-1 | Late VF-1 | VF-1Ex Series | |
| forward-horizontal | 70° left & right (140° arc) | 70° left & right (140° arc) | 360° arc |
| forward-vertical | est. 30° arc | est. 140° arc | 360° arc |
| forward-range | 170 km | 220 km | 450 km |
| rear-horizontal | N/A | 30° left & right (60° arc) | 360° arc |
| rear-vertical | N/A | est. 60° arc | 360° arc |
| rear-range | N/A | est. 110 km | 450 km |
(continued from Pg 110) The model VF-1EX was originally attached to the Valkyries that were redesigned and newly manufactured by Shinsei Industry. However, now it is often used as a generic term for Valkyries that have been updated to support EX-Gear. In addition, even though VF-1EX Valkyrie is the formal model and pet name for it, "EX Valkyrie" is the most widespread as its common name. Some of them are also referred to as "Extended Valkyrie" and "Valkyrie Extra".
Originally, the VF-1 was often used as a Variable Trainer from around 2030, however, in the sense that the VF-1EX also returns to its origins as a fighter aircraft, it was possible to set its flight support and flight stability functions to the "rider's taste" of around the 2010's (of course, it is possible to perform advanced pilot assistance depending on the [EX-Gear] setting). In the training units of the New Unified Forces and Civilian Military Providers, the VF-1EX was deliberately set to let new pilots—who are boarding a real Valkyrie for the first time after completing their initial training with a simulator—know the nature of the aircraft. The VF-1, which has a small lifting power relative to its weight, will immediately fall into a stall if the piloting skills are immature. The popularity and trust in the VF-1 is strongly rooted as there are also many veterans who believe that if the new pilot can ride this difficult aircraft, they will get used to riding any VF solo.
The VF-1—the mother of all VFs—will hereafter continue to be the foundation of the VF riders' hearts.
* Extender-Gear System
A new control system which developed as one of the technologies that formed the basis of the VF-24 Evolution. EX-Gear—which is a wearable suit and also a seat—in addition to G resistance and control support, also has the function of an ejection seat. In addition, it is also a strengthening suit when active outside the Valkyrie, and it supports the execution of the pilot's mission. The pilot's personal control data is stored in an internal data bank, and the system is ground-breaking in that if it is a VF that is compatible with the EX-Gear system, then the pilot can immediately board the Valkyrie without needing model conversion training.
VF-1EX Ver.0
Modified Type VF-1EX Ver.0 (2058)
When introducing the EX-Gear System, the test machine had a VF-25's nose transplanted onto it as-is. Such things as the built-in onboard computer weren't an ARIEL system, but were the VF-1Z's ANGIRAS system. The VFC (vortex generator) mounted on the nose of the VF-25 was also effective [on the VF-1EX], and while active flight control was possible, the Valkyrie's aerodynamic balance was altered and the manoeuvrability characteristics were significantly changed.
VF-1EX Ver.1
Modified Type VF-1EX Ver.1 (2058)
A test machine equipped with the EX-Gear System that had transplanted the nose of a VF-25 around the cockpit of a VF-1, including its canopy. Although it was something that tried to make the best use of the advantages of the advanced VF-25—which uses the latest radar system—as expected, the change in the nose characteristics due to the differences in weight balance wasn't preferred, and they were forced to review it along with the Ver.0 test machine.
VF-1EX Ver.2
Modified Type VF-1EX Ver.2 (2059)
A redesigned test machine based on the VF-1Z and equipped with the EX-Gear System in the cockpit. Because the effectiveness of the VFC was recognized in the Ver.0 and Ver.1 experimental data, the VFC and sensor windows were left on the nose. The results of the flight test of this Ver.2 were good, and the VF-1EX was thereafter developed based on this fundamental form. Furthermore, the Low-thrust Vernier Thrusters on the nose were omitted due to it being equipped with VFC.
VF-1EX Ver.3
Modified Type VF-1EX Ver.3 (2058)
It is a type almost identical to Ver.2, however, it is an EX-Gear System equipped model that restored the Low-thrust Vernier Thrusters in exchange for the removal of the VFC, and is even closer to the original VF-1. Finally, the VF-1EX reached the point where one can select VFC or Low-Thrust Vernier Thrusters as an option. The sensor windows are standard equipment, however there are also many cases where they are operated painted over with a radio-transmissive coating, to make it's appearance look closer to that of the [original] VF-1.
| Squadron Markings of VF-1 |
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A squadron formed at the Mars Base in 2067. Despite being newly produced VF-1EX, some of the top brass were worried about operating the old VF-1, so they started with the number of Valkyries having been reduced to about 2/3 that of a normal squadron. However, their on-site valuation was great, and after one year the squadron was adjusted to an operational posture that's the same as a normal squadron.
In addition to the familiar VF-19, the VF-1EX was added to the squadron in 2067, and it was operated as a mixed squadron. All Valkyries were subsequently replaced with the VF-1EX due to the good handling of the VF-1. They are a squadron that aren't attached to a carrier air wing but to a ground base. However, they may be loaded on a within-Solar-System patrol fleet as needed.
The typeface of the tail-letters drawn on the tails is different from the usual one, however, this is because even though the regulations concerning such things as markings were relaxed from the 2050's, the tail-letters themselves have all but lost their substance, and the squadrons themselves that are using them are also rare.