PHYSICAL STRENGTH: equal to a PS of 60
CARGO: small compartment behind pilot's seat for personal belongings

POWER PLANT: two 65,200 Kg class (maximum instantaneous thrust in space) Shinnakasu Industry/P&W/Roice FF-2450B thermonuclear engines. In atmosphere, the engines use air as coolant/propellant, but due to problems of cooling efficiency (caused by exceeding output and melting the core) the maximum thrust is limited to 40% to 60% of thrust in space. Two trapezoidal air intakes with retractable shutters for Battroid mode or space use and four dorsal overflow outlets. Three-dimensional independent turning exhaust nozzle vanes, for enhanced V/STOL performance and maneuverability. Four dorsal sub-nozzles above main exhaust nozzles. Two banks of pivoting underfuselage slits acting as main nozzles for VTOL hovering in GERWALK. P&W HMM-6J high-maneuverability vernier thrusters. Special equipment hard point station for optional external fighter Fold Booster on special pylons.

DORSAL SPECIAL EQUIPMENT HARDPOINT

The VF-22 Sturmvögel II can mount only one (1) of the following:

• OTEC FBF-1000A External Fold Booster

WEAPON SYSTEMS

1. ERLIKON AAB-7.5 FIXED HIGH-POWERED CONVERGING ENERGY CANNON

• RANGE: 5,000 m
• DAMAGE: 1D4x10+5 M.D
• RATE OF FIRE: single shots only
• PAYLOAD: effectively unlimited

2. MAULER REB-22 CONVERGING ENERGY CANNONS

• RANGE: 50,000 m
• DAMAGE: 1D6x10+10 M.D
• RATE OF FIRE: single shots only. The cannons can be fire-linked so that firing both cannons at the same time counts as one attack (does double damage).
• PAYLOAD: effectively unlimited

3. HOWARD PBS-03F PIN-POINT BARRIER SYSTEM

NOTE: THE SYSTEM IS ONLY AVAILABLE IN GERWALK AND BATTROID, AND LIMITED TO THE LOWER ARMS (OVER THE ARM SHIELDS AND FISTS.)

• PROTECTION: 100 MDC total
• REGENERATION RATE: 50 MDC per round
• SIZE: the barrier can be up to 3 m in diameter
• DURATION: unlimited

4. BIFORS BML-02S ALL-ENVIRON RAPID-FIRE MICRO-MISSILE CLUSTERS (4):

• MISSILE TYPES: BMM-24 High Maneuverability Micro Missiles, though any type of Micro Missile can be used
• RATE OF FIRE: volleys of 1 to 4
• PAYLOAD: 12 missiles per launcher; 48 total

5. Internal Weapon Bays (4)

• NUMBER OF PALLETS: 2, 1 per engine nacelle
• LOADOUT: at least 1 B-21A Internal Weapon Pallets and 2 B-11A Specialized Internal Pallet, though any type of Pallet System can be used

6. Howard/GE GV-17L GUN POD:

• RANGE: 3,000 m
• DAMAGE: 1D10 per round. 10 round burst, single target – 1D10X10 MD. 25 round burst, single target - 2D10X10 MD. Note, for bursts using greater then 25 rounds, increase the damage by a scale of 1D8X10 per 10 rounds OR refer to the modern weapons rules for machineguns.
  The Gun Pod can be used for sprays: 10 round spray – 1D10 MD, affects 1d4 targets. 25 round burst spray – 1D10 MD, affects 2D4 targets with a 50% chance of hitting bystanders. Longer duration sprays (up to limits of the magazine): 2D10 MD, affects 4D4 targets. Chance of hitting bystanders is 70%.
• RATE OF FIRE: equal to the pilot's combined number of attacks. Note that firing of the GU-11 isn't limited to only 10, 25 or 400 rounds. Any variation can be fired (it is recommended to stick to multiples of 10 for ease of damage resolution).
• PAYLOAD: 200 rounds. The VF-22 can carry two GV-17L gun pods. Once exhausted, the gun pods can only be reloaded by trained personnel using the right reloading equipment.

7. Wing Hard Points (4)

Note: the standard Unified Forces tactic is for wing mounted ordinance to be fired within the first few passes of an attack.

ASM-05 Anti-Ship Missile or CHM-2 (or SACHM-2) High Speed Manueverable Missile
• LOCATION: inner hardpoints (B & C)
• RATE OF FIRE: volleys of 1 per hardpoint
• PAYLOAD: 1 per hardpont; potential maximum of 4 total
AOM-8S Two-stage Interception Missile
• LOCATION: Outer Hardpoints (A & D)
• RATE OF FIRE: volleys of 1 or 2 per hardpoint
• PAYLOAD: 2 per hardpoint; potential maximum of 8
or

Reaction Missiles
Instead of conventional wing ordinance, the VF-171 can mount 1 RMS-5 Reaction Missile on each hardpoint. Reaction Missiles are always fired in the opening moments of a battle.

RMS-5
• RATE OF FIRE: 1 per hardpoint.
• PAYLOAD: 1 per hardpoint, for a potential maximum of 4

8. COUNTERMEASURE DISPENSERS

Every VF has combined chaff, flare and squib dispensers mounted on them that are useable in all modes. When used, it fires a burst of 6 flares, 1 exploding chaff container or one parachute squib per 1 unit listed in the stats. Chaff, flares and squibs are each unique in their means of countering attacking missiles. The following will describe the individual details of each of the the three types of countermeasures. The short and easy benefit is that they add a +3 to dodge the missiles.

• RANGE: GM's arbitration. Squibs effect a 1 km³ spherical area.
• BONUSES: +3 to dodge. Roll to dodge after rolling on the following per missile:
  01-40: missile distracted - explodes harmlessly in the countermeasures.
  41-80: missile distracted - it loses track of its target. Depending on the missile type and its remaining fuel, it could reacquire you, or another target in the area.
  81-00: no effect.
  Note: +5% to the above chart per every additional countermeasure deployed after the first. For example: 3 countermeasures changes the table to 01-50, 51-90, and 91-00.
• RATE OF FIRE: unlimited. (Author's recommendation: maximum of 4 per attack to better reflect their fallibility.)
• PAYLOAD: 8 bursts of flares, 8 chaff pods and 4 parachute squibs per dispenser.

  Individual Descriptions:

• CHAFF pods explode roughly 2 seconds after being deployed. They fill the area with a plethora of small, highly reflective metal pieces that distract radar-seeking missiles (only!).
• FLARES are fired in bursts of six to eight per unit. They only work against heat-seeking missiles. Flares can also be used as a signal at night or in space or to blind an opponent at close range who is relying on visual type sensors.
• SQUIBS create an ECM field effecting a 1 Km³ spherical area for 1D4 melees. They affect only radar-seeking missiles, but are less effective than the chaff pods (-15% on the chart). The ECM field prevents the targeting radar from locking on if either the opponent or the deploying vehicle, or both, and possibly others, are in the area of effect. Also, it is impossible for a radar broadcasting from the outside of the area of effect to detect on the direct opposite side of the area of effect. ECM squibs are effective in covering a retreat.
  Note that ECM (and the related ECCM) will broadcast where the deployer is located (when a big chunk of the radar return gets distorted, one knows roughly where the ECM emitting craft is and the most likely place the enemy forces will be).

9. COMPATIBLE FAST PACKS

• Dorsal (2 maximum):
  • (2) Shinsei Industries Transatmospheric Dorsal Missile Launcher Booster Packs
  • (2) Sound Energy Converter System Transatmospheric Missile Launcher Booster Packs
• Arms/rear side fuselage (2 maximum):
  • (2) YF-21 Arm Modules (conformal rectant fuel tanks)

10. HAND TO HAND COMBAT

DAMAGE:

• Restrained Punch: 1D6 M.D.
• Full Strength Punch: 4D6 M.D.
• "Booster" Punch: 1D6x10 M.D. (counts as two attacks)
• Tear or Pry with Hands: 2D4 M.D. + additional ripping and frame damages.
• Kick: 4D6 M.D.
• Leap Kick: 2D6x10 M.D.
• Body Flip/Throw: 2D6 M.D.
• Body Block/Tackle: 2D6 M.D.
• Stomp: 1D6x10 M.D. (only effective against small objects) Note that for some objects, they will be instantly destroyed.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE VF-22 STURMVÖGEL II

• ACTIVE STEALTH SYSTEM: The VF-22 is equipped with a revolutionary stealth system that when activated renders the craft almost invisible to standard sensors such as radar. Unlike passive stealth systems like those used by the VF-17 Nightmare, the VF-22's stealth system is an Active Stealth that actually bends radar waves around the mecha rather than reflecting them. When activated, this system gives the VF-22 a +3 on initiative and a +1 to strike at all times.
  NOTE: Since the VF-22's stealth capability is a system and not a feature of the design, it can be damaged or destroyed. Once the Valkyrie has lost half of its main body MDC, there is a 50% chance that the stealth system will fail every time the main body of the craft is hit. Once the stealth system has failed, it will not work again until repaired at a Unified Forces base. For more information on stealth, please refer to the stealth rules.
• AUTO-PILOT: the VF-22 is equipped with a computerized auto-pilot, allowing the pilot to relax or even sleep during long voyages. The auto- pilot can be programmed with a single destination or a complex flight plan involving multiple speeds, directions, and destinations. The onboard computer will alert the pilot when the fighter is near its destination, and can also be set to automatically signal when sensors detect objects near the mecha. The auto-pilot was designed with long intra-system space journeys in mind.
• COMBAT COMPUTER W/HUD DISPLAYS: the VF-22 is equipped with a combat computer that can store and analyze data during combat with hostile forces. The entire cockpit canopy of the VF-22 is a large HUD display, which allows the computer to display large amounts of data to the pilot and even highlight enemies and missile attacks with overlaid graphics. The combat computer tracks and identifies specific enemy targets, and has a database of over 10,000 images stored in memory. The computer can identify and track up to 250 targets simultaneously.
• DETATCHABLE LIMBS: the arms and legs of the Sturmvogel are detatchable, so that in the event one or more of the limbs of the mecha are damaged they can be ejected from the main body so as to avoid creating atmospheric drag or preventing transformation. The VF-22's arms and legs don't contain any critical systems so the AVF's performance will be unaffected if they are jettisoned. However, the Sturmvogel will not be able to hold its GV-17L gun pod in GERWALK or BATTROID if both arms are ejected.
• ESCAPE POD: the entire reinforced cockpit of the VF-22 is a detachable escape pod that can be jettisoned when the Valkyrie is destroyed. The ejected cockpit does not contain thrusters, but does contain a powerful locator beacon and an integrated life support system that can support the pilot for up to 24 hours after ejection. The pod is also equipped with parachutes in case of ejection in an atmosphere. The combat computer is programmed to automatically eject the escape pod if the mecha is destroyed (main body MDC reduced to 0), but this can be overridden if the pilot is feeling suicidal for some reason.
• EXTERNAL AUDIO PICKUP: range: 91.5 m. A sound amplification system that can pick up normal conversation up to 91.5 m away.
• HEAT AND RADIATION SHIELDS: special shielding prevents the penetration of life threatening head and radiation. A radiation detection and alarm system are linked with the shields and will sound an alarm if there is a rupture in the shields and what the levels of radiation are.
• HOMING SIGNAL: the escape pod of the VF-22 is equipped with a homing device that enables rescue teams to locate a disabled craft or ejected life pod. The range of the signal is 640 km. Most Unified Forces ships and Variable Fighters can locate and track homing signals, and the onboard computers will automatically notify their pilots if such a signal is detected.
• LASER TARGETING SYSTEM: range: 160 km. Used for increased accuracy in the striking of enemy targets and is partly responsible for the Valkyrie's strike bonus.
• LOUDSPEAKER: a loudspeaker system is built into the craft, which can be used to amplify the pilot's voice up to 90 decibels.
• OPTICS: INFRARED: range: 610 m. This optical system projects a beam of infrared light that is invisible to the normal eye, but detectable by the Valkyrie's sensors. The system allows the pilot to detect hidden/concealed objects by their IR reflectiveness. The beam will be visible to anyone with IR sensitive optics, however.
• OPTICS: NIGHTVISION: range: 610 m. A passive light image intensifier that emits no light of its own, but relies on ambient light which is electronically amplified to produce a visible picture.
• OPTICS: TELESCOPIC VISION: range: 1,220 m. A visual magnification system that can focus and magnify images up to 1,220 m away.
• OPTICS: THERMAL IMAGER: range: 610 m. A passive optical heat sensor that detects infrared radiation projected by warm objects and converts that data into a false-color visible image. The system enables the pilot to see in the dark, in shadows, and through smoke, and also adds a +10% bonus to pilots using a tracking skill.
• PILOT FLIGHT SUIT AND HMD HELMET: the VF-22 Sturmvögel II comes with a custom-designed flight suit for the pilot instead of the standard Unified Forces-issue design used by most VF pilots. This flight suit consists of an upper and lower G-suit that promotes circulation even during high-G turns, thus decreasing the possibility of pilot's blacking out in combat. The flight suit also comes with a specialized HMD helmet, which can display computer graphics and overlays over what the pilot sees, providing additional information. Although the system is not a great substitute for the BCS and BDI systems in the original YF-21 prototype, it does provide the pilot with additional information and helps combat battlefield confusion. The one disadvantage of the flight suit is that it is customized for the VF-22 Sturmvögel II and is NOT usable in other aircraft.
• RADAR: 321 km range.
• RADIO/VIDEO COMMUNICATION: long range, directional communications system with satellite relay capabilities. Range: 960 km, or can be boosted indefinitely via satellite relay.
• SELF-DESTRUCT: to prevent capture of a variable fighter by the enemy, the pilot can activate the VF-22's self-destruct system, which will cause the fighter to explode after a delay of up to 60 minutes (time is set by the pilot). The explosive damage is contained within a 6 m area and inflicts 1D6x10 M.D. to everything within the radius of the explosion. All internal systems are obliterated. The escape pod will be automatically ejected prior to the explosion unless the pilot overrides the ejection sequence.
• STANDARD SURVIVAL KIT: all Unified Forces VFs come equipped with a portable survival kit. Inside the small reinforced box is a medium-sized flashlight, two hand flares, one rocket flare, a compass, infrared distancing binoculars, a small mirror, a pocket knife, dehydrated and concentrated food (can be stretched into a five day supply for one person) and basic first aid items (aspirin, bandages, disinfectants, etc).
• TACTICAL LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM: the VF-22's cockpit is pressurized, and also provides additional air feeds to the pilot's flight suit that provides him with pressurized breathing. The system is designed to work with the customized VF-22 flight suit (see above) and is not compatible with standard Unified Forces flight suits without special modifications.

COMBAT BONUSES FOR VF-22 STURMVÖGEL II TRAINING

BASIC VF-22 STURMVÖGEL II COMBAT TRAINING

• 2 attacks per melee (plus those of the pilot). Add one attack at levels three, nine, and fifteen.
• +1 on initiative (+3 when using Active Stealth System)
• +1 to strike (+2 when using Active Stealth System)
• +1 to parry
• +1 to dodge in Battroid, +3 in GERWALK, +5 in Fighter
• +1 to roll with a punch or fall with an impact, reducing damage by half
• Tilt Dodge Modifier (applied to the regular dodge bonus for the mode the VF is in): -5
• No leap kick
• Critical strike same as pilot's hand-to-hand
• Body block/tackle/ram - 2D4 M.D. plus a 50% chance of knocking an opponent down, causing him to loose initiative and one attack that melee round

ADVANCED VF-22 STURMVÖGEL II COMBAT TRAINING

• 4 attacks per melee (plus those of the pilot). Add one action/attack at levels two, five, seven, and ten.
• +2 on initiative (+5 when using Active Stealth System)
• +3 to strike (+4 when using Active Stealth System)
• +4 to parry
• +3 to dodge in Battroid, +5 in GERWALK, +7 in Fighter
• +3 to roll with a punch or fall with an impact, reducing damage by half
• Tilt Dodge Modifier (applied to the regular dodge bonus for the mode the VF is in): -5
• Critical strike same as pilot's hand-to-hand
• Body block/tackle/ram - 2D4 M.D. plus a 50% chance of knocking an opponent down, causing him to loose initiative and one attack that melee round

REFERENCES

Palladium Books Game Engine and MDC Rules Based on the Steelfalcon VF-22 Sturmvögel II stats. Macross Compendium VF-22 Sturmvögel II article Macross 7 Shoji Kawamori's Macross Design Works: Pages 73, 86-93, 118, 119

Macross VF-X missions 1 & 2 Macross VF-X2 Official Visual Guide Book: Pages 3, 27 Macross Plus: Game Edition Macross Plus Game Edition: Pages 2, 3, 12, 17, 18, 24, 28, 56-61 Kazutaka Miyatake Design Works: Macross & Orguss: Page 39