The following material is an adaptation of mecha from
MACROSS PLUS, a
sequel to the original Japanese MACROSS TV series (which became
Robotech here in the U.S.). Please feel free to use, copy, and distribute it
as you see fit. All I ask is that you give proper credit to me and do not
claim that it is your own work. Comments and suggestions are welcome.
VF-19A EXCALIBUR
ADVANCED VARIABLE FIGHTER
RPG Stats by NEWTYPE ALPHA
Background info provided by the
MACROSS ONLINE COMPENDIUM
3D Renderings courtesy of
CHRIS SINGH
(csingh1@gl.umbc.edu)
BACKGROUND
The VF-19 Excalibur is the production-line version of Shinsei
Industries YF-19 prototype which won the
Project Super Nova design contest of 2040. Distribution of the fighter among UN
Spacy's Galaxy Patrol fleets is already quite wide spread as it begins to
completely phase out the VF-11 Thunderbolt, however there are still many long
distance colonization fleets that have yet to upgrade to the new fighter because
of obvious logistical concerns. All current Long Distance Colonization fleets
launched after 2043 have been equipped with a full compliment of these fighters
aboard their flagship carriers, and the VF-19 is expected to completely phase
out the VF-11 by 2050.
VF-19F variation, released by Shinsei Industries in 2045, was an intensely
redesigned version of the Excalibur intended to increase the fighter's space
combat performance. It has thus far proven itself to be a favorite among long
distance colony fleets such as the Macross 7 fleet that fought on the frontlines
of the UN/Varauta war. Most colony fleets prefer the F model for its ease of
maintenance and slightly lower production cost, but most Galaxy Patrol fleets
and local defense forces generally prefer the original VF-19A model. Despite
it's slightly higher production cost, the A-variant of the Excalibur currently
outnumbers the S- and F- models by approximately thirty-to-one.
The first VF-19 squadrons were released to the Battle Carrier SDAC-51 Enterprise
with the Tactical Fighter Squadron 105, the "Gunslingers," and Interceptor
Squadron 816 "Helldivers" under Wing Commander Isamu Dyson in late
2043. As of 2048, all New Macross class attack carriers and
about 75% of Ark-Royal Class battle carriers with the Galaxy patrol fleet are
equipped with VF-19A fighters, leaving the older VF-11s to support craft such as
Maizuru class stealth carriers and Northampton class frigates.
RPG STATS
- Vehicle Type:
- VF-19A (First mass-produced version
- VF-19F (Second mass-produced version, redesigned main wings and removed
canard wings in favor of more vernier jets. Optimized for space use)
- VF-19S (Squadron commander version of the VF-19F. Includes four head
lasers as opposed to two on the VF-19F)
- VF-19 Kai
("Fire Valkyrie" Custom Version, Macross 7 Sound
Force)
- Class: Tactical Variable Fighter
Manufacturer: Shinsei Industries
Crew: One pilot wearing Tactical Life Support System.
- A rear seat for a second pilot/navigator can also be added if necessary
for specific missions.
MDC BY LOCATION:
Head Pulse Laser 30
(1) Head 100
Hands (2) 50 each
Arms (2) 120 each
Shoulders (2) 150 each
Legs & Thrusters (2) 220 each
(2) Main Body 400
Main Wings (2) 175 each
Tails (2) 75 each
GU-15 Gun Pod 100
Anti-Projectile Shield 150
(3) Pinpoint Barrier Shield 100
Reinforced Pilot Compartment/Escape Pod 150
NOTES:
- Destroying the head of the VF-19 will knock out the mecha's major sensor
systems, including all of the optics systems (infrared, nightvision, thermal).
Radar and communications will be unaffected.
- Depleting the MDC of the main body will destroy the mecha. The pilot and
cockpit section/escape pod will be automatically ejected from the doomed
fighter before it explodes by the mecha's main computer.
- The pinpoint barrier shield regenerates at a rate of 50 MDC per round.
Even if completely destroyed the shield will regenerate within 2 melee rounds.
The shield is usually generated on the right arm of the VF-19.
SPEEDS:
- RUNNING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:
- 120 mph (192 kmph)
- LEAPING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:
- 50 ft (15 m) high or 70 ft (21 m) long without thrusters.
- FLYING, GERWALK/SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:
- Mach One (670 mph/1072 kmph)
maximum speed limit in an Earth-like atmosphere. Can also hover in
place indefinitely.
- FLYING, FIGHTER CONFIGURATION:
- Mach 3.5+ (2345 mph/3572 kmph) max speed at 10,000 meters or less above
sea level. Mach 5+ (3350 mph/5360 kmph) max speed at 10,000-30,000
meters above sea level. Mach 25+ (16,750 mph/26,800 kmph) max speed at
30,000+ meters above sea level for up to 15 seconds. Cruising speed is usually Mach 2.0 (1340
mph/2144 kmph). The VF-19 is capable of achieving orbital velocity over
an Earth-class planet without additional rocket assistance. Maximum rate
of ascent is 68,000 meters/minute. Structural G limits are +35.5 to -19.5
Earth gravities.
- MAX ENGINE THRUST:
- 78,500 kg x2 from both main engines.
- NOTE: Due to coolant problems with the optional air intake systems
of the VF-19S and F models, the maximum thrust is automatically limited in an
atmosphere. The VF-19A has no such limitations.
STATISTICAL DATA:
- HEIGHT:
- 49.53 ft (15.48 m) in soldier configuration.
- 27.24 ft (8.52 m) in gerwalk configuration.
- 13.41 ft (4.19 m) in fighter configuration.
- WIDTH:
- 20.80 ft (6.50 m) at shoulders in soldier configuration.
- 43.87 ft (14.87 m) in gerwalk or fighter configuration with wings
at maximum extension.
- LENGTH:
- 14.17 ft (4.43 m) in soldier configuration.
- 41.35 ft (12.93 m) in gerwalk configuration.
- 59.10 ft (18.52 m) in fighter configuration.
- WEIGHT:
- 8550 kg empty. Maximum takeoff weight in an atmosphere is 38,386 kg,
and maximum weight in space with optional fold booster is 47,180 kg
(weights beyond that exceed theoretical safe limit for fold booster).
- PHYSICAL STRENGTH:
- Equal to a P.S. of 65
- CARGO:
- Small compartment behind pilot's seat for personal belongings.
- POWER PLANT:
- Two 72,500 kg Shinnakasu Industry/Pratt & Whitney/Rolls Royce FF-2550F
thermonuclear turbine engines. Two 2-dimensional independent convergent/divergent
exhaust vents mounted on engines for greater maneuverability and V/STOL
performance. In addition, several Pratt & Whitney HMM-7 high-maneuverability
vernier thrusters are mounted on the wingtips, vertical stabilizers, nose, and
other key locations for added performance.
- COMPATIBLE FAST PACKS:
- Dorsal:
NP-BP-10,
NP-BP-12,
NR-BP-19,
NR-BP-19-SES
- Leg:
NP-FB-19
- Special:
NR-ARFB-Y1
WEAPON SYSTEMS:
- MAULER REB-30G ANTI-AIRCRAFT PULSE LASER:
The VF-19 mounts a single pulse laser for use in air combat skirmishes
and for defensive purposes. The laser is mounted on the head of the mecha
in soldier mode, and is located in the central dorsal section of the main
body pointed rearward in fighter and gerwalk modes. The laser can only
fire to the REAR of the fighter in these modes; it cannot be turned to
fire along another arc.
- PRIMARY PURPOSE: Anti-aircraft
- SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-missile/defensive
- RANGE: 4000 feet (1200 m)
- DAMAGE: 2D6 M.D. per single blast
- RATE OF FIRE: The laser can be fired in rapid pulses up to 4
blasts per round. A rapid fire blast counts as a burst of up to 4
shots.
- PAYLOAD: Effectively Unlimited.
-
MAULER REB-23 LASER GUNS:
Two semi-fixed laser guns are mounted in the wings of the VF-19, near the
base of the wing where it connects to the main body. These lasers can be
fired in any mode (the beams exit the hip-mounted wing units in soldier
mode) but can only be aimed along the front arc of the mecha (max angle is
about 45 degrees in any direction from the nose).
- PRIMARY PURPOSE: Anti-mecha
- SECONDARY PURPOSE: Air-to-ground strafing runs
- RANGE: 4000 feet (1200 m)
- DAMAGE: 1D6x10 M.D. per burst.
- RATE OF FIRE: The laser can be fired in rapid pulses up to 4
blasts per round. Each rapid fire blast counts as one attack.
- PAYLOAD: Effectively Unlimited.
- HOWARD GU-15 EXTERNAL GUN POD:
The main weapon of the VF-19 is the GU-15 Gun Pod produced by Howard
Industries. The gun pod is mounted on a special hardpoint below the
Excalibur in fighter mode, and is hand-held in gerwalk and soldier modes.
Unlike the gun pods used by the original VF-1 Valkyrie, the GU-15 uses
clips of ammo instead of a self-contained supply in the barrel of the gun.
Two spare clips for the GU-15 are mounted on the back of the VF-19's
bulletproof shield; replacing a clip takes two melee actions and can only
be done in Gerwalk or Soldier mode.
- PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
- SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-mecha
- RANGE: 4000 feet (1200 m)
- DAMAGE: Does 4D6 M.D. for a short burst, 1D6x10 M.D. for a long
burst, or 2D6x10 M.D. for a full melee burst.
- RATE OF FIRE: Equal to the number of combined attacks of the
pilot.
- PAYLOAD: Each clip holds 400 rounds, equal to 40 short bursts,
20 long bursts, or 10 full melee bursts.
- INTERNAL MISSILE LAUNCHERS (2): The legs of the VF-19A
are equipped with two concealed missile launcher bays that can be used to hold a
variety of different ordinance types, including long, medium, or short range
missiles, or Bifors' medium-range high-maneuverability (MRHM)
missiles. (NOTE: These MRHM missiles are the same type seen in Macross
Plus #4). When armed, the missile launcher assembly rises
out of the leg units, allowing all of the missiles to be fired at once if
necessary. The missiles can be fired in any mode; fighter, gerwalk, or
soldier. Any type of missile can be used in the launchers.
- MEDIUM RANGE HIGH MANEUVERABILITY MISSILES
- Primary Purpose: Anti-Mecha
- Secondary Purpose: Surgical Strikes
- Range: 80 miles.
- Damage: 2D6x10 M.D.
- Rate of Fire: One or two.
- Payload: One per launcher; 2 maximum.
- LONG RANGE MISSILES
- Primary Purpose: Heavy Assault
- Secondary Purpose: Anti-Spacecraft
- Missile Types: Any type of standard UN Spacy
Long Range Missile
can be used.
- Range: Varies with missile type.
- Damage: Varies with missile type.
- Rate of Fire: One or two.
- Payload: One per launcher; 2 maximum.
- MEDIUM RANGE MISSILES
- Primary Purpose: Assault
- Secondary Purpose: Anti-Mecha
- Missile Types: Any type of standard UN Spacy
Medium Range Missile
can be used.
- Range: Varies with missile type.
- Damage: Varies with missile type.
- Rate of Fire: 1-4 missiles per launcher.
- Payload: Four per launcher; up to 8 maximum.
- SHORT RANGE MISSILES
- Primary Purpose: Assault
- Secondary Purpose: Anti-Mecha
- Missile Types: Any type of standard UN Spacy
Short Range Missile
can be used.
- Range: Varies with missile type.
- Damage: Varies with missile type.
- Rate of Fire: 1-24 missiles per launcher.
- Payload: 24 per launcher; up to 48 maximum.
- BODY/WING HARD POINTS:
Two fixed hard points are mounted on the fuselage of the VF-19, and an
additional two hardpoints are mounted on each wing for a total of 6
hardpoints on the fighter. These hardpoints can be used to hold a variety
of different ordinance types, including long, medium, or short range
missiles, or Bifors' medium-range high-maneuverability (MRHM)
missiles. One long range, one MRHM, 3 medium range, or 5 short range
missiles can be mounted per hardpoint. Usually long range or MRHM missiles
are used.
NOTE: Due to the location of the hard points, ALL missiles must be
fired or ejected before the VF-19 may convert into soldier mode. For
this reason the hard point missiles are usually fired within the first
few passes of an attack.
- MEDIUM RANGE HIGH MANEUVERABILITY MISSILES
- Primary Purpose: Anti-Mecha
- Secondary Purpose: Surgical Strikes
- Range: 80 miles.
- Damage: 2D6x10 M.D.
- Rate of Fire: 1-6 six missiles per volley
- Payload: One per hardpoint; 6 maximum.
- LONG RANGE MISSILES
- Primary Purpose: Heavy Assault
- Secondary Purpose: Anti-Spacecraft
- Missile Types: Any type of standard UN Spacy
Long Range Missile
can be used.
- Range: Varies with missile type.
- Damage: Varies with missile type.
- Rate of Fire: One or two.
- Payload: One per hardpoint; 6 maximum.
- MEDIUM RANGE MISSILES
- Primary Purpose: Assault
- Secondary Purpose: Anti-Mecha
- Missile Types: Any type of standard UN Spacy
Medium Range Missile
can be used.
- Range: Varies with missile type.
- Damage: Varies with missile type.
- Rate of Fire: 1-3 missiles per hardpoint.
- Payload: Three per hardpoint; up to 18 maximum.
- SHORT RANGE MISSILES
- Primary Purpose: Assault
- Secondary Purpose: Anti-Mecha
- Missile Types: Any type of standard UN Spacy
Short Range Missile
can be used.
- Range: Varies with missile type.
- Damage: Varies with missile type.
- Rate of Fire: 1-5 missiles per hardpoint.
- Payload: Five per hardpoint; up to 30 maximum.
- HOWARD PBS-03A PIN-POINT BARRIER SYSTEM:
The VF-19A is equipped with a new mecha-scale pinpoint barrier system for
defense. The system can generate a single pinpoint barrier that can be
moved anywhere on the mecha and used as a shield against incoming attacks.
The barrier provides 100 MDC of protection, and regenerates at a rate of
50 MDC per round when damaged. Even if destroyed by combined attacks, the
shield will regenerate itself within 2 rounds. In order to use the
shield, the pilot must make a successful parry roll to intercept an
incoming attack.
- Primary Purpose: Defense
- Protection: 100 MDC total
- Regeneration Rate: 50 MDC per round.
- Size: The barrier can be up to 15 ft (5 m) in diameter.
- Duration: Unlimited.
- HAND TO HAND COMBAT:
If necessary, the VF-19 can engage in melee combat rather than use a
weapon. The AVF is extremely agile and can execute most typical
hand to hand combat moves, such as punches, jump kicks, leap attacks,
rolling with impacts, etc.
DAMAGE:
- Restrained Punch: 1D6 M.D.
- Full Strength Punch: 3D6 M.D.
- "Booster" Punch: 5D6 M.D. (counts as two attacks)
- Tear or Pry with Hands: 2D6 M.D.
- Kick: 2D4 M.D.
- Leap Kick: 3D6 M.D.
- Body Flip/Throw: 1D6 M.D.
- Body Block/Tackle: 2D6 M.D.
- Stomp: 2D6 M.D. (only effective against small objects)
STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE VF-19:
- ACTIVE STEALTH SYSTEM: The VF-19 Excalibur includes an active
stealth system identical to the one used on the YF-21 and VF-22 Advanced
Variable Fighters produced by General Galaxy. Unlike passive stealth
systems like those used by the VF-17 Nightmare or the old USAF F-117, the
VF-19's stealth system is actually bends radar waves around the mecha rather
than reflecting them. The original YF-19's stealth system is not quite as
good as the YF-21's, but following the conclusion of the Project Super Nova
contest the mecha was redesigned to include an upgraded stealth system that
is identical to the VF-22's. When activated, this system gives the
Excalibur a +3 on initiative and a +1 to strike at all times.
NOTE: Since the Excalibur's stealth capability is a system and not a feature
of the design, it can be damaged or destroyed. Once the mecha 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 UN Spacy base.
- ANTI-LASER COATING: The VF-19A is the only variant of the fighter to
include Shinsei Industries advanced armor materials designed to reflect energy
from laser weapons away from the body of the fighter. This system is a function
of the fighter's design and cannot be damaged or destroyed. Because of this, the
VF-19 automatically receives half damage from any direct hit by a laser weapon.
(Does not include FAST packs or fold booster add-ons)
- ACTIVE AIRFLOW
CONTROL UNIT: The VF-19A retains one of the more exotic features of the
original YF-19 design, a system that literally changes the aerodynamic
properties of the fighter to suit the needs of the pilot. When functioning
properly, the active airflow control serves to greatly reduce aerodynamic
factors that have been known to negatively affect past forward-sweeping wing
designs such as the Russian Su-43 Berkut and UN Spacy's VF-9 Cutlass. The system is most
effective at supersonic speeds, where it not only reduces the effect of sonic
booms but it also enhances the fighter's atmospheric mobility.
- AUTO-PILOT: The VF-19 is equipped with a computerized auto-pilot
intended to allow 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: The VF-19 is equipped with an advanced AI combat
computer that can store and analyze data during combat with hostile
forces. Data collected by the combat computer can be displayed on the
virtual environment cockpit of the mecha (see below),
which allows the system 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 15,000 images stored in memory. The computer can
identify and track up to 400 targets simultaneously.
- COPILOT SEAT: The VF-19 can be equipped with a second pilot's
seat behind the main pilot's seat for an optional copilot, if necessary.
The copilot will usually act as the navigator for the VF-19 and will be
responsible for operating the mecha's fold booster (if equipped). The
copilot can assume command of the VF-19 if the pilot becomes incapacitated.
- ESCAPE POD:
The entire reinforced cockpit of the VF-19 is a detachable
escape pod that can be jettisoned when the mecha 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: 300 ft (91.5 m). A sound amplification
system that can pick up normal conversation up to 300 feet 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-19 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 400 miles (640 km). Most UN Spacy
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: 100 miles (160 km). Used for increased
accuracy in the striking of enemy targets and is partly responsible for
the mecha'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: 2000 feet (610 m). This optical system projects
a beam of infrared light that is invisible to the normal eye, but
detectable by the mecha'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: 2000 feet (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: THERMAL IMAGER:
Range: 2000 feet (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.
- RADAR: 200 mile (321 km) range.
- RADIO/VIDEO COMMUNICATION:
Long range, directional communications system
with satellite relay capabilities. Range: 600 miles (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-19'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 20 foot (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 UN Spacy 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-19's cockpit is pressurized,
and also provides additional air feeds to the pilot's flight suit that
provides him with pressurized breathing. The UN Spacy flight suit also
contains an upper and lower g-suit that promotes blood circulation even
during high-g turns, thus decreasing the possibility of pilot's blacking
out in combat.
- VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT COCKPIT: The VF-19 is equipped with an
innovative new cockpit layout that provides monitors below and around the
pilot in addition to the HUD cockpit dome. In flight, these monitors
display what is below and behind the aircraft, giving the pilot a tremendous
field of view that is unparallel by almost any other aircraft (with the possible
exception of the YF-21's brain-direct imaging
system of the VF/A-15 Hellcat's ODI system). This wide view in addition to the combat computer's cockpit
overlays give the VF-19 a +1 to dodge and initiative rolls in addition to
any other bonuses.
COMBAT BONUSES FOR VF-19 VARIABLE FIGHTER TRAINING:
BASIC VARIABLE FIGHTER COMBAT TRAINING
- Basic training for non-pilot military personnel.
- 2 attacks per melee (plus those of the pilot)
- Add one additional action/attack at levels three, nine, and fifteen.
- +1 on initiative (+4 when using Active Stealth System, see above)
- +1 to strike (+2 when using Active Stealth System, see above)
- +1 to parry
- +2 to dodge in soldier mode, +4 in gerwalk, +6 in jet mode
- +1 to roll with a punch or fall with an impact, reducing damage by half.
- No leap dodge.
- No leap kick.
- Critical strike same as pilot's hand-to-hand.
- Body block/tackle/ram - 1D6 M.D. plus a 50% chance of knocking an opponent
down, causing him to loose initiative and one attack that melee round.
ADVANCED VF-19 EXCALIBUR COMBAT TRAINING
- Advanced training for pilots specializing in the VF-19 Excalibur.
- 4 attacks per melee (plus those of the pilot)
- Add one additional action/attack at levels two, five, seven, and
ten.
- +2 on initiative (+5 when using Active Stealth System, see above)
- +3 to strike (+4 when using Active Stealth System, see above)
- +4 to parry
- +4 to dodge in solder mode, +6 in gerwalk, +8 in jet mode NOTE: The VF-19A
version gets a +1 to dodge and strike in a planetary atmosphere.
- +3 to roll with a punch or fall with an impact, reducing damage by half.
- +3 to leap dodge.
- 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 USED IN THIS DESIGN
- "Doe's All The Worlds' Mecha Guide:
Shinsei Industry VF-19 Reference Entry"
- Macross 7 TV episodes 20-49
- This is Animation Series: Macross 7 Animation Materials
- 1/100 Scale Variable VF-19S Excalibur Plastic Model