Fuel And Sensor Tactical (FAST) Packs are external fuel, weapons, and sensor modules designed to increase the performance capabilities of variable fighters in missions with unusal requirements. The first FAST packs were developed in 2009 by the UN Spacy to increase the performance of the original VF-1 Valkyrie in space. Additional customized packs were later manufactured for recon and training missions as the designers realized the flexibility that FAST packs provided variable fighters. Today many different types of FAST packs are manufactured for UN Spacy fighters, and many of these packs are interchangable between different VF designs.
FAST packs are primarily used only in space, or in space-to-surface assaults. In an atmosphere the FAST packs generate extra drag on the fighter, resulting in decreased maneuverability. Because most FAST packs are explosive (due to the rocket fuel they contain), all packs are designed with blow-away capability, allowing them to be ejected from the variable fighter within a second (1 melee action). In addition, the VF's onboard computer will automatically eject the FAST pack if it is damaged and in danger of exploding.
All FAST Packs provide the following bonuses and penalties when equipped unless otherwise noted in their individual descriptions:
Bonuses
- +1 bonus to dodge in all modes while in space (outside of a planetary atmosphere).
- +20% to maximum speed when flying in a straight line.
- Transatmospheric capabilities; VFs are able to achieve orbit over an earth-like planet under their own power.
- Extra protection; whenever the fighter takes damage roll 1D6. On a result of 1-4 the FAST packs take damage before the VF's main body does. Alternatively, if the pilot makes a successful parry roll the FAST additions automatically take damage first.
Penalties
- -1 penalty to dodge while flying in a planetary atmosphere.
- Explosive; unless otherwise noted, a FAST pack will explode violently when its MDC reaches 0. If the computer is functioning it will automatically eject the damaged part. If it is not, the pilot has one melee action to eject the FAST module before it explodes. Modules that explode do 1D6x100 MD. Deduct damage first from the part covered by the FAST pack, and then any remaining damage from the main body of the VF.
These are
the original booster packs developed for the VF-1 Valkyrie in 2009. In addition
to the large rocket booster and six vernier engines, the booster contains four
HMMP-02 micro-missile launchers (2 on each side) that hold up to 20 missiles
total. The Valkyrie could carry two of these packs on its back, or could replace
one or both packs with NP-BP-02 beam cannon FAST packs.
The NP-BP-02
FAST pack is an alternate weapon configuration of the NP-BP-01 developed in late
2009 for use by the VF-1S Strike Valkyrie. The unit replaces the HMMP-02 micro-missile launchers with
a Mauler RO-X2A high-powered double-action beam cannon, but otherwise the stats
are identical to the NP-BP-01. The recommended weapons configuration for the Strike Valkyrie was one beam cannon FAST pack and one missile FAST pack, but dual beam cannons can be used if desired.
The NR-BP-T1
FAST packs were originally developed as disposable booster rockets for VF-1
Valkyries and other combat/support aircraft. The boosters carry a full supply of
rocket fuel inside of them as opposed to in separate leg units like the NP-BP-01
and 02 units. This allows fighters equipped with these FAST packs to carry
weapon or sensor systems on their legs, or to combine the fuel in the legs with
the fuel in the dorsal packs to greatly increase the VF's range (also useful for
extended combat training that consumes lots of fuel). NR-BP-T1 packs carry no
armament.
The NR-BP-E2
FAST recon packs are virtually identical to the NR-BP-T1 trainer packs. The
critical difference is that sandwiched between the two engines and extra fuel
tanks are a number of advanced sensor systems, including a large sensor radome
mounted above the FAST units. The sensor FAST packs were designed specifically
for the VE-1 Elintseeker Recon Valkyrie; although the NR-BP-E2 can be used with
some other VF designs, no fighter other than the Elintseeker can transform while
the recon FAST packs are mounted. The NR-BP-E2 packs carry no armament.
These are
the original arm missile pods designed for the VF-1 Valkyrie in 2009. Originally
designed to provide extra protection for the arms against possible missile
strikes, the missiles were added as an afterthought to give the VF-1 extra
punch. Each launcher carried 3 Bifors HMM-01 micro-missiles.
The NR-SR-E3 and NR-SL-E3 are additional sensor units designed
specifically for the VE-1 Elintseeker to augment its recon and electronic
warfare capabilities. Although there are two separate sensor pack designs, the
units are designed to be used together (the NR-SR-E3 goes on the right arm of
the Valkyrie, and the NR-SL-E3 goes on the left arm). The sensor packs contain
HF, VHF, and VLF antennae in addition to other electromagnetic sensors, allowing
the Elintseeker to monitor radio traffic, detect strong electrical/magnetic
fields, and even jam communications if necessary.
The NP-FB-01s are the original conformal propellant tanks developed for the VF-1
Valkyrie in 2009. They were designed to provide the extra fuel needed by the
NP-BP-01 FAST pack boosters to operate for extended periods of time, and also
included additional vernier jets for better maneuverability in space. The
original propellant tanks did not include chaff/flare dispensers; these were not
added to propellant tank designs until much later. The Valkyrie's computer
system will automatically eject the propellant tanks if they are breached and/or
in danger of exploding.
The NP-FB-T1s were designed for the VT-1 Traniner variant of the original
Valkyrie fighter. The propellant tanks contained more fuel than the NP-FB-01s at
the price of some armor and had a slightly different vernier configuration, but
were otherwise functionally identical to the regular FAST tanks.
