The following material is an adaptation of a vehicle for MACROSS GENERATIONS, an internet RPG 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. Comments and suggestions are welcome.


VB-5A VIGILANTE VARIABLE HEAVY BOMBER

RPG Stats by Kamikazi ([email protected])
Layout Style Adapted from DAVE DEITRICH([email protected])
VB-2 Bombers

BACKGROUND

The VB-5A Vigilante is the first limited production run of the original YB-5 Vigilante prototype. It was designed to replace the VB-2 Spirit as the UNSAF heavy bomber.  Dreamstars, Incorporated started an independent project in 2048 based on the criteria of  Project Super Nova nine years earlier. This new bomber design would make use of new features such as active stealth systems and pinpoint barrier system.

The Vigilante makes use of new features such as active stealth systems, pinpoint barrier system, and Internal fold generator. Three internal bomb bays carry the bomber's offensive weapons, backed by a pair of  high intensity pulse cannons first tested in Project Super Nova. The VB-5A is not fitted with a gun pod, but makes good use of leg mounted Bifors mini-missile clusters for close range defense. The original Mauler REB-23 Pulse Lasers have been removed for lack of sufficient power. Flight crews tended to link the REB-23s to the high intensity pulse cannons for increased firepower. The power couplings were not intended for this much abuse, and had to be replaced frequently.

The biggest change from the original prototype is the removal of the Battloid configuration from the transformation sequence. As the Vigilante was not designed for close-range combat, but soldier mode did not have any practical value. In addition, the sheer size of the Battloid mode put undue stress on the airframe in atmosphere and other areas with gravity. UNSAF's engineers decided to remove to soldier mode to relieve the problems. The anti-projectile shield was also removed because of the Vigilante's combat nature.

The Vigilante has given good service since first being tested on Brittania in 2048, and is expected to remain in the UNSAF's inventory for sometime. The expense of the VB-5A has led to the development of a new variant without the expensive high intensity pulse cannon

RPG STATS

Vehicle Types: Class: Variable Heavy Bomber
Manufacturer: Dreamstar, Inc.
Crew: Pilot, Co-pilot/Navigator, Offensive Weapons Officer, and Defensive Weapons Officer
 
 

MDC BY LOCATION: Random Hit Location
(1)Head  150 1
Arms/Pulse Cannons (2)  250 each 2-3 (Left) 4-5 (Right) 
Hands (2)  75 each
Shoulders (2)  300 each 6 (Left) 7 (Right) 
(2) Legs/Thrusters (2)  350 each 8-9 (Left) 10-11 (Right) 
(3)Main Body 800 12-13
Main Wings (2)  300 each 14-15 (Left) 16-17 (Right) 
Tails (2)  150 each 18 (Left) 19 (Right) 
Reinforced Pilot Compartment 400 20
(4) Pinpoint Barrier Shield 150

NOTES:

  1. Destroying the head of the Vigilante will knock out the mecha's major sensor systems, including all radar, nightvision, thermal, and even the main optical system. This puts the pilot in a VERY bad position, as he will have to rely on backup sensors not designed for combat. The pilot will suffer a -2 to hit and dodge, and have a -2 penalty to initiative until he can retreat and have his sensors fixed.
  2. Destroying a leg will knock out one of the Vigilante's main thrusters, which will reduce overall speed/thrust by 15% and cause a -1 penalty to dodge. Destroying both legs will reduce thrust/speed by 30% and reduce dodge by -2.
  3. Depleting the MDC of the main body will destroy the mecha. The cockpit section/escape pod will be automatically ejected from the doomed mecha before it explodes by the mecha's main computer.
  4. The pinpoint barrier shield regenerates at a rate of 50 MDC per round. Even if completely destroyed the shield will regenerate within 3 melee rounds. The shield is usually generated on the right arm of the VB-5A.

SPEEDS:

RUNNING, GERWALK CONFIGURATION:
50 mph (32 kph)
LEAPING, GERWALK CONFIGURATION:
40 ft ( 12.19 m) high or 50 ft ( 15.19m) long without thrusters.
FLYING, GERWALK CONFIGURATION:
Mach 1 (670 mph/ 1072 kph) maximum speed limit in an Earth-like atmosphere. Can also hover in place indefinitely.
FLYING, BOMBER CONFIGURATION:
Mach 2.5+ ( 1675mph/kph) max speed at 8,000 meters or less above sea level. Mach 4+ ( 2680 mph/ kph) max speed at 8,000-38,000 meters above sea level. Mach 15+ (10,050mph/ kph) max speed at 38,000+ meters above sea level. The VB-5A is fully transatmospheric and can attain orbit above an Earth-type planet without extra booster assistance. Maximum rate of ascent is 10,000 meters/minute. G limits are +25.0 to -15.2 standard Earth gravities.
MAX ENGINE THRUST:
68,500
68,500 kg x4 in an atmosphere, 72,500 kg x4 in space. The maximum thrust is automatically limited in an atmosphere due to coolant problems with the optional air intake systems for the engines.

STATISTICAL DATA:

HEIGHT:
40.54 ft (12.35 m) in gerwalk configuration
15.67 ft ( 4.77 m) in bomber configuration
WIDTH:
76.85 ft (23.42 m) in gerwalk or bomber configuration with wings at maximum extension
LENGTH:
54.43 ft (16.59 m) in gerwalk configuration
78.86 ft (24.04 m) in bomber configuration
WEIGHT:
35,600 kg (empty)
PHYSICAL STRENGTH:
Equal to a P.S. of 90
CARGO:
Small compartment behind pilot's seat for personal belongings.
POWER PLANT:
Four 72,500 kg Shinnakasu Industry/Pratt & Whitney/Rolls Royce FF-2550F thermonuclear turbine engines, designed for dual atmosphere/space use with optional concealed air intakes for use in an Earth-type atmosphere. The same type used in the VF-19A and VF-19F Excaliburs. Four 2-dimensional independent convergent/divergent exhaust vents mounted on engines for greater maneuverability and V/STOL performance.

WEAPON SYSTEMS:

  1. INTERNAL WEAPONS BAYS (3): The primary ordinance of the VB-5A is carried within three internal weapons bays on the main body of the bomber. These bays can hold numerous bombs, missiles, and other ordinance and without interfering with the performance of the bomber. The bays are located on the ventral surface of the Vigilante in bomber configuration. Due to the location of the bays, bombs may not be dropped in gerwalk configurations. Usually operated by the Offensive Weapons Operator.
  2. EXTERNAL HARDPOINTS (4): Additional ordinance may be carried on four external hardpoints mounted on the VB-5A's wings. Usage of these hardpoints will increase the Vigilante's radar cross signature, and thus are rarely used except for special missions requiring the extra firepower. Usually operated by the Offensive Weapons Operator.
  3. BIFORS ALL-ENVIRONMENT HIGH-MANEUVERABILITY MINI-MISSILE CLUSTERS (2): The legs of the VB-5A are equipped with two concealed missile launcher bays, that can each hold up to 24 new high-maneuverability mini-missiles from Bifors in each bay. (NOTE: These are NOT the medium-range versions of the high-maneuverability missiles seen in Macross Plus #1). When armed, the missile launcher assembly rises out of the leg units, allowing all 24 missiles to be fired at once if necessary. The missiles can be fired in fighter or gerwalk mode. Any type of mini-missile can be used in the launchers, but usually only the Bifors high-maneuverability mini-missiles are used. Usually operated by the pilot or Defensive Weapons Operator.
  4. PC-2G HIGH-INTENSITY PULSE CANNON (2): One of the more impressive weapon systems integrated into the VB-5A Vigilante was the pulse cannon from the YF/VF-series external heavy weapons module first tested during Project Super Nova. The high intensity pulse cannon was taken from the weapon's module, and installed in each arm of the Vigilante. It is capable of incredible power, enough to punch through the armor of an old Mac-II Monster in one shot. The early flaws have been worked out, and the cannon provides massive close in firepower for the bomber. Usually operated by the Offensive Weapons Officer.
  5. HOWARD PBS-07G PIN-POINT BARRIER SYSTEM: The VB-5A 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 5MDC 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 3 rounds. In order to use the shield, the pilot must make a successful parry roll to intercept an incoming attack. Usually operated by the Defensive Weapons Operator.
  6. CHAFF/FLARE DISPENSERS: Chaff decoys confuse radar images to divert radar-guided missiles, while flare decoys provide a brilliant infrared images to try and draw heat seeking missiles away from the VB-5A. Each chaff or flare fired provides a bonus of +2 to dodge the particular type of missile it is designed to counter, and the bonuses are cumulative with multiple decoys. (2 decoys = +4 to dodge, 3 decoys = +6, etc.) The bonuses are not cross-cumulative, though; you cannot confuse a heat-seeking missile with a chaff decoy. Usually operated by the Defensive Weapons Operator.
  7. HAND TO HAND COMBAT: If necessary, the pilot of the VB-5A can engage in melee combat rather than use a weapon. The Vigilante is not designed for hand to hand combat, but can inflict significant damage if it connects.


    DAMAGE:

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE VB-5A:


 


COMBAT BONUSES FOR VIGILANTE VB TRAINING:

BASIC VARIABLE BOMBER COMBAT TRAINING ADVANCED VB-5A VIGILANTE COMBAT TRAINING
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