The following material is an adaptation of a
mecha from MACROSS XV, an internet RPG, based on the sequels 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 us and do not claim that
it is your own work. Comments and suggestions are welcome.
VF-14U1 SUPER HUNTER
HEAVY TACTICAL VARIABLE Fighter
The VF-14
Heavy Tactical Variable Fighter was the first successful mecha design produced
by General Galaxy, a new aerospace company competing against Shinsei Industries
for dominance of the military mecha industry. The VF-14 was submitted in
response to the need for a Valkyrie that could carry more ordinance and
greater firepower than the then-standard VF-4 Lightning III Valkyrie, but
could hold its own in mecha-to-mecha combat unlike the VA-3 Invader Valkyrie
bomber. The new Fighter could absorb tremendous amounts of damage, far
more than the VF-4 could, and had a greater variety of onboard weaponry,
though the VA-3 still outclassed it in terms of ordinance capability. The
VF-14 was approved by the UN Spacy in 2021 and was stationed in moderate
numbers on most bases and colony missions by 2025. However, in 2030 due
to budget cuts and restructuring in UN Spacy forces the VF-14 was phased
out along with the older VF-4 in favor of the cheaper and more versatile
VF-11 Thunderbolt from Shinsei Industries, which could be manufactured
in greater numbers.
This would have been the end of the VF-14's history were it not for
the rise of the Varuata empire. In 2025 the Megaroad-13 colony mission
was taken over by the Protodevilin, a race of extra-dimensional beings
of great power who had been imprisoned in the Varuata system since the
fall of the Stellar Republic some 380, 000 years ago. The Protodevilin
enslaved the colonists, forming the Varuata empire, and began building
a large war fleet using the resources of the Megaroad-13. The Varuata used
several UN Spacy mecha designs, including the VF-14, as a basis for their
own combat mecha, eventually leading to the birth of the FZ-109 Elgerzorene,
the main combat mecha of the Varuata forces. When the Varuata encountered
and declared war on the Macross 7 colony mission in 2045, the VF-11 Thunderbolts
of the Macross 7 met the enhanced versions of the VF-14 in combat and were
initially outclassed by them. To the shame of the Macross 7 Intelligence
Staff no one made the connection between the FZ-109 and the VF-14 until
several weeks into the war, causing great initial confusion as to who the
Varuata were and how they possessed technology that was greatly similar
to UN Spacy Valkyries.
Production of the Elgerzorene stopped when the Varuata were defeated
at the end of the Macross 7/Protodevilin war in 2046. There are still a
fair number of these Fighters still unaccounted for, probably roaming the
galaxy in surviving Varuata fleets looking for UN Spacy targets. The VF-14
has not been produced since 2030 and can now only be found in museums,
air shows, and some reserve forces on the frontiers of human space.
Class: Tactical Variable Fighter/Bomber
Manufacturer: General Galaxy
Crew: One pilot wearing Tactical Life Support System.
The VF-14T has an expanded cockpit that can support two pilots in full
TLS gear.
MDC BY LOCATION (given for VF-14U-1 only) :
Head Lasers (2) 25 each
(1) Head 110
Hands (2) 60 each
Arms (2) 130 each
Shoulders/Missile Launchers (2) 160 each
Legs & Thrusters (2) 250 each
Rapid-fire laser clusters (2, chest) 40 each
(2) Main Body 400
Wings (2) 180 each
Reinforced Pilot Compartment/Escape Pod 150
GU-15 Gun Pod (2, -U1 only) 100 each
(3) Pin Point Barrier (-U1 only) 100
(4) External Fold Generator (-U1 only) 100
NOTES:
Destroying the head of the VF-14 will knock out the mecha's major sensor
systems, including all optical systems (infrared, nightvision, and 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
mecha before it explodes by the mecha's main computer.
The PPB shield regenerates at a rate of 50 MDC per melee round, even if
completely destroyed the shield will regenerate within 2 melee rounds.
The shield is usually generated on the Super Hunters right arm.
THE External fold Booster Developed for Use with Project Super Nova. This
unit becomes Non-Functional(but Repairable) after suffering 25 MD damage.
It is rendered useless (Beyond Repair) when its MDC is totally depleted.
SPEEDS: (given for VF-14U-1 only)
RUNNING, Soldier CONFIGURATION:
80 mph
LEAPING, Soldier CONFIGURATION:
40 ft (6 m) high or 60 ft (9 m) long without thrusters.
FLYING, Soldier CONFIGURATION:
400 mph (640 kmph) maximum speed limit in an Earth-like atmosphere. Can
also hover in place indefinitely.
FLYING, GERWALK 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 3.8+(2, 546 mph/4, 074 kmph)max speed at 10, 000 meters or less above
sea-level. Mach 9.0+(6, 030 mph/9, 648 kmph) max speed at 10, 000 meters-30,
000 meters above sea-level. A sustainable Mach 20+(13, 400 mph/21, 440
kmph) max speed at 30, 000+ meters above sea-level. The VF-14U1 is fully
transatmospheric and can attain orbit above an earth-type planet without
extra booster assistance. G-Limits are +36.5 and -20.5 Standard Earth Gravities.
Maximum rate of ascent is 50, 000 meters a minute.
MAX ENGINE THRUST:
78, 950 kg x2
STATISTICAL DATA:
HEIGHT:
56 ft (16.97 m) in Soldier configuration.
26 ft (7.88 m) in GERWALK configuration.
13 ft (3.94 m) in Fighter configuration.
WIDTH:
34.5 ft (10.8 m) at shoulders in Soldier configuration.
57.5 ft (18.0 m) in GERWALK or Fighter configuration with wings at maximum
extension.
LENGTH:
11.9 ft (3.7 m) in Soldier configuration.
43.7 ft (13.7 m) in GERWALK configuration.
54.6 ft (17.1 m) in Fighter configuration.
WEIGHT:
12, 200 kg
PHYSICAL STRENGTH:
Equal to a P.S. of 60
CARGO:
Small compartment behind pilot's seat for personal belongings.
POWER PLANT:
TWO Shinnakasu/Pratt & Whitney/Rolls Royce FF-2550J thermonuclear turbine
engines, equipped with three-dimensional convergent/divergent vectored
exhaust nozzles for enhanced V/STOL performance and maneuverability, as
well as hexagonal underfuselage air intakes for use in an atmosphere. Several
additional Pratt & Whitney HMM-7 high-maneuverability vernier thrusters
for additional mobility are mounted at key positions along the mecha's
hull.
WEAPON SYSTEMS (for VF-14U-1 only):
Fixed Micro-Missile Launchers(8): The VF-14U1 replaces the Hunter's
Original SRMs with Little Rock Micro-Missile Launchers in a hope to increase
the VF's combat endurance. Four of these Launchers are mounted on each
engine nacelle/shoulder section of the mecha. The Payload of each launcher
is 15 micro-missiles and each can fire 1-3 missiles per round (including
reload time) so volleys of 8-24 missiles are possible. HMMMs are standard
issue, but any UN Spacy micro missile types may be used if available.
PRIMARY Purpose: Assault/Dog-fighting
MISSILE Types:Any type of UN Spacy micro-missile may be used, including
High-Manueverablity types.
RANGE:Varies with missile type, typically 1 mile
Damage:VARIES with missile type, typically 1D4x10 MD
Rate of Fire:Volleys of 1-24 missiles, typical volley size is 6-8
missiles.
PAYLOAD:15 missiles per launcher, 120 total
Leg Mounted Rockwell Medium Range Missile Launchers(2): Each leg
of the VF-14U1 is equipped with a concealed missile launcher bay that can
hold up to 8 medium-range missiles. When armed the missile launcher assembly
rises out of the leg units allowing all 8 missiles to be fired at once
if necessary. These missiles may be fired in any mode. Any type on UN Spacy
MRM may be used (except the new Intermediate Range High Maneuverability
Missile) , High Explosive is standard issue.
Primary Purpose: Assault
Range: Varies with missile type, typically 40 miles
Damage: Varies with missile type, typically 2D6x10MD
Rate of Fire: Volleys of 1-8 missiles per launcher, one volley counts
as one attack. All 16 missiles may be fired in 2 attacks.
Payload: 8 missiles per launcher, 16 total
Head Lasers: The VF-14U1 mounts a pair of high-power lasers for
defensive and utilitarian use, similar to the ones mounted on the original
VF-1 Valkyrie. The lasers are mounted on the head of the mecha in Soldier
mode and on the bottom of the aircraft behind the cockpit in Fighter/GERWALK
modes.
Primary Purpose: Defense
Secondary Purpose: Cutting tool
Range: 2, 000 ft (600 m)
Damage: 1D6 MD each, 2D6 MD for a Simultaneous Blast
Rate of Fire: Up to the Pilots Maximum number of Combined Hand to
hand actions. They may also be fired in 1 long extended blast against stationary
targets (1D6x10 MD Full Melee).
Payload:unlimited
Chest Mounted Mauler REB-23 Laser Guns: The Super Hunter is equipped
with 2 semi-fixed laser guns for use in medium and short range combat against
mecha and ground forces. These lasers are identical to the ones Mounted
on the VF-19 Excalibur. They are located in the lower chest of the mecha
in Soldier mode and on the rear fuselage in Fighter/GERWALK mode. These
cannon have a 45 degree arc of fire in all modes (to the rear in Fighter/GERWALK
and to the Front in Soldier.).
Primary Purpose: Anti-mecha/Anti-missile
Secondary Purpose: Anti-Dog Tail
Range: 4, 000 ft(1200 m)
Damage: 1D4x10 MD per Laser
Rate of Fire: The laser may be fired in rapid pulses of up to 4
blasts per round. A rapid fire blast counts as a burst of up to 4 shots.
Payload: unlimited
Fore Arm Mounted Mauler REB-22B Laser Guns(2): 2 semi-fixed laser
gun clusters are mounted on the VF-14U1. In Fighter mode these laser clusters
are mounted rearward near the wing hard points. In GERWALK/Soldier modes
they are mounted in the lower arms of the mecha. These are Dual Port lasers
(identical to the VF-22 Sturmvogel II). In Fighter mode they have a 30
degree arc to the front and rear of the craft. In GERWALK/Soldier modes
they can be aimed in any direction simply by moving the mecha's arm.
Primary Purpose: Anti-Mecha
Secondary Purpose: Defense
Range: 4, 000 ft (1200 m)
Damage: 1D4x10 MD per laser
Rate of Fire: the laser may be fired in rapid pulses of up to 4
blasts per round. A rapid fire blast counts as a burst of up to 4 shots.
Payload: unlimited
Body/Wing Hard Points: The VF-14U1 is equipped with six fixed hard
points for missiles, bombs, and other types of ordinance. One hard point
is on each wing of the aircraft and four are mounted on the underside of
the main body. 1 LRM, 1 MRHMM, 3 MRMs, 3 SRHMMs, 5 SRMs, or 6 bombs may
be carried per hard point. LRMs or MRHMMs are normally standard issue.
Type: Standard UN Spacy bombs, Typically HE or Frag
Damage: 1D6x10 MD
Rate of Fire: 1-10 bombs per attack
Payload: 6 per hard point, 36 total
NOTES: Bombs may be guided or unguided. Unguided bombs are at -4
to strike stationary targets, -6 to strike moving targets, and -10 to strike
small moving targets. Guided bombs do not have these penalties, but require
a spotter equipped with a laser designator to illuminate the target. If
the designator loses sight of the target the previous penalties apply.
Howard GU-15 Multi-Purpose Gun Pod(2):These gun pods are mounted
on a special hard point below the VF-14U1 in Fighter mode and are hand
held in GERWALK and Soldier modes. The GU-15 is clip fed instead of using
a self contained ammo supply stored in the barrel. One spare clip for each
GU-15 is stored in each leg of the mecha (or 2 spare clips if the pilot
only carries 1 Gun Pod).
Primary Purpose: Assault
Secondary Purpose:Anti-Mecha
Range: 4, 000 ft (1, 200 m)
Damage: 4D6 MD Short burst, 1D6x10 MD Long burst, 2D6x10 MD Full
Melee Burst.
Payload: Each Clip holds 400 rounds, equivalent to 40 short bursts,
20 long bursts, or 10 full melee bursts. Replacing a clip takes 2 actions
and may only be done in GERWALK and Soldier modes.
Howard PBS-03F Pin-Point Barrier System: The VF-14U1 is equipped
with a new mecha scaled pin-point barrier system for defense. The system
can generate a single PPB that can be moved anywhere on the mecha and be
used as a shield against incoming attacks. Unlike The VF-17 and Other Fighters
upgraded with the PPB system, The Super Hunter Is equipped with an advanced
power relay system allows the VF-14U1 to Fire its Lasers while the PPB
is Active.
Purpose: Defense
Protection: 100 MDC
Regeneration Rate: 50 MDC Per Round
Size: Up to 10 ft in diameter
Hand to Hand Combat: If necessary the Pilot of the VF-14U1 Super
Hunter can engage in melee combat rather than use a weapon. The variable
Fighter 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 MD
Full Strength Punch: 3d6 MD
Booster Punch: 4d6 MD (Counts as 2 attacks)
Tear or pry with Hands: 2d4 MD
Kick: 2d4 MD
Leap Kick: 3d6 MD
Body Flip/throw: 1d6 MD
Body Block/tackle: 2d6 MD
Stomp: 2d4 MD (useful against small objects)
STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE VF-14U1 SUPER HUNTER:
Active Stealth System: the VF-14U1 includes an active stealth system
identical to the one used in the VF-22 Advanced Variable Fighter. Unlike
the Passive System used by the VF-17, the VF-14U1's stealth system actually
bends radar waves around the mecha instead of reflecting them. Being as
it is a system it can be destroyed. When the Main Body of the Craft loses
50% of its MDC their will be a 50% chance of failure for the system with
each additional hit scored. Bonuses: +3 to initiative and +1 to strike
when activated.
Auto-pilot: The VF-14U1 is equipped with a computerized auto-pilot
intended to allow the pilot to relax or even sleep on long voyages. The
auto-pilot can be programmed with a single destination or a complex flight
plan involving multiple speeds, directions, and destinations. The on-board
computer will alert the pilot when the Fighter is near its destination
and can also be set to automatically signal the pilot when sensors detect
objects near the mecha.
Combat Computer:The VF-14U1 is equipped with an advanced AI Combat
Computer that can store and analyze data during combat with hostile forces.
Data collected by the computer can be displayed on the virtual environment
cockpit of the mecha, 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 its memory.
The computer can Id and track up to 400 targets simultaneously.
Escape Pod: The entire cockpit of the Super Hunter is a detachable
escape pod that can be jettisoned when the mecha is destroyed. The ejected
cockpit doesn't contain thrusters, but does contain a powerful locator
beacon and 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 an ejection in an Atmosphere. The combat computer is programmed
to automatically eject the escape pod if the mecha is destroyed, 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 ft away.
Heat and Radiation Shields:Special shielding prevents the penetration
of life threatening heat and radiation. A radiation detection and alarm
system is linked with the shields and will sound an alarm if there is a
rupture in the shields and what the radiation levels are.
Homing Signal:The escape pod of the VF-14U1 is equipped with a homing
device that enables rescue teams to locate disabled craft or ejected life
pods. The range of this signal is equal to 400 miles(640 km). Most UN Spacy
ships and variable Fighters can locate and track these Homing signals to
their sources and the on-board 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 partially responsible
for the mecha's strike bonus.
High-Power Loud Speaker:A high powered loud speaker system is built
into the craft which can be used to amplify the pilots voice up to 300
decibels. It can also be used to project music from the cockpit mounted
CD player for psychological and Spiritia warfare purposes.
Optics:Infrared:Range=2, 000 ft(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. This system allows the pilot to detect hidden/concealed
objects by their IR reflectiveness. The beam is visible to anyone with
IR optics however.
Optics:Night Vision:Range=2, 000 ft(610 m). A passive light image
intensifier that emits no light of its own, but instead relies on ambient
light which is electronically amplified to produce a visible picture.
Optics:Thermal Imager:Range=2, 000 ft(610 m). A passive optical
heat sensor that detects IR radiation projected by warm objects and converts
that data into a false-color visible image. This system allows the VF-14U1's
pilots to see in the dark, in shadows, 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 using satellite relay.
Self Destruct: To prevent capture of the VF by the enemy, the pilot
can activate the VF-14U1's self destruct system, which will cause the craft
to explode after a delay of up to 60 minutes (time is set by the pilot).
The explosion is contained to a 20 ft(6 m) area and inflicts 1D6x10 MD
to everything in the radius of the explosion. All of the VF's internal
systems are obliterated. The escape pod will automatically be ejected prior
to detonation, unless the pilot overrides the ejection sequence.
Standard Survival Kit: All UN Vfs come equipped with a portable
survival kit. Inside this small reinforced box is the following: a medium
sized flashlight, 2 hand flares, 1 rocket flare, compass, IR distancing
binoculars, a small mirror, pocket knife, a 5 day supply of dehydrated
and concentrated food, and a small first aid kit.
Tactical Life Support System: The VF-14U1's cockpit is pressurized
and also provides additional air feeds to the pilots flight suit that provide
him with pressurized breathing. The UN Spacy flight suit also contains
an upper and lower G suit that promotes blood circulation during high-G
turns, decreasing the possibility of a black out.
Virtual Environment Cockpit: The VF-14U1 is equipped with what is
becoming the standard for new UN Spacy variable Fighter designs. A VE cockpit
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 unparalled
by any other aircraft (Save for the YF-21's BDI/BCS System). This wide
view in addition to the computers cockpit overlays give the VF-14U1 a +1
to dodge and a +1 to initiative in addition to any other bonuses.
COMBAT BONUSES FOR SUPER HUNTER VARIABLE Fighter TRAINING
BASIC VF PILOT TRAINING
1 attack per melee plus those of the pilot
add 1 attack at Levels 3, 9, and 15
+1 to strike
+1 to parry
+2/+3/+5 to Dodge (S/G/F)
+1 to roll with punch/impact
no leap dodge
no leap kick, jump kick, or leap attacks
Critical strike equivalent to pilots hand to hand
ADVANCED VF-14U1 COMBAT TRAINING
4 attacks per melee plus those of the pilot
add 1 attack a levels 2, 4, 8, and 12
+2 (+3) to Strike () designates active Stealth.
+3 to parry
+3/+5/+8 to dodge (S/G/F) includes VE Cockpit Bonus
+1 (+4) initiative
+4 Roll with Punch/Impact
+2 Leap Dodge
Critical strike equivalent to pilots hand to hand
Body block/tackle/ram-1d6 MD + a 50% chance of knocking the opponent down
causing him to lose one attack and initiative that melee round.