VF/A-14 Hunter Close Air Support Valkyrie

RPG Stats by Steel Viper ([email protected])

Background info provided by the MACROSS ONLINE COMPENDIUM

 

BACKGROUND

During the time between 2029 and 2032, the UN reserve forces, as well as guard forces positioned at nearly every colony that didn’t have a dedicated Spacy base, found them selves with out dated VF-1 and VF-4 variable fighter’s, while the UN Main forces were upgrading to more advanced design’s.  Not wanting to leave their reservist out of the UN wide upgrades, the UN launched a program to develop upgrade packages for several of the older VF’s such as the VF-1, VF-4, and the
VF-14.  One of the products of these projects was the VF/A-14 Hunter CAS.

With the first prototype dating from 2027, before the beginning of Project COPPERHEAD, the VF/A-14 project was already in full swing upgrading two seat VA-14’s well before the other prototype’s were even complete, as little work had to be done.  Do to this, the entire remaining fleet of two-seater VA-14’s, including many active duty Spacy units that had not been replaced by the new VF-11 yet, were upgraded by 2031.

Even though it’s more advanced, faster, and more manuverable, the VF-11 has meat it’s match in the VF/A-14.  With it’s massive payload, heavy armor, powerful new gun pods, and the advantage of the Pilot and Gunner setup, the VF/A-14 is a near equal to any of the newer designs.  Do to this fact, the VF/A-14 was kept in active service long after the single seats had been shipped off to reserve units.  As of the current time, at least 300 are believed to still be operating with reserve forces and colony garrisons. (History current as of 2057 AD)

RPG STATS

Vehicle Type:

VF/A-14D (Two-seat Standard version)

VF/A-14T (Two-seat Trainer Version)

Class: Tactical Variable Fighter/Attacker

Manufacturer: General Galaxy(original), Project COPPERHEAD UN Special Project(upgrades)
Crew: Two pilots wearing Tactical Life Support System.

    Head Lasers (2)                              30 each
(1) Head                                        125
    Hands (2)                                    75 each
(2) Arms (2)                                    200 each
    Shoulders/Missile Launchers (2)             150 each
    Legs & Thrusters (2)                        275 each
    Rapid-fire laser clusters (2, chest)         50 each
(3) Main Body                                   375
    Wings (2)                                   150 each
    Reinforced Pilot Compartment/Escape Pod     200
    GR-14C Gun Pods (2)                          80 each

1. Destroying the head of the VF/A-14 will knock out the mecha's major sensor systems, including all optical systems (infrared, nightvision, and thermal). Radar and communications will be unaffected.
2. The arms of the VF/A-14 have had armor plates built into them.  This allows the VF/A-14 to parry incoming attacks several times before the pilot must worry about losing an arm. The plates are made from the same material found in the arm shields of the VF-11 and VF-19.
3. 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.

SPEEDS:

RUNNING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:

 While not designed to operate within an atmosphere or under conditions where gravity exists, the Star Crusader could

theoretically run at speeds approaching 64 km per hour.

LEAPING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:

The VF-X3 was not designed for atmospheric operations, and cannot fly in these conditions. Short rocket-assisted

jumps in battloid mode are theoretically possible; such a jump would cover about 100 meters.

FLYING, FIGHTER CONFIGURATION:

Mach 3.0+ (2010mph/3216kph) max speed at 10,000 meters or less above sea level. Mach 8.2+ (5494mph/8790kph) max speed at 10,000-30,000 meters above sea level. Mach 15.4+ (10318mph/16509kph) max speed at 30,000+ meters above sea level. The VF/A-14 is fully transatmospheric and can attain orbit above an Earth-type planet without extra booster assistance. Maximum rate of ascent is 38,000 meters/minute. G limits are +22.2 to -13.0 standard Earth gravities.

MAX ENGINE THRUST:

44,625 kg x2

STATISTICAL DATA:

HEIGHT:

54.8 ft (17.1 m) in soldier configuration.

24.6 ft (7.7 m) in gerwalk configuration.

12.2 ft (3.8 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:

18,520 kg (20.4 tons)

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-2770 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-5A high-maneuverability vernier thrusters for additional mobility are mounted at key positions along the mecha's hull.

COMPATIBLE FAST PACKS:

Dorsal: NP-BP-01, NP-BP-02, NR-BP-T1, NR-BP-E2, NP-BP-10

WEAPON SYSTEMS:

1. FIXED MISSILE LAUNCHERS (8): The VF/A-14 is armed with 8 missile launchers, 4 mounted on each engine nacelle/shoulder of the mecha. Each missile launcher can fire 1-2 missiles per melee round (including reload time), so volleys of  8-16 missiles can be fired each round. MRM’s are standard issue for the Hunter, but other types can be mounted if desired.
• MEDIUM RANGE MISSILES
• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
• MISSILE TYPES: Any type of UN Spacy Medium Range Missile can be used.
• RANGE: Varies with missile type
• DAMAGE: Varies with missile type.
• RATE OF FIRE: Volleys of 1 to 16 missiles. One volley counts as one attack.
• PAYLOAD: 3 missiles per launcher; 24 total.
• SHORT RANGE MISSILES
• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
• MISSILE TYPES: Any type of UN Spacy Short Range Missile can be used.
• RANGE: Varies with missile type, typically 5 miles (8 km).
• DAMAGE: Varies with missile type, typically 2D6x10 M.D.
• RATE OF FIRE: Volleys of 1 to 8 missiles. One volley counts as one attack.
• PAYLOAD: 5 missiles per launcher; 40 total.
• MINI-MISSILES
• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
• SECONDARY PURPOSE:  Anti-Mecha
• MISSILE TYPES: Any type of UN Spacy Mini Missile can be used.
• RANGE:Varies with missile type.
• DAMAGE:  Varies with missile type.
• RATE OF FIRE: 1-16 missiles per volley.
• PAYLOAD: 10 per Launcher; up to 80 maximum

 
2. LEG-MOUNTED MISSILE LAUNCHERS: Each leg of the VF/A-14 is equipped with a concealed missile launcher bay in each leg. When armed, the missile launcher assembly rises out of the leg units, allowing all 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, but MRM’s are standard issue.  Other types of ordinance may also be mounted, including additional clips for the GU-15’s, and ECM or radar equipment, or even some of the GP- series gun pods.
• LONG RANGE MISSILES
• Primary Purpose: Heavy Assault
• Secondary Purpose: Anti-Spacecraft
• Missile Types: Any type of UN Spacy Long Range Missile can be used.
• Range: Varies with missile type.
• Damage: Varies with missile type.
• Rate of Fire: One or both missiles.
• Payload: One per leg; 2 maximum.
• MEDIUM RANGE MISSILES
• Primary Purpose: Assault
• Secondary Purpose: Anti-Mecha
• Missile Types: Any type of UN Spacy Medium Range Missile can be used.
• Range: Varies with missile type.
• Damage: Varies with missile type.
• Rate of Fire: 1-8 missiles per leg.
• Payload: Eight per leg; up to 16 maximum.
• SHORT RANGE MISSILES
• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
• MISSILE TYPES: Any type of UN Spacy Short Range Missile can be used.
• RANGE: Varies with missile type, typically 5 miles (8 km).
• DAMAGE: Varies with missile type, typically 2D6x10 M.D.
• RATE OF FIRE: Volleys of 1 to 8 missiles. One volley counts as one attack.
• PAYLOAD: 16 missiles per leg; 32 total.
• MINI-MISSILES
• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
• SECONDARY PURPOSE:  Anti-Mecha
• MISSILE TYPES: Any type of UN Spacy Mini Missile can be used.
• RANGE:Varies with missile type.
• DAMAGE:  Varies with missile type.
• RATE OF FIRE: 1-32 missiles per volley.
• PAYLOAD: 32 per leg; up to 64 maximum
3. HEAD LASERS: The VF/-14 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 and gerwalk modes.
• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Defense
• SECONDARY PURPOSE: Tool for Cutting
• RANGE: 2000 feet (600 m)
• DAMAGE: 1D6 M.D. per laser, 3D6 M.D. for pulse. (2D6 per dual blast, 6D6 per dual pulse)
• RATE OF FIRE: Equal to the pilot's combined number of hand-to-hand attacks. The laser can also be fired in one long, extended blast lasts one full melee and does 1D6x10 M.D. This attack can only be used against stationary targets and cannot be used to attack moving craft.
• PAYLOAD: Effectively Unlimited.
4. RAPID-FIRE LASER CLUSTERS: The Hunter is equipped with two pairs of small laser cannons intended for use in short to medium range combat, either against other mecha or ground forces. These lasers are mounted on the lower chest of the mecha in Soldier mode, and on the rear fuselage of the craft in fighter and gerwalk modes. The lasers are restricted to firing behind the mecha in fighter and gerwalk modes, and can only fire forward in soldier mode.
• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Defense
• SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-personnel
• RANGE: 2000 feet (600 m)
• DAMAGE: 1D6x5 M.D. per burst, 1D6x10 per dual burst
• RATE OF FIRE: Each laser can fire up to 5 times per melee round.
• PAYLOAD: Effectively Unlimited.
5. BODY/WING HARD POINTS: The VF-14 is also equipped with six fixed hard points for missiles, bombs, and other ordinance. One hardpoint is mounted on each wing of the aircraft and four are mounted under the main body. One long range missile, 3 medium range missiles, or 6 bombs can be mounted per hardpoint. Usually long range missiles are used.
• LONG RANGE MISSILES
• Primary Purpose: Heavy Assault
• Secondary Purpose: Anti-Spacecraft
• Missile Types: Any type of UN Spacy Long Range Missile can be used.
• Range: Varies with missile type.
• Damage: Varies with missile type.
• Rate of Fire: One to six (all) missiles.
• Payload: One per hardpoint; 6 maximum.
• MEDIUM RANGE MISSILES
• Primary Purpose: Assault
• Secondary Purpose: Anti-Mecha
• Missile Types: Any type of 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.
• STANDARD BOMBS (UNGUIDED MISSILES)
• Primary Purpose: Ground Assault
• Secondary Purpose: Anti-Fortification
• Missile Type: Standard UN Spacy bombs, usually high explosive or fragmentation.
• Mega-Damage: 1D6x10 M.D.
• Rate of Fire: Volleys of 1 to 10 missiles per attack.
• Payload: 6 per hardpoint; up to 36 maximum.
• Note: Bombs can be laser-guided or unguided. Unguided bombs are -4 to strike a stationary ground target, -66 to strike a moving target(s), and -10 to hit a small moving target like a mecha or vehicle. Guided bombs do not have these penalties, but require a spotter to illuminate the target with a laser designator. If the designator looses sight of the target the previous penalties immediately apply.
6. GR-14C CARBINE RAIL GUN PODS: The GR-14C gun pod is a carbine version of the GR-14 Sniper Rail Gun Pod being developed for long range recon units.  It uses magazines.
• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Heavy Assault
• SECONDARY PURPOSE: Defense
• RANGE: 5 miles
• DAMAGE: 3D4x10  per shot
• RATE OF FIRE: Equal to the number of combined attacks of the pilot.
• PAYLOAD: 100 rounds per magazine.  One spare magazine is stored in each leg.  Switching magazines takes one full melee (15 seconds).
7. HAND TO HAND COMBAT: If necessary, the pilot of the VF/A-14 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 M.D.
• Full Strength Punch: 3D6 M.D.
• "Booster" Punch: 4D6 M.D. (counts as two attacks)
• Tear or Pry with Hands: 2D4 M.D.
• Kick: 2D4 M.D.
• Leap Kick: 3D6 M.D.
• Body Flip/Throw: 1D6 M.D.
• Body Block/Tackle: 2D6 M.D.
• Stomp: 2D4 M.D. (only effective against small objects)

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE VF/A-14:

• AUTO-PILOT: The VF/A-14 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/A-14 is equipped with a combat computer that can store and analyze data during combat with hostile forces. Data readouts and stats can be displayed either on the cockpit's HUD display or on the dashboard monitors of the aircraft. The combat computer tracks and identifies specific enemy targets, and has a database of over 1,000 images stored in memory. The computer can identify and track up to 75 targets simultaneously.
• ESCAPE POD: The entire reinforced cockpit of the VF/A-14 is a detachable escape pod that can be jettisoned when the mecha is destroyed. The pod is NOT equipped with thrusters, but is equipped with a parachute to provide a soft landing in case of ejection in an atmosphere. The computer will automatically eject the cockpit when the main body MDC reaches zero, though the pilot can override this if he 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 heat 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/A-14 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 the signal generated by this beacon.
• 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/A-14'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.
• 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/A-14'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.

COMBAT BONUSES FOR VF/A-14 HUNTER VARIABLE FIGHTER TRAINING:

BASIC VARIABLE FIGHTER COMBAT TRAINING

• Basic training for non-pilot military personnel.
• 1 attack per melee (plus those of the pilot).
• Add one additional action/attack at levels three, nine, and fifteen.
• +1 to strike.
• +1 to parry
• +1 to dodge in soldier mode, +2 in gerwalk, +4 in jet mode.
• +1 to roll with a punch or move 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 training for pilots specializing in the VF-14.
• 3 attacks per melee (plus those of the pilot).
• Add one additional action/attack at levels four, eight, and twelve.
• +2 to strike
• +3 to parry
• +2 to dodge in solder mode, +4 in gerwalk, +6 in jet mode.
• +3 to roll with a punch or fall with an impact, reducing damage by half.
• +2 to leap dodge. A leap dodge is an automatic dodge which causes no loss of attacks per melee. The new generation variable fighters are so maneuverable that the pilot can dodge an attack while moving to counterattack an enemy.
• 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.

REFERENCES USED IN THIS DESIGN

• Bandai B-Club Magazine Issue #124

"Doe's All The Worlds' Mecha Guide: General Galaxy/Messer Varuta FZ-109 Elgerzorene Entry"