The following material is an adaptation of mecha from MACROSS 7. Please feel free to use, copy, and distribute it as you see fit. All I ask is that you give proper credit and do not claim that it is your own work. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

SHINSEI / NAKAJIMA VF-11MAXL RAIDEN
VARIABLE FIGHTER INTERCEPTOR

(Version 1.0)

RPG Stats and Modified Images by Harvey Neil Johnston ([email protected])

BACKGROUND

During the 2030s, the primary variable interceptor used by the UN Forces was the Nakajima Heavy Industries VF-16 Talon. Due to the incredible cost of the VF-16, however, it only saw limited production. To remedy this problem, a hybrid design was conceived. The wings and engines of the VF-16 were incorporated into the reinforced fuselage of the Shinsei Industries VF-11 Thunderbolt. As the Thunderbolt was the main variable fighter of the UN Forces, it was much more feasible economically to use its components in the new interceptor. The new fighter was designated the VF-11MAXL Raiden and entered service in 2040.

The larger wing area and lengthened canard wings of the VF-11MAXL provided it with superb handling characteristics inside a planetary atmosphere, and the FF-2099A fusion engines (variants of the FF-2099 engines used on the VF-16) could provide thrust comparable to that of the VF-19 Excalibur, but at a sustained speed. The VF-11MAXL was also equipped with the newer HMM-7Y vernier thrusters to provide excellent maneuverability in space. The fuselage was reinforced to allow the Raiden to tolerate the incredible thrust.

In September of 2045, a unique variant of the VF-11MAXL Raiden was developed by Three Star Heavy Industries for the New Macross 07 colonization fleet. The variant was equipped with a Sound Energy System (SES) developed by Gadget M. Chiba. Dubbed the VF-11MAXL Kai Thunderbolt, the mecha was piloted by Mylene Flare Jenius and was a part of Sound Force. The Kai Thunderbolt played a vital role during the Varauta War.

RPG STATS

Vehicle Types:
      VF-11 Thunderbolt (served with the UN Spacy and Spacy Air Force from 2030 until replaced by VF-2SS Valkyrie II).
      VF-11MAXL Raiden (served with the UN Spacy and Spacy Air Force from 2040).
      VF-11MAXL Kai Thunderbolt (custom design, served with New Macross 07 colonization fleet from 2045).
Class: Variable fighter interceptor
Manufacturer: Shinsei Industries / Nakajima Heavy Industries
Crew: One pilot wearing Tactical Life Support System

MDC BY LOCATION:

 
* Head 100
Arms (2) 120 each
Hands (2) 50 each
Legs / thrusters 240 each
** Main body 350
Reinforced pilot's compartment 175
Wings (2) 160 each
Canard wings (2) 50 each
Tails (2) 50 each
GU-13 gun pod 100
Anti-projectile shield 150
*** Pinpoint barrier shield 100
NOTES:
* Destroying the head of the fighter 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 mecha 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 Raiden.
SPEEDS:

RUNNING, BATTLOID CONFIGURATION:
      120 mph (192 kph).
LEAPING, BATTLOID CONFIGURATION:
      50 ft (15 m) high or 70 ft (21 m) long without thrusters.
FLYING, BATTLOID CONFIGURATION:
      Hover to 300 mph (480 kph) within an atmosphere.
FLYING, GERWALK CONFIGURATION:
      Hover to Mach 1 (770 mph/1239.2 kph) within an atmosphere.
FLYING, FIGHTER CONFIGURATION:
      Mach 4.1+ (3157.0 mph/ 5080.6 kph) at 6.2 miles (10.0 km) or less above sea level. Mach 22+ (16,940.0 mph/27,261.5 kph) at 6.2 miles (10.0 km) above sea level. Maximum rate of ascent is 27.7 miles (44.5 mkm) per  minute. Design G limits are +27 to -16 standard Earth gravities. The VF-11MAXL is fully transatmospheric and can achieve satellite orbit above an Earth-class world under its own power. Has an unlimited range and possesses full VTOL capabilities in gerwalk mode, allowing it to hover. FAST packs add an additional 20% to maximum speed and speed is doubled in space.
MAX ENGINE THRUST:
      41,500 kg x2 from main engines.

STATISTICAL DATA:

HEIGHT:
      35.96 ft (11.24 m) in battloid configuration.
      19.18 ft (5.99 m) in gerwalk configuration.
      13.52 ft (4.22 m) in fighter configuration.
WIDTH:
      17.95 ft (5.60 m) in battloid configuration.
      35.84 ft (11.20 m) wingspan in gerwalk configuration.
      35.84 ft (11.20 m) wingspan in fighter configuration.
LENGTH:
      10.95 ft (3.42 m) in battloid configuration.
      27.97 ft (8.74 m) in gerwalk configuration.
      49.53 ft (15.48 m) in fighter configuration.
WEIGHT:
      7.9 metric tons.

PHYSICAL STRENGTH:
      Equal to a P.S. of 55.
CARGO:
      Small compartment behind pilot's seat for personal belongings.
POWER PLANT:
      (2x) Shinsei Industries/Pratt & Whitney/Rolls Royce FF-2099A thermonuclear turbine engines (variants of the FF-2099 engines used on VF-16 Talon). Several additional Pratt & Whitney HMM-7Y 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, NP-BP-10, NP-BP-11, NP-BP-12, NR-BP-19, NR-BP-19-SES, NP-BP-25, NR-BP-T1, NR-BP-E2, NR-BP-R5, NR-BP-E7
      Leg: NP-FB-11, NP-FB-19

WEAPON SYSTEMS:

1/ (1x) GU-13 30mm GUN POD W/ ANTI-ARMOR BAYONET: A six barreled gun pod with a retractable bayonet. Also standard issue to the Thunderbolt, the pod is mounted on a ventral hardpoint in fighter mode and is hand-held in battloid and gerwalk modes. It uses a large magazine mounted on the barrel and two extra clips are carried underneath the shield.
2/ (2x) DUAL PULSE LASER CANNONS: Two semi-fixed laser cannons are mounted in the nose of the VF-11MAXL. The cannons fire forward in fighter and gerwalk mode and from the chest in battloid mode. The weapons are also capable of firing rapid laser pulses from one or both cannons. 3/ (1x) ANTI-AIRCRAFT PULSE LASER: The VF-11MAXL mounts a single pulse laser for use in air skirmishes and for defensive purposes. It is mounted upon the head turret in battloid mode and mounted rearward on the central dorsal section in fighter and gerwalk modes. The laser may only fire to the rear in fighter and gerwalk modes and it is also capable of firing rapid laser pulses. 4/ (2x) LITTLE ROCK MRM LAUNCHERS: The VF-11MAXL has two medium-range missile (MRM) launchers mounted within the engine nacelles. The missiles launch from theses nacelles in fighter and gerwalk modes and from the shoulders in battloid mode. Each launcher holds two MRMs. Any kind of MRM except high maneuverability missiles may be used. 5/ (2x) LITTLE ROCK SRM LAUNCHERS: Each leg of the VF-11MAXL carries a concealed short-range missile (SRM) launcher that contains six high maneuverability SRMs. The launcher assembly rises out of the leg units when armed and can be used in any mode. High maneuverability missiles are standard issue but any SRM may be used. This launcher system has been nicknamed the 'Pepper Mill.' 6/ HUGHES PBS-03F PINPOINT BARRIER SYSTEM: The VF-11MAXL 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 10 ft (3 m) in diameter.
  • Duration: Unlimited.
    • 7/ HAND TO HAND COMBAT: The pilot of the Raiden can engage in melee combat rather than use a weapon. The mecha is extremely agile and can execute most typical hand to hand combat moves, such as punches, jump kicks, leap attacks, rolling with impacts, etc.
    STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE VF-11MAXL RAIDEN:
  • ANTI-PROJECTILE SHIELD: Like the VF-11 Thunderbolt, the VF-11MAXL is equipped with an external shield that is mounted on the central rear dorsal section of the mecha in fighter mode, and on the left arm in soldier and gerwalk modes. On a successful parry in soldier or gerwalk mode, the shield can be used to block missiles or projectiles, thus protecting the main body from harm. The pilot can also generate a pin-point barrier shield over the anti-projectile shield for extra protection.
  • AUTO-PILOT: The VF-11MAXL 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.
  • COMBAT COMPUTER W/HUD DISPLAYS: The VF-11MAXL 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 cockpit canopy of the mecha or on multiple monitor displays inside the cockpit. The combat computer tracks and identifies specific enemy targets, and has a database of over 10,000 images stored in memory. The computer can identify and track up to 250 targets simultaneously.
  • ESCAPE POD: The entire reinforced cockpit of the VF-11MAXL 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 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 VF-11MAXL 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: Can detect up to a range of 200 miles (321 km).
  • 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-11MAXL'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 variable fighters 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, disinfectant, etc.).
  • TACTICAL LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM: The VF-11MAXL'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 blacking out in combat.
    • COMBAT BONUSES FOR VF-11MAXL RAIDEN TRAINING:
    NOTE: The VF-11MAXL Raiden is a hybrid design incorporating the fuselage of the VF-11 Thunderbolt. Because of this, any pilot trained in the VF-11 may fly the VF-11MAXL with full bonuses.
    BASIC VARIABLE FIGHTER COMBAT TRAINING ADVANCED VF-11 THUNDERBOLT COMBAT TRAINING

    REFERENCES USED IN THIS DESIGN

    Original name: VF-11MAXL
    First appearance: Macross 7
    References used:
       Macross Mecha Designs by Dave Deitrich.
       Macross Compendium by Egan Loo.

    The VF-11MAXL was shown only as the Kai Thunderbolt variant on Macross 7. The conjectural name of Raiden (Japanese for Thunderbolt) was taken from the series of Japanese World War II fighters known as the the Mitsubishi J2M2 to J2M6 Raiden Fighter Model 11.

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