THUNDER VALKYRIE
(Custom VF-19 Excalibur Variant)

(Version 1.0 - Last updated: Sunday, 11-nov-08 02:30:01 ent)

RPG Stats by PIERRE COURTEMANCHE
Original info provided by the SKETCHLEY'S STATISTICS

BACKGROUND

The VF-19-Kai "Thunder Valkyrie" is a brand new mecha made by UN Spacy as requested for the leader of the "Numerique Royaume" Spiritia Warfare Squadron: Captain Vick Dempsey. It was designed and built by the advanced design teams of the LV-426 colony and was intended primarily to serve as a psychological weapon in case of war against unknown alien races. The designers of the Fire Valkyrie had two purposes in mind; first, the fighter would serve, as the original VF-19 Kai "Fire Valkyrie" as a highly effecient Spiritia Warfare, equiped with the latest Spiritia technology, capable to both using the Spiritia powers of the pilot as a weapon agains't their enemy and help boost soldier's morale in trying times. But second and more importantly, this VF-19 Kai could be used as a formidable combat machine, equiped with heavy weapons and a large quantity of missiles.

The Thunder Valkyrie was given to Captain Vick Dempsey, a UNSpacy pilot and talented singer former member of the UNI secret VF-22 squadron Black Wraith, assembled for the unique reason of the search and capture (or destruction) of the enigmatic Sultan and the Sector 7 Space Pirates. During their tour of duty, Dempsey experienced many different Spiritia related situation, and numerous combat where Spiritia where an essential weapon. This experience give him the idea to create the Thunder Valkyrie, based on what he saw and done during the war agains't the SSSP. Taking as basis one of his idol's fighter, Nekki Basara, he bagan to make the perfect Spiriti Warfare and space combat machine, as his point of view. First, he chose to take some parts from a VF-19S: the head's beam canons, the leg's (for their better engines and their missiles lunchers), the countermeasure dispenser and the Active Stealth System.. Then he took the arms of a VF-5000 for their missiles lunchers, but keep the anti-projectile sheild. Sadly, that also cut the Pinpoint Barrier system out of the plan because thes arm's could not support it. Because of the lack of the bullet firering gunpod and the fact that creating a new gunpod who would incorporate a GU-15 and a Speakerpod, the wings/hip REB-23 Beams canons where replaced by a pair of mini-gun salvaged on a SV-51 MKII that the Black Wraith fight at the end of the war. The Sound Energy Boosters of the original Fire Valkyrie where one of a kind equipment, extremely difficult to reproduce and using on the battlefield, the SES FAST Pack used on a standart VF-11D Kai Jamming Bird where modified to be fitted on the Thunder Valkyrie. Finally, standart set of controls where instaled in the cockpit, leaving the guitar stick control as an option.

The Thunder Valkyrie is dedicated to serve as Dempsey's main mecha through his Tour of Duty at the service of the UN Spacy, and maybe even beyond.
RPG STATS                                    

Vehicle Type:

The VF-19 Kai "Thunder Valkyrie" is a one-of-a-kind custom aircraft designed and built on LV-426 by an elite corps of engeneers.

Class: Custom Advanced Variable Fighter
Manufacturer: Shinsei Industries/LV-426 Development Team
Crew: One pilot wearing Tactical Life Support System.

MDC BY LOCATION:

    Head Lasers (4)                              16 each

(1) Head                                        100

    Hands (2)                                    50 each

    Arms (2)                                    120 each

    Shoulders/Speaker Pods/Projectors (2)       150 each

    Legs & Thrusters (2)                        220 each

(2) Main Body                                   380

    Canard Forward Wings (2)                     30 each

    Main Wings (2)                              150 each

    Tails (2)                                    50 each

    Speaker Gun Pod                             100

    Anti-Projectile Shield                      150

(3) Dorsal NP-BP-19-SES FAST Pack               200 each

(3) Leg's NP-FB-19-SES FAST Pack                120 each

    Reinforced Pilot Compartment/Escape Pod     200

NOTES:

1. Destroying the head of the VF-19 will knock out the mecha's major sensor systems, including all of the optics systems (infrared, nightvision, thermal). This will also knock out the projector for the Sound Energy System, forcing the Fire Valkyrie to rely on the external Sound Booster for Spiritia attacks. Radar and communications will be unaffected.
2. 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.
3. Whenever the fighter takes damage on the legs or the dorsal section roll 1D6. On a result of 1-4 the Super Parts take damage before the VF's main body does. Alternatively, if the pilot makes a successful parry roll, the Super Parts automatically take damage first. Super Parts 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 Super Part before it explodes. Super Parts 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.

SPEEDS:

RUNNING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:

120 mph (192 kmph)

LEAPING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:

50 ft (15 m) high or 70 ft (21 m) long without thrusters.

FLYING, GERWALK/SOLDIER 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 3.7+ (2479 mph/3776 kmph) max speed at 10,000 meters or less above sea level. Mach 5.5+ (3685 mph/5613 kmph) max speed at 10,000-30,000 meters above sea level. Mach 25+ (16,750 mph/25,514 kmph) max speed at 30,000+ meters above sea level, for a maximum of 5 seconds. Cruising speed is usually Mach 1.8 (1206 mph/1837 kmph). The VF-19 is capable of achieving orbital velocity over an Earth-class planet without additional rocket assistance. Maximum rate of ascent is 68,000 meters/minute. Structural G limits are +39.5 to -20.0 Earth gravities.

MAX ENGINE THRUST:

68,500 kg x2 in an atmosphere, 78,950 kg x2 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:

49.54 ft (15.48 m) in soldier configuration.

27.13 ft (8.48 m) in gerwalk configuration.

13.36 ft (4.18 m) in fighter configuration.

WIDTH:

21.28 ft (6.89 m) at shoulders in soldier configuration.

47.75 ft (14.92 m) in gerwalk or fighter configuration with wings at maximum extension.

LENGTH:

15.15 ft (4.74 m) in soldier configuration.

44.19 ft (13.81 m) in gerwalk configuration.

62.65 ft (19.58 m) in fighter configuration.

WEIGHT:

8,400 kg empty. Maximum takeoff weight in an atmosphere is 36,000 kg.

PHYSICAL STRENGTH:

Equal to a P.S. of 65

CARGO:

Small compartment behind pilot's seat for personal belongings.

POWER PLANT:

Two 78,950 kg Shinnakasu Industry/Pratt & Whitney/Rolls Royce FF-2550J thermonuclear turbine engines, designed for dual atmosphere/space use with pentagonal underfuselage air intakes with retractable covers. Both engines are also equipped with rear afterburner intakes encircling the lower leg/engine-pod nozzles for improved power and performance. In addition, two 2-dimensional independentent convergent/divergent exhaust are equipped on the FF-2550J for greater maneuverability and V/STOL performance. Finally, several Pratt & Whitney HMM-6R high-maneuverability vernier thrusters are mounted on the wingtips, vertical stabilizers, legs, nose, and other key locations for added performance. Though never used, the Fire Valkyrie is also compatible with the external fold generator developed for use with Project Super Nova.

WEAPON SYSTEMS:

1. ANTI-AIRCRAFT HEAD LASERS: The Thunder Valkyrie mounts four anti-aircraft lasers on its head, very similar to those originally found on the older VF-1S Valkyrie design. These lasers are designed for use in air combat skirmishes but are mostly used for defensive purposes. Due to the placement of the head in fighter and gerwalk modes the lasers cannot be used when the mecha is in these configurations. The lasers can ONLY be used when the VF-19 is in soldier mode. In addition to their use as weapons, the lasers can also generate a continuous beam useful for cutting.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Defense
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-aircraft
   • RANGE: 4000 feet (1200 m)
   • DAMAGE: 1D6 M.D. per laser; 2D6 M.D. dual fire; 4D6 M.D. quad fire.
   • RATE OF FIRE: The lasers can be fired in rapid pulses up to 4 blasts per round. A rapid fire blast counts as a burst of up to 4 shots. In addition, the lasers can all be fired as one continuous beam for double damage. This takes up all the Thunder Valkyrie's attacks for the melee round and cannot be used against moving targets.
   • PAYLOAD: Effectively Unlimited.

3. GSH-231 12.7 MM MINI-GUN: Two semi-fixed 12.7mm mini-guns are mounted in the wings of the Thunder Valkyrie, near the base of the wing where it connects to the main body. They where taken from the SV-51 MKII that Cassel beat in duel during the final combat of the Black Wraiths and that Vick Dempsey recover to finish the combat, due to the lost of his VF-22. They are replacing the REB-23 who are These mini-guns can be fired in any mode (the bullets exit the hip-mounted wing units in soldier mode) but can only be aimed along the front arc of the mecha (max angle is about 45 degrees in any direction from the nose).
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Defence
   • RANGE: 3000 feet (900 m)
   • DAMAGE: 10 round burst, single target – 1D6X10 MD. 25 round burst, single target - 2D6X10 MD. Note, for bursts using greater then 25 rounds, increase the damage by a scale of 1D6X10 per 10 rounds. The cannons can be fire-linked so that firing both cannons at the same time counts as one attack (does double damage.)

     The Mini-Gun can be used for sprays: 10 round spray – 1D6 MD, affects 1d4 targets. 25 round burst spray – 1D6 MD, affects 2d4 targets with a 50% chance of hitting bystanders. Longer duration sprays (up to limits of the magazines): 2D6 MD, affects 4d4 targets. Chance of hitting bystanders is 70%.

   • RATE OF FIRE: Equal to the pilot's combined number of attacks.
   • PAYLOAD: 200 rounds on internally mounted drum in each Mini-Gun.

4. MICRO-MISSILE LAUNCHERS (2): Two seperate micro-missile launchers are carried internally by the VF-19 Kai, one in each arms. While the internal magazine is small, they nevertheless provide additional heavy firepower. The loss of a limb will result in the loss of the respective missile launcher. Due to the position of the exaust ports of the missiles lunchers on the arms, these can't be fired in  fighter mode, but only in Battroid and Gerwalk modes. They are usually loaded with Erlikon GA-100 Crusher micro-missiles.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Anti-mecha
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-ship
   • MISSILE TYPES: Any type of standard UN Spacy Mini-Missile.
   • RANGE: 1 mile (1.6 km)
   • DAMAGE: 2D12x10 M.D.
   • RATE OF FIRE: Volleys of 1 to 4 missiles per launcher. One volley counts as one attack.
   • PAYLOAD: 6 missiles per launcher, 12 missiles total.

5. SPEAKER GUN POD: The Thunder Valkyrie is armed with a very unusual gun pod as a main weapon. Instead of firing munitions, the VF-19 Kai's gun pod instead fires large- caliber autocannon shells that each contain a high-definition speaker and radio receiver. (!) The shells are armor-piercing and can usually penetrate even the toughest armor, but once embedded in armor plate the speaker pods transmit sound waves into the mecha's body, filling the pilot's cockpit with loud rock music. In addition to their use as a distraction, the speaker pods have been known to cause spiritia reactions in the minds of brainwashed Varuta pilots, occasionally permitting them to defect to the UN Spacy.

Due to the large size of the speaker pods only a limited amount can be carried in the Thunder Valkyrie's gun pod. One spare clip of speaker pods is mounted on the inside of the mecha's shield, and can be used to replace a spent clip in two melee actions. Switching clips can only be done in Gerwalk or Soldier mode.

• PRIMARY PURPOSE: Distraction
• SECONDARY PURPOSE: Spiritia Warfare
• RANGE: 6000 feet (1800 m)
• DAMAGE: A speaker pod does 1D4x10 M.D. on impact from armor penetration. Once embedded in a target's armor, the pod will extract anchors that adhere it to the mecha's hull. The only way to remove a speaker pod is to physically cut it off a plane back at base.
• SPECIAL EFFECTS: The loud music played by the speaker pods is very distracting; pilots forced to listen to it in combat suffer a -2 penalty to their initiative rolls, and a -1 to strike and to dodge.
• RATE OF FIRE: Equal to the number of combined attacks of the pilot.
• PAYLOAD: Each clip holds 12 pods. One extra clip is mounted on the inside of the Thunder Valkyrie's shield.

6. BIFORS ALL-ENVIRONMENT HIGH-MANEUVERABILITY MINI-MISSILE CLUSTERS: The legs of the VF-19 are equipped with two concealed missile launcher bays, that can each hold up to 24 new high-maneuverability mini-missiles in each bay. 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 any mode; fighter, gerwalk, or soldier. Usually, only the Little Rock High-Maneuverability mini-missiles are used.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
   • MISSILE TYPES: Any type of standard UN Spacy Mini-Missile.
   • RANGE: 8 km.
   • DAMAGE: 1D6x10 M.D.
   • RATE OF FIRE: Volleys of 1-24 missiles per launcher, per round. One volley counts as one attack. If necessary, all 48 missiles (!) can be fired in a single round by expending two attacks.
   • BONUSES: +6 to strike, +5 to dodge, and can attack 3 times per melee until they hit, are destroyed, or run out of fuel.
   • PAYLOAD: 24 missiles per launcher; 48 total. .

7. BODY/WING HARD POINTS: Two fixed hard points are mounted on the fuselage of the VF-19, and an additional two hardpoints are mounted on each wing for a total of 6 hardpoints on the fighter. These hardpoints can be used to hold a variety of different ordinance types, including long or medium range missiles, bombs or UUM-7 micro-missiles pods. One long range, one MRHM, 3 medium range, or 1 UUM-7 missiles pods can be mounted per hardpoint. Usually long range or MRHM missiles are used.

NOTE: Due to the location of the hard points, ALL missiles must be fired or ejected before the VF-19 Kai may convert into soldier mode. For this reason the hard point missiles are usually fired within the first few passes of an attack. Note that the ventral hard points of VF-19 Kai must also be free before to convert into Gerwalk mode.

• RMS-2 LARGE ANTI-SHIP REACTION MISSILE
  1. Primary Purpose: Heavy Assault
  2. Secondary Purpose: Anti-Spacecraft
  3. Range: 3,216 Km.
  4. Damage: 4D8x1o,000 M.D. at ground zero. Reduce damage by a factor of 10 for every 750 m the object is away from ground zero.
  5. Rate of Fire: One or two.
  6. Payload: One per wing hardpoint; 4 maximum.
• LONG RANGE MISSILES
  1. Primary Purpose: Heavy Assault
  2. Secondary Purpose: Anti-Spacecraft
  3. Missile Types: Any type of standard UN Spacy Long Range Missile can be used.
  4. Range: Varies with missile type.
  5. Damage: Varies with missile type.
  6. Rate of Fire: One or two.
  7. Payload: One per hardpoint; 6 maximum.
• MEDIUM RANGE MISSILES
  1. Primary Purpose: Assault
  2. Secondary Purpose: Anti-Mecha
  3. Missile Types: Any type of standard UN Spacy Medium Range Missile can be used.
  4. Range: Varies with missile type.
  5. Damage: Varies with missile type.
  6. Rate of Fire: 1-3 missiles per hardpoint.
  7. Payload: Three per hardpoint; up to 18 maximum.
• UUM-7 AERODYNAMIC MICRO-MISSILES PODS
  1. Primary Purpose: Assault
  2. Secondary Purpose: Anti-Mecha
  3. Missile Types: Any type of standard UN Spacy Micro-Missile can be used.
  4. Range: Varies with missile type.
  5. Damage: Varies with missile type.
  6. Rate of Fire: 1-8 missiles per pod.
  7. Payload: One pod per hardpoint, up to four pods, 24 missiles per pod; up to 96 missiles maximum.

9. COUNTERMEASURE DISPENSERS: Every VF has combined chaff, flare and squib dispensers mounted on them that are useable in all modes. When used, it fires a burst of 6 flares, 1 exploding chaff container or one parachute squib per 1 unit listed in the stats. Chaff, flares and squibs are each unique in their means of countering attacking missiles. The following will describe the individual details of each of the the three types of countermeasures. The short and easy benefit is that they add a +3 to dodge the missiles.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Distraction (especially true for the ECM squibs.)
   • RANGE: GM's arbitration. Squibs effect a 1 Km³ spherical area.
   • BONUSES: +3 to dodge. Roll to dodge after rolling on the following per missile:
     01-40 Missile distracted - explodes harmlessly in the countermeasures.
     41-80 Missile distracted - it loses track of its target. Depending on the missile type and its remaining fuel, it could reacquire you, or another target in the area
     81-00 No effect.
     Note: +5% to the above chart per every additional countermeasure deployed after the first. For example: 3 countermeasures changes the table to 01-50, 51-90, and 91-00.
   • RATE OF FIRE: unlimited. (Author's recommendation: maximum of 4 per attack to better reflect their fallibility.)
   • PAYLOAD: 8 bursts of flares, 8 chaff pods and 4 parachute squibs per dispenser.

10. DORSAL SUPER PARTS: SOUND ENERGY CONVERTOR SYSTEM TRANSATMOSPHERIC MISSILE LUNCHER BOOSTER PACKS: These packs are a variant of the standard VF-11 Thunderbolt's FAST Packs who where originaly  produced by the Macross 7 colony mission in order to combat protodeviln late in the Varuta War. The FAST packs contain Dr. Chiba's revolutionary Sound Energy System that amplifies and projects spiritia energy, allowing the pilot to use his or her spiritia powers in combat. The packs were designed specifically for Colonel Burton's Jamming Birds VF-11D Kai variants, but they have been modified to be used on the VF-19 Kai. A holographic projector are also installed to help distract the enemy with pyrotechnical visual effect. They are also each equiped with four micro-missiles lunchers to augment the defensives capabilities of the mecha. Any type of mini-missile can be used in the launchers, but usually only the Bifors high-maneuverability mini-missiles are used.
    • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Spiritia Warfare / Assault
    • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Defence / Distraction
    • MISSILE TYPES: Any type of standard UN Spacy Mini-Missile.
    • RANGE: 1 mile (1.6 km).
    • DAMAGE: 1D8x10 M.D.
    • RATE OF FIRE: Volleys of 1-4 missiles per pack, per round. One volley counts as one attack.
    • BONUSES: +3 to strike, +1 to dodge.
    • PAYLOAD: 4 missiles per launcher; 16 missiles per Pack; 32 total.
    • SOUND ENERGY SYSTEM and SOUND ENERGY CONVERTER SYSTEM: see Spiritia RPG rules for bonuses and effects.
    • STEREO LOUDSPEAKERS: Two special loudspeakers are built into the FAST super boosters on the back of the mecha, which can be used to amplify the pilot's or passenger's voice up to 300 decibels. The loudspeakers are normally used to project music during combat.
    • HOLOGRAPHIC PROJECTORS: The FAST super boosters of the VF-19 Kai have built-in holographic projectors. Primarily designed for impressive stage pyrotechnics, the projectors aren't powerful enough to project coherent images or "cloak" the mecha to hide it from view. However, they can be used to "dazzle" an enemy pilot temporarily. When used, any enemies looking directly at the Jamming Bird suffer a -3 to initiative and to hit rolls for one round; after that, they will accustom themselves to the display and no longer be affected.

    

     

11. LEGS SUPER PARTS: AERODYNAMIC MISSILE LUNCHER CONFORMAL PROPELLANT TANK: These packs are a variant of the standard VF-11 Thunderbolt's FAST Packs who where originaly  produced by the Macross 7 colony mission in order to combat protodeviln late in the Varuta War. The FAST packs contain secondary fuel tank for the dorsal Packs and an additional countermeasures dispenser. The packs were designed specifically for Colonel Burton's Jamming Birds VF-11D Kai variants, but they have been modified to be used on the VF-19 Kai.  They are also each equiped with a micro-missiles lunchers to augment the defensives capabilities of the mecha. Any type of mini-missile can be used in the launchers, but usually only the Bifors high-maneuverability mini-missiles are used.
    • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Spiritia Warfare / Assault
    • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Defence / Distraction
    • MISSILE TYPES: Any type of standard UN Spacy Mini-Missile.
    • RANGE: 1 mile (1.6 km).
    • DAMAGE: 1D8x10 M.D.
    • RATE OF FIRE: Volleys of 1 missile per pack. All FAST packs and super parts can be fire linked.
    • BONUSES: +3 to strike, +1 to dodge.
    • PAYLOAD: 8 missiles per launcher; 16 total.
    • COUNTERMEASURE DISPENSERS: 8 bursts of flares, 8 chaff pods and 4 parachute squibs per dispenser. (With theses super parts, the VF-19 Kai carries a grand total of 16 bursts of flares, 16 chaff pods and 8 parachute squibs.)

     

12. HAND TO HAND COMBAT: If necessary, the Thunder Valkyrie 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: 4D6 M.D.
• "Booster" Punch: 1D6x10 M.D. (counts as two attacks)
• Tear or Pry with Hands: 2D4 M.D.
• Kick: 4D6 M.D.
• Leap Kick: 1D6x10 M.D.
• Body Flip/Throw: 2D6 M.D.
• Body Block/Tackle: 2D6 M.D.
• Stomp: 1D6x10 M.D. (only effective against small objects)

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE FIRE VALKYRIE:

• ACTIVE STEALTH SYSTEM: The VF-19 Excalibur includes an active stealth system identical to the one used on the YF-21 and VF-22 Advanced Variable Fighters produced by General Galaxy. Unlike passive stealth systems like those used by the VF-17 Nightmare or the old USAF F-117, the VF-19's stealth system is actually bends radar waves around the mecha rather than reflecting them. When activated, this system gives the Excalibur a +3 on initiative and a +1 to strike at all times.

NOTE: Since the Excalibur's stealth capability is a system and not a feature of the design, it can be damaged or destroyed. Once the mecha has lost half of its main body MDC, there is a 50% chance that the stealth system will fail every time the main body of the craft is hit. Once the stealth system has failed, it will not work again until repaired at a UN Spacy base.

• ANTI-PROJECTILE SHIELD: The Thunder Valkyrie 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.
• AUTO-PILOT: The Thunder Vakyrie 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: The Thunder Valkyrie 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 virtual environment cockpit of the mecha (see below), 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 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 Thunder Valkyrie 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.
• GUITAR-STICK CONTROL SYSTEM: One of the strangest and most unique features of the Thunder Valkyrie is its control system. The mecha have a second set of control in addition of the standard pilot controls, a specially constructed "guitar" that provides nearly all the controls necessary to fly the plane. This allows skilled pilots of the Fire Valkyrie to fly the plane in combat WHILE PLAYING MUSIC! The new controls do take a little getting used to, however, and anyone flying the Fire Valkyrie will suffer a -2 penalty to hit and to dodge until he or she accustoms himself/herself to the new arrangement.
• HEAT AND RADIATION SHIELDS: Special shielding prevents the penetration of life threatening head 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.
• HOLOGRAPHIC PROJECTORS: Each shoulder of the Thunder Valkyrie has a built-in holographic projector. Primarily designed for impressive stage pyrotechnics, the projectors aren't powerful enough to project coherent images or "cloak" the mecha to hide it from view. However, they can be used to "dazzle" an enemy pilot temporarily. When used, any enemies looking directly at the Fire Valkyrie suffer a -3 to initiative and to hit rolls for one round; after that, they will accustom themselves to the display and no longer be affected.
• HOMING SIGNAL: The escape pod of the Thunder Valkyrie 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.
• 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 the Thunder Valkyrie fighter by the enemy, the pilot can activate the mecha'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.
• SOUND ENERGY SYSTEM: The Sound Energy System (SES) is a system who help to focus one's spiritia and use it as he want. The SES allows the pilot of the Thunder Valkyrie to conduct spiritia attacks and defenses as outlined in the Spiritia RPG rules, provided the character has Spiritia skills. Consult the Spiritia rules for a full explanation of these powers and their effects.
• 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.)
• STEREO LOUDSPEAKERS: Two special loudspeakers are built into the shoulders of the mecha, which can be used to amplify the pilot's voice up to 300 decibels. The loudspeakers are normally used to project music during combat.
• VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT COCKPIT: The Thunder Valkyrie is equipped with an innovative new cockpit layout 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 (with the possible exception of the YF-21's brain-direct imaging system). This wide view in addition to the combat computer's cockpit overlays give the Fire Valkyrie a +1 to dodge and initiative rolls in addition to any other bonuses.

COMBAT BONUSES FOR THUNDER VALKYRIE COMBAT TRAINING:

NOTE: Due to the unique nature of the Thunder Valkyrie, it is highly unlikely that players will start the game with Thunder Valkyrie combat training (unless the GM is running a Sound Force-style campaign). Pilots unaccustomed to the Thunder Valkyrie should only get bonuses equal to Basic Variable Fighter Combat Training, while Advanced Thunder Valkyrie Combat Training should be reserved only for those with extensive experience with the mecha. VF-19 Excalibur combat training can be used with the Thunder Valkyrie and vice versa but only with the standart control systems, the guitar controls being hard to train with.

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 on initiative.
• +1 to strike.
• +1 to parry
• +1 to dodge in soldier mode, +3 in gerwalk, +5 in jet mode.
• +1 to roll with a punch or fall 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 THUNDER VALKYRIE COMBAT TRAINING

• Advanced training for pilots with extensive experience with the Thunder Valkyrie.
• 4 attacks per melee (plus those of the pilot).
• Add one additional action/attack at levels two, five, seven, and ten.
• +2 on initiative.
• +3 to strike
• +4 to parry
• +4 to dodge in solder mode, +6 in gerwalk, +8 in jet mode.
• +3 to roll with a punch or fall with an impact, reducing damage by half.
• +3 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 - 2D4 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

• Based off of the VF-19 Excalibur stats at Steelfalcon.
• Based off of the YF-19 Alpha 1 stats at Sketchley's Statistics.
• The Black Wraith Squadron's Forum  

MANY THANKS TO:

Aaron Sketchey, my Macross GM, who give me the idea to make this Mecha.

Dave Deitrich who's stats inspired many generation or Macross RPG gamers.

Patricia Gosselin, my girlfriend who supported me during the process of making this page.