VF-11D "JAMMING BIRD"
CUSTOM THUNDERBOLT VARIANT

(Version 1.2 - Last Updated: Friday, 18-Jan-08 02:59:01 PST)

RPG Stats by DAVE DEITRICH (deitrich@mcs.net)
Background info provided by the MACROSS ONLINE COMPENDIUM

BACKGROUND

Under Colonel Burton's direction, Three Star Industries produced a new variation of the VF-11D Two-Seater Thunderbolt for the project. The new variable fighter was named the VF-11D "Jamming Bird" variant and combined the benefits of new SES technology with a proven military aircraft design. Based on the two-seater version of the Thunderbolt, the VF-11D Custom holds a military pilot and a passenger who concentrates on using the SES and his/her own spiritia powers to maximum effect. In addition to the SES systems, the Jamming Bird variant has a greater emphasis on defensive measures, with increased armor around the chest and main fuselage, and a pinpoint barrier system identical to the one used on the VF-19 Excalibur. The VF-11D Custom comes standard with modified FAST Super Booster Units, which provide additional thrust and space for the SES systems. Like standard FAST systems, these thrusters can be ejected if damaged, but this will render the Sound Energy System inoperable. Although the Jamming Bird variant has greater thrust than a standard VF-11, the increased drag of the extra armor and FAST packs lowers the overall speed of the variable fighter in an atmosphere. In an effort to compensate for this, the VF-11D was given longer canard wings and more thrusters to increase maneuverability.

The VF-11D Custom is actually an ideal mecha for spiritia combat. Having two crew allows the pilot to concentrate on flying the plane and defending against Varuta fighters, while the passenger is free to concentrate on using the SES to combat the Protodeviln and disrupt Varuta brainwashing of captured pilots. Unfortunately Colonel Burton made a critical mistake when choosing the members of the Jamming Birds. In order to try to maximize the "spiritia combat ability" of the team, Burton held a talent/beauty contest aboard the Macross 7 to find the best singers capable of generating the most emotion (and therefore, theoretically, the most spiritia energy). Unfortunately, the six finalists selected had no combat experience and were too frightened during battles to use the SES to any noticable effect. Rather than admit defeat, Burton began a rigorous training program for the pilots and passengers of the Jamming Bird squadron in order to "toughen them up" and improve their courage and confidence. Despite the training the Jamming Birds did not become an effective fighting unit until the final battles of the Macross 7/Varuta war.

The Jamming Bird variant was never mass-produced as intended during the war. Only 20 craft were produced by Three Star Industries, and only one squad of six fighters was actually used by the Macross 7 forces. However the designs for the fighter were transmitted to UN Spacy headquarters and then in turn relayed to all colinization fleets and UN bases in the galaxy. Therefore it is quite possible that the Jamming Birds will become a standard of UN Spacy forces everywhere, combatting the Protodeviln and other alien forces with the rediscovered powers of Spiritia.

RPG STATS

Vehicle Types:

VF-11D Jamming Bird Custom: Custom version produced on board the

Macross 7 colony fleet. Contains sound energy technology.

Class: Custom Tactical Variable Fighter
Manufacturer: Shinsei Industries/Three Star Industries/Macross 7 Development Staff
Crew: One pilot wearing Tactical Life Support System, plus one passenger in custom-fitted

flight suit and additional life support bubble.

MDC BY LOCATION:

    Head Laser                                     35
(1) Head                                           90
    Hands (2)                                      50 each
    Arms (2)                                      100 each
    Legs & Thrusters (2)                          250 each
(2) Main Body                                     350
    Canard Forward Wings (2)                       45 each
    Main Wings (2)                                120 each
    Tails (2, concealed below super boosters)      50 each
(3) Integrated FAST Super Booster Pods (2)        150 each
    Multipurpose Gun Pod                          100
    Anti-Projectile Shield                        150
(4) Pinpoint Barrier Shield                       100
    Reinforced Pilot Compartment/Escape Pod       200

NOTES:

1. Destroying the head of the VF will knock out the mecha's major sensor systems, including all of the optics systems (infrared, nightvision, thermal). 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. Destroying one or both of the FAST boosters will disable the Jamming Bird's sound energy system and spiritia projectors.
4. 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 Jamming Bird.

SPEEDS:

RUNNING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:

90 mph (144 kmph)

LEAPING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:

30 ft (9 m) high or 50 ft (15.2 m) long without thrusters.

FLYING, SOLDIER CONFIGURATION:

300 mph (480 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 2.8+ (1876 mph/3002 kmph) max speed at 10,000 meters or less above sea level. Mach 4.5+ (3015 mph/4824 kmph) max speed at 10,000-42,000 meters above sea level. Additional rocket boosters make the VF-11D Custom transatmospheric and able to achieve orbit over an earth-like planet under its own power. Maximum rate of ascent is 24,800 meters/minute. G limits are +22.5 to -15.0 standard Earth gravities.

MAX ENGINE THRUST:

31,700 kg x2 from main engines, plus 15,000 kg x2 from FAST super booster units.

STATISTICAL DATA:

HEIGHT:

41.34 ft (12.92 m) in soldier configuration.

22.05 ft (6.89 m) in gerwalk configuration.

15.39 ft (4.81 m) in fighter configuration.

WIDTH:

17.46 ft (5.45 m) at shoulders in soldier configuration.

35.84 ft (11.20 m) in gerwalk or fighter configuration with wings at maximum extension.

LENGTH:

11.17 ft (3.49 m) in soldier configuration.

28.54 ft (8.92 m) in gerwalk configuration.

51.26 ft (16.02 m) in fighter configuration.

WEIGHT:

11,200 kg.

PHYSICAL STRENGTH:

Equal to a P.S. of 50

CARGO:

Small compartment behind pilot's and passenger's seats for personal belongings.

POWER PLANT:

Two Shinsei Industries/Pratt & Whitney/Rolls Royce FF-2025S thermonuclear turbine engines. Several additional Pratt & Whitney HMM- 7 high-maneuverability vernier thrusters for additional mobility are mounted at key positions along the mecha's hull. Additional super booster units are standard issue for the VF-11D Custom.

COMPATIBLE FAST PACKS:

Specifically designed for NR-BP-19-SES and NP-FB-19 FAST modules.

WEAPON SYSTEMS:

1. ANTI-AIRCRAFT PULSE LASER: The VF-11D mounts a single pulse laser for use in air combat skirmishes and for defensive purposes. The laser is mounted on the head of the mecha in soldier mode, and is located in the central dorsal section of the main body pointed rearward in fighter and gerwalk modes. The laser can only fire to the REAR of the fighter in these modes; it cannot be turned to fire along another arc.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Anti-aircraft
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-missile/defensive
   • RANGE: 4000 feet (1200 m)
   • DAMAGE: 2D4 M.D.
   • RATE OF FIRE: The laser 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.
   • PAYLOAD: Effectively Unlimited.

2. MULTIPURPOSE GUN POD: Like the standard VF-11, the Jamming Bird Custom uses a gun pod similar to the old GU-11 used by the VF-1 Valkyries. Since the VF-11D is not intended to engage the enemy in close combat, the gun pod is typically NOT equipped with the mecha-sized bayonet featured on other VF-11 Thunderbolts.
   
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-mecha
   • RANGE: 4000 feet (1200 m)
   • DAMAGE: Does 4D6 M.D. for a short burst, 1D6x10 M.D. for a long burst, or 2D6x10 M.D. for a full melee burst.
   • RATE OF FIRE: Equal to the number of combined attacks of the pilot.
   • PAYLOAD: 400 rounds per clip equals 40 short bursts, 20 long bursts, or 10 full melee bursts. Additional ammo clips can be inserted, but exchanging clips requires 2 melee actions. Two spare clips are stored behind the anti-projectile shield.

3. MISSILE LAUNCHER PODS (4): The FAST super boosters for the VF-11D Custom contain 4 rapid-fire missile launcher units (2 per booster unit). Each unit contains 10 short-range missiles, for a total of 40 SRMs. Each launcher can fire 2 missiles per melee round, so a volley of up to 8 missiles can be fired in a single melee. Armor-piercing SRMs are standard issue, but others can be mounted if desired.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assault
   • MISSILE TYPES: Any type of standard UN Spacy Short Range Missile can be used.
   • RANGE: Varies with missile type; typically 5 miles (8 km).
   • DAMAGE: Varies with missile type; typically 1D6x10 M.D.
   • RATE OF FIRE: Volleys of 1, 2, 4, or 8 missiles. One volley counts as one attack.
   • PAYLOAD: 10 missiles per launcher; 40 total.

4. HOWARD PBS-03F PIN-POINT BARRIER SYSTEM: With the exception of the VF-11MAXL Kai, the VF-11D Custom is the only version of the Thunderbolt currently equipped with the new mecha-scale pinpoint barrier system. 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.

5. CHAFF/FLARE DISPENSERS: The external propellant tanks for the super boosters also contain one chaff and one flare dispenser each, which are mounted on the legs of the mecha. The chaff decoys confuse radar images to divert radar-guided missiles, while the flare decoys provide a brilliant infrared images to try and draw heat seeking missiles away from the mecha.

   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. Each dispenser carries 10 chaff and 10 flare decoys each, for a total of 20 of each type of decoy.

6. HAND TO HAND COMBAT: If necessary, the pilot of the VF-11D 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. Because the VF-11D Custom is intended as a support mecha and contains civilian volunteers it rarely engages in hand to hand combat if it can be avoided.

   DAMAGE:

   • Restrained Punch: 1D4 M.D.
   • Full Strength Punch: 2D6 M.D.
   • "Booster" Punch: 3D6 M.D. (counts as two attacks)
   • Tear or Pry with Hands: 1D6 M.D.
   • Kick: 1D6 M.D.
   • Leap Kick: 2D6 M.D.
   • Body Flip/Throw: 1D4 M.D.
   • Body Block/Tackle: 1D6 M.D.
   • Stomp: 1D6 M.D. (only effective against small objects)

STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE VF-11D CUSTOM:

• ANTI-PROJECTILE SHIELD: A new addition to modern VFs, the VF-11D 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. Although constructed of super-strong materials, the shield is NOT regenerable and must be ejected once its MDC is depleted.
• AUTO-PILOT: The VF-11D 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-11D is equipped with a combat computer that can store and analyze data during combat with hostile forces. The entire cockpit canopy of the VF-11D is a large HUD display, which allows the computer 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 VF-11D 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 escape pod contains both the pilot's seat and the passenger's support bubble (see below). 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.
• HOLOGRAPHIC PROJECTORS: The FAST super boosters of the VF-11D custom 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.
• HOMING SIGNAL: The escape pod of the VF-11D 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.
• PASSENGER SUPPORT BUBBLE: In addition to the pilot, the VF-11D Custom is designed to provide support for one passenger, usually a singer who has some experience with Spiritia powers. The passenger wears a custom- fitted life support suit (not as good as a pilot's flight suit, but provides air for up to 12 hours in a vaccuum. In addition, the passenger sits in a life support bubble that provides a final level of protection in case of damage to the cockpit. The passenger in the support bubble has sole control over the Sound Energy System and all spiritia attack and defense systems. However, the passenger has no auxiliary flight controls and no way to control the VF if the pilot is incapacitated. If the pilot's lifesigns are terminated the combat computer is programmed to automatically eject the passenger support bubble, which can then be recovered by friendly forces.
• 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 Jamming Bird'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 Jamming Bird VF is equipped with Dr. Chiba's Sound Energy System (SES). The system focuses the passenger's spiritia energy and potentially use it for attack or defense. The SES allows the passenger of the Jamming Bird to conduct spiritia attacks and defenses as outlined in the Spiritia RPG rules (coming soon), provided the character has Spiritia skills. Consult the Spiritia rules for a full explanation of these powers and their effects.
• STANDARD SURVIVAL KIT: The VF-11D Custom comes equipped with two portable survival kits, one for the pilot and one for the passenger. Inside each 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 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.
• TACTICAL LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM: The VF-11'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. This life support system is independent of the passenger's support bubble.

COMBAT BONUSES FOR THUNDERBOLT VF 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 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 training for pilots specializing in the VF-11.
• 3 attacks per melee (plus those of the pilot).
• Add one additional action/attack at levels three, six, eleven, and fifteen.
• +2 on initiative.
• +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

• "Doe's All The Worlds' Mecha Guide: Shinsei Industry VF-11 Thunderbolt Entry"
• Macross 7 TV episode 26
• This is Animation The Select: Macross 7 Animation Materials

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