VF-11MAXL SOUND FORCE THUNDERBOLT
(Custom VF-11 Thunderbolt Variant)

(Version 1.7 - 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

The VF-11MAXL Custom is actually a hybrid design. Although the fuselage is based on the VF-11 Thunderbolt the wings and engines are actually taken from the VF-16 high-performance VF, a strike craft that was never produced in large quantities due to budgetary concerns. 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 could provide power comparable to that of the VF-17 and VF-19 VFs. The VF-11 Custom was also equipped with the newer HMM-7Y vernier thrusters to provide excellent maneuverability in space.

Like the Fire Valkyrie, the VF-11MAXL has several unique systems in it. The traditional flight controls of the Thunderbolt have been eliminated in favor of a "guitar-stick" control system that allows skilled pilots to actually play music while flying. While somewhat radical, this control system still allows the pilot to fully control the mecha once she accustoms herself to the design. The VF-11 also has a more human-like appearance to it, including a female-style body and facial characteristics in soldier mode. Like the VF-19Kai, the VF-11 is equipped with speakers and a holograph system that allow it to create spectacular stage displays and pyrotechnics during a performance. The most unique system of the VF-11MAXL is the Sound Energy System, which allows the pilot to focus and enhance her spiritia powers to the point where they can be used in attack and defense against Protodeviln and Varuta forces. Later the SES was enhanced by the introduction of the Sound Boosters to Sound Force.

The VF-11MAXL was piloted by Mylene Jenius, daughter of Max and Miliya Jenius, who proved to be a very capable pilot of the unique fighter. Although initially ridiculed by the Macross 7 military, Sound Force proved its worth in subsequent battles against the newly awakened protodeviln Gavil, Glavil, and Valgo. Sound Force became a symbol of the emotional and spiritual strength of the Macross 7 colonists, and helped to inspire both civilians and military personnel throughout the war. The VF-11MAXL was severly damaged during the final battle above the Protodeviln's ice prison world, but was repaired after the war ended and still serves as Mylene's personal mecha and a key component of Sound Force.

RPG STATS

Vehicle Types:

The VF-11 MAXL Sound Force Thunderbolt is a one-of-a-kind custom aircraft designed and built aboard the Macross 7 colony fleet.

Class: Custom Tactical Variable Fighter
Manufacturer: Three Star Industries/Macross 7 Development Team
Crew: One pilot wearing Tactical Life Support System

(1) Head                                          100
    Hands (2)                                      50 each
    Arms (2)                                      120 each
    Legs & Thrusters (2)                          240 each
(2) Main Body                                     350
    Canard Forward Wings (2)                       50 each
    Main Wings (2)                                160 each
    Tails (2)                                      50 each
    Speaker Gun Pod                               100
    Anti-Projectile Shield                        150
(3) Pinpoint Barrier Shield                       100
    Reinforced Pilot Compartment/Escape Pod       175

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). This will also knock out the projector for the Sound Energy System, forcing the MAXL 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. 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 Thunderbolt.

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/1,072 kmph) maximum speed limit in an Earth-like atmosphere. Can also hover in place indefinitely.

FLYING, FIGHTER CONFIGURATION:

Mach 4.1+ (2,747 mph/4,395 kmph) max speed at 10,000 meters or less above sea level. Mach 22+ (14,170 mph/23,584 kmph) max speed at 10,000+ meters above sea level. The VF-11MAXL is fully transatmospheric and can achieve satellite orbit above an Earth-class world under its own power. Maximum rate of ascent is 44,500 meters/minute. G limits are +27 to -16 standard Earth gravities.

MAX ENGINE THRUST:

41,500 kg x2 from main engines.

STATISTICAL DATA:

HEIGHT:

35.96 ft (11.24 m) in soldier 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) at shoulders in soldier configuration.

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

LENGTH:

10.95 ft (3.42 m) in soldier configuration.

27.97 ft (8.74 m) in gerwalk configuration.

49.53 ft (15.48 m) in fighter configuration.

WEIGHT:

7900 kg.

PHYSICAL STRENGTH:

Equal to a P.S. of 55

CARGO:

Small compartment behind pilot's seat for personal belongings.

POWER PLANT:

Two Shinsei Industries/Pratt & Whitney/Rolls Royce FF-2099A thermonuclear turbine engines (typically used on VF-16 variable fighters). 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-10, NP-BP-12, NR-BP-E7, NR-BP-19, NR-BP-19-SES

Leg: NP-FB-11, NP-FB-19

Special: Sound Booster

WEAPON SYSTEMS:

1. SPEAKER GUN POD: The VF-11MAXL Custom is armed with a very unusual gun pod as a main weapon. Instead of firing munitions, the 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 VF-11MAXL'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. In addition, the music may cause a spiritia reaction in the minds of brainwashed Varauta pilots (see the Spiritia RPG rules for more details).
   • 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 VF-11MAXL's shield.

2. MAIN BODY LASER GUNS: Two semi-fixed laser guns are mounted in the nose of the VF-11MAXL, facing forward. These lasers can only be fired in fighter and gerwalk modes, and can only be directly in front of the nose of the mecha. The pilot must redirect the nose of the fighter in order to aim the lasers.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Defense
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-mecha
   • RANGE: 4000 feet (1200 m)
   • DAMAGE: 1D4x10 M.D. per laser.
   • 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.
   • PAYLOAD: Effectively Unlimited.

   

3. LITTLE ROCK ALL-ENVIRONMENT MEDIUM-RANGE MISSILE LAUNCHERS: The VF-11MAXL custom has two missile launchers mounted in the engine nacelles of the mecha. In fighter and gerwalk modes the missiles exit the top central area of the fuselage and in soldier mode fire out of the shoulders of the VF. Each launcher holds two medium-range missiles, which can be fired one at a time. Any type of medium range missile EXCEPT the new high-maneuverability missiles may be used.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Defense
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-mecha
   • MISSILE TYPE: Any type of standard UN Spacy Medium Range Missile may be used (except high-maneuverability missiles).
   • RANGE: Varies with missile type.
   • DAMAGE: Varies with missile type.
   • RATE OF FIRE: Can only be fired individually or in volleys of two missiles.
   • PAYLOAD: 2 missiles per launcher; 4 total.

   

4. LITTLE ROCK ALL-ENVIRONMENT HIGH-MANEUVERABILITY MICRO-MISSILE CLUSTERS: The legs of the VF-11MAXL are equipped with two concealed missile launcher bays that can hold up to 6 of the new high-maneuverability micro-missiles each. (NOTE: These are NOT the medium-range versions of the high-maneuverability missiles seen in Macross Plus #1). When armed, the missile launcher assembly rises out of the leg units, allowing all 6 missiles to be fired at once if necessary. The missiles can be fired in any mode; fighter, gerwalk, or soldier. Any type of SRM can be used in the launchers, but usually only high-maneuverability short-range missiles are used.
   • PRIMARY PURPOSE: Defense
   • SECONDARY PURPOSE: Anti-mecha
   • MISSILE TYPE: Any type of standard UN Spacy Short Range Missile can be used, including Short-Range High-Maneuverability Missiles.
   • RANGE: 5 miles (8 km).
   • DAMAGE: 1D6x10 M.D.
   • RATE OF FIRE: Volleys of 1-6 missiles per launcher, per round. One volley counts as one attack. If necessary, all 12 missiles can be fired in a single round by expending two attacks.
   • PAYLOAD: 6 missiles per launcher; 12 total.

5. HOWARD PBS-03F PIN-POINT BARRIER SYSTEM: The VF11-MAXL 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.

6. HAND TO HAND COMBAT: If necessary, the pilot of the VF-11 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: 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-11MAXL SOUND FORCE CUSTOM:

• 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 (see above) over the anti-projectile shield for extra protection.
• AUTO-PILOT: The Fire 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 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.
• GUITAR-STICK CONTROL SYSTEM: Like the Fire Valkyrie, the strangest and most unique features of the VF-11MAXL custom is its control system. The mecha completely eliminates the standard pilot controls in favor of a specially constructed "guitar" that provides all the controls necessary to fly the plane. This allows skilled pilots of the VF-11MAXL to fly the plane in combat WHILE PLAYING MUSIC! The new controls do take a little getting used to, however, and anyone flying the VF-11MAXL will suffer a -2 penalty to hit and to dodge until he or she accustoms himself/herself to the new arrangement. The VF-11MAXL's controls are modelled after a typical base guitar.
• 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: Each shoulder of the VF-11MAXL 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 Thunderbolt 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-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.
• 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-11'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 VF-11MAXL is equipped with the revolutionary Sound Energy System (SES) developed by Dr. Chiba of the Macross 7 science team. The SES allows the pilot to of the VF to focus her spiritia powers and use it for attack and defense. The SES allows the pilot of the Thunderbolt 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: 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 breasts 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.
• 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's blacking out in combat.

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-11MAXL.
• 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
• +3 to dodge in solder mode, +5 in gerwalk, +7 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 - 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 episodes 25-49
• This is Animation The Select: Macross 7 Animation Materials

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